Goodwin delight as Hammell gets chance

JIM GOODWIN has lauded Motherwell for providing Steven Hammell with an opportunity to move straight into Premiership management rather than making an old-guard appointment.

Confirmed yesterday on a two-year contract, Hammell will begin his tenure as the Fir Park club’s new full-time boss with a trip to Pittodrie tomorrow.

While Aberdeen manager Goodwin is obviously eager to see the 40-year-old suffer a losing start, he warmly welcomes the addition of a new face to the top-flight scene.

Hammell took charge of Motherwell’s last two games on an interim basis following the exit of Graham Alexander — winning one and losing one — having previously been academy director in Lanarkshire.

He is also the club’s post-war record appearance holder and a firm fans’ favourite, with Goodwin confident he can provide fresh impetus to Motherwell.

‘I’m delighted for Stevie, I really am,’ said Goodwin, also 40, who moved from St Mirren to Aberdeen in February.

‘I’ve watched the couple of games where he’s been in charge recently and I’m really pleased for him.

‘I’m delighted to see any young manager get the opportunity. I think (chief executive) Alan Burrows and the guys at Motherwell deserve a lot of credit because, too often, boards tend to go for tried and tested and expect different results.

‘Whereas someone like Stevie coming in to such a big job with fresh ideas, a new vision for the club and a new strategy, I think will be exactly what the Motherwell fans will want to see and hear.

‘Credit to the board there for taking that option. And I’m absolutely delighted for Stevie. I wish him every success.

‘Obviously, this weekend is a little bit different because we want to beat them but at the same time I’m delighted to see any young manager being given an opportunity, particularly in the Premiership.’

Aberdeen struggled badly against Motherwell’s physical power when under the management of Stephen Glass last term. Kevin van Veen scored in three successive victories for the Fir Park outfit, including the Scottish Cup tie that spelled the end for Glass.

After making 11 summer signings to completely overhaul the Pittodrie squad — and recording a 4-1 win over St Mirren last weekend — Goodwin is confident tomorrow’s match can have a different narrative.

‘Obviously Motherwell are a very physical team,’ said the Dons boss, who still hopes to make one further signing before the transfer window closes.

‘I think Steven Hammell is trying to change the way they play. Going off the couple of games I’ve seen, there is certainly a slightly different approach to Graham Alexander.

‘They look to be playing a little more possession-based football and build from the back, as opposed to quite direct, long throws and set-pieces coming in the box.

‘Credit Steven for that. I think it’s the right way to go.

‘But defensively as a unit last year, we weren’t good enough. We have a completely different back four now, a new goalkeeper and a number of new midfielders as well.

‘The team is unrecognisable from last season, so I’m not really concerned about the stats from then.

‘We’ve conceded three goals in competitive football this season so far. One of them was a penalty last weekend, one of them was a corner against Celtic when we got done on the first ball and the other was a 30-yard screamer for Jota. Kelle Roos hasn’t had a great deal to do.

‘We’re in a good place just now, defensively and offensively. Long may that continue and that’s been the message to the players this week.

‘We can’t have a performance like we did against St Mirren and then not back that up with another good one this weekend against Motherwell.

‘Consistency is key. That’s what good teams do. They win, then they go and win again.’