Goodwin on Euro mission as Dons target top three

AS a player, Aberdeen manager Jim Goodwin spent more time battling relegation than chasing his dream of playing in Europe — but it is an ambition he now hopes to fulfil in the dugout.

Although the Dons missed out on European qualification last season following a dismal campaign in which they finished 10th, they will be aiming to return to UEFA competition next summer.

Goodwin (below) has enjoyed Aberdeen’s pre-season training camp in Spain over the last week.

New signings Anthony Stewart, Liam Scales, Jayden Richardson, Kelle Roos and Bojan Miovski have all become acquainted with their new team-mates during a demanding week in the searing heat of the Costa Blanca. Ylber Ramadani was also expected to join the camp.

Having spent close to £1million this summer rebuilding the firstteam squad at Pittodrie, top three in the Premiership will be the target this season and Goodwin has personal motivation when it comes to taking the club back into Europe. Asked if it was an ambition of his to manage on the continent, he said: ‘Without a doubt, yes.

‘Apart from on the international front when I was younger playing with Ireland, I have never had that experience at club level.

‘Unfortunately all the clubs I played for were relegation contenders, so the wrong end of the table for that kind of thing.

‘I would love to be there.

‘We have brought in players who have that pedigree and have done it already. Ramadani,

Miovski are playing for senior international teams. Liam Scales has done it playing for Dundalk and with Celtic. Jonny Hayes has been there in amongst it.

‘(Lewis) Ferguson is a senior international, so we have boys in the group who have that experience and are used to playing at the highest level. The rest of us would certainly like a taste of it, there’s no doubt about it.

‘It would have been tough this season being involved in Europe because of the turnaround of players we have had.

‘Hopefully, next season when we do get there we will be far better prepared for it. And we won’t have this having to replace a dozen players — it will be four or five.’

Aberdeen have splashed the cash as part of the overhaul of the first-team squad.

Miovski and Ramadani are intriguing signings from MTK Budapest, while they also paid a fee to sign Richardson from Nottingham Forest.

Goodwin, who previously managed Alloa Athletic and St Mirren, has enjoyed having a budget to play with in the window.

He said: ‘I have spoken openly about the resources that we have available to us.

‘When I was at St Mirren, I always had the excuse of us punching above our weight.

‘It was almost a bit of a comfort blanket, if you like.

‘We probably had the second or thirdlowest budget in the league and we were always finishing a little bit higher than that.’