Goodwin opts for Fergie time over family breakfast

JIM GOODWIN revealed he couldn’t turn down spending an hour with Sir Alex

Ferguson yesterday before his first home game in charge of Aberdeen — and had to reject breakfast with his wife and kids.

The new Dons boss saw his team held to a 1-1 draw against Dundee United and admitted he was emotional being in the presence of the club’s greatest-ever manager.

Ferguson saw a statue unveiled in his honour on Friday and was paraded on the pitch before yesterday’s Premiership game.

Goodwin has endured a stressful week as he confirmed there has been a small Covid outbreak within his squad, with only five substitutes available for the match.

But he was honoured to listen to Ferguson, saying: ‘He’s been an absolute gentleman. Yesterday, I had a good conversation with him for about 10 minutes. He has been dragged here and there and everywhere, believe me, but he spent an hour with me this morning.

‘My wife and kids were all looking forward to having breakfast together as I haven’t seen them for a week, but I had to break the news to them I wouldn’t be standing Mr Ferguson up as he had told me to come for a coffee at 9am.

‘It’s been one of the most manic weeks of my career. I have to thank everyone for the welcome they have given me and Lee Sharp (his assistant). The ovation he (Ferguson) got was brilliant. He shook my hand on the way up to the directors’ box, so I knew he was there. I said to the players just make sure he’s not coming into the dressing room at half-time telling us where we’re going wrong.

‘I’m the least emotional guy in the world but coming out there in the tunnel, seeing my wife and kids, it is a big moment for me and the journey we’re on as a family.’

Revealing the problems within his squad this week, Goodwin confirmed: ‘There has been one or two issues and it is what it is. I’m not going to name names. There have been three (Covid cases).’