Sir Alex Ferguson.
Alex Smith.
Jim Goodwin?
Is the current Saints boss going to be the latest in a line of legendary managers to move from Paisley to Pittodrie?
While the answer remains uncertain, one thing that is undeniable is Goodwin’s incredible ambition to follow in Fergie and Smith’s footsteps and become one the best managers to ever cut his teeth at St Mirren.
Aberdeen’s pursuit of Goodwin is seen as a risky move by some Scottish football commentators, but not by those who know him as a man and a manager.
Just as he was as a player on the pitch, Goodwin is determined and driven to improve every single aspect of himself and the club he works for.
The work he has done with St Mirren so far has been superb, unearthing excellent signings such as Jamie McGrath and getting the club punching well above their weight in both the league and cup competitions.
Goodwin also knows exactly how much bigger a budget he would be working with, and the significant difference that could make, if he did get the nod from the Dons to replace Stephen Glass in the managerial hot seat.
While his own personal wages would undoubtedly sky rocket too, it’s the playing budget that is really calling Goodwin to the north-east.
If you think of the Scottish Premiership as a game of monopoly, at the start of every season Celtic and Rangers start with a hotel on the two most expensive properties - Mayfair and Park Lane.
On the next rung down, Bond Street, Oxford Street and Regent Street, you’ll find Aberdeen, Hearts and Hibs who have a couple of houses on each.
At the other end of the scale, St Mirren and Livingston are lucky if they start each season with a single house on Old Kent Road - the cheapest spot on the board - such is the financial disparity between the clubs in the Scottish top flight.
This is the challenge that Goodwin has faced at the start of every season during his tenure in Paisley so far.
So when the opportunity arises to give yourself a better chance of success on the pitch - which is exactly what every single manager strives for every single day - then it’s no surprise that he is interested in taking the reins at Pittodrie.
The fact he is putting himself forward for the job is not a disrespectful move to St Mirren, a club he holds dearly to his heart for a multitude of reasons.
He is simply looking to climb the managerial ladder just as so many other people have and do during their career in any field, not just football.
St Mirren supporters’ disappointment is fully understandable, especially given the timing is less than ideal.
Goodwin has brought stability and structure to the Buddies, which has them on the cusp of a top six spot yet again and also just 90 minutes away from another trip to Hampden in the Scottish Cup semi-finals.
Losing their manager now would undoubtedly weaken their challenge on both fronts, given the disruption it naturally causes.
Then of course there is the emotional side of the switch.
Goodwin is rightly revered as a club legend in Paisley, having skippered them to League Cup success in 2013.
He has also transformed them as a manager from a team that battled to stay in the top flight every season to one that is a genuine top six contender.
That progression was always going to be noted by other clubs, especially in Scotland, and it’s no surprise to see Aberdeen make him one of their top targets alongside former Buddies boss Jack Ross.
We’re yet to see which way the dice will fall, but it is more than a possibility that Ross could return to the SMISA Stadium should Goodwin ultimately make the move to Pittodrie.
In some supporters eyes that wouldn’t be the worst replacement, especially with quarter of a million banked as part of Goodwin’s departure.
For me St Mirren should be doing everything they can to persuade Goodwin to stay in Paisley.
But if the Dons do give him the nod, don’t be surprised to see him pick up a chance card and proceed straight to Pittodrie.
