SAFE TO SAY I WANT TO STAY UNITED BOSS
JIM GOODWIN wants to remain Dundee United boss next season but knows for that to happen he has to keep them in the Premiership.
There has been a revival under the new manager that has cut the gap at the bottom to two points and a further point from the relative safety of 10th.
The Irishman has a deal until the end of the season with the simple task of keeping United in the top flight. Anything beyond that has been put on hold until they know what league they will be playing in next season.
He said: “I’d love to be here beyond the season. That will only be the case if we get results and stay up. I’m going to give it my all and I know the players, staff and everybody behind the scenes are willing to do the same.
“I’m pretty sure the board didn’t plan for three managers this season. As I know, finances dictate those decisions being made at board level. Since I’ve come in the chairman, board and chief executive Luigi Capuano have been very supportive of everything I’ve wanted to do.
“Financially they have made funds available if I can find a signing or two that is of good quality.”
United can only sign free agents and the boss will only add if it improves his squad and right now there is nothing on the radar. That was why he pulled a move for US keeper Bill Hamid, who has now signed for USL side Memphis 901.
Goodwin said: “It’s a difficult thing to do at this particular stage but the support I’ve had from above and people in the background has been excellent. It’s not a great market out there. The fact the board has put forward a significant amount of money that if the right player pops up shows everybody that we’re fully committed to adding as much quality to the squad as we can.
“I believe there is enough quality here. We’re well covered in most areas.
“If we could bring in one more it would be at the top end of the pitch.
“Steven Fletcher is a bit isolated at times and we’re asking a lot of him but he’s in good shape and fit enough. He also wants to play every week.
“There isn’t anything out there just now – that’s the bottom line.”
The manager wouldn’t be unhappy if he had to go with the squad he has because he thinks they are good enough to keep United up. Goodwin said: “The biggest thing that surprises me is they are in the position they’re in.
“From a player’s point of view you’re always slightly concerned about coming into a club who are bottom because you’re not sure what the group is like in terms of the mental characteristics. There are no bad eggs.
“Nobody is downing tools and what I’ve seen so far is a group very much together and determined to put things right. That has been very pleasing.”