Jim Goodwin accepts his move to Dundee United is a risky one after taking the job just 32 days after being sacked by Aberdeen – though he insisted it’s a "risk worth taking".
Goodwin took Aberdeen into the World Cup break whilst sitting pretty in third place in the Scottish Premiership, but a torrid run of form – including batterings at the hands of Hearts and Hibs sandwiching a shock cup exit to Darvel – saw him relieved of his duties at the end of January with the Dons tumbling to seventh.
Fast forward just over a month, and Liam Fox's sacking earlier last week left the door open for Goodwin to accept a Dundee United move. The Tangerines currently sit bottom of the top-flight table, and the Irishman knows the task ahead will be no easy feat as they aim to steer clear of trouble. But despite claiming that people think he is 'off his head' for taking the move, Goodwin believes he can keep United up – adding that the players have taken responsibility for their rock bottom dilemma.
He said: "Listen, I think Dundee United are a club steeped in history. I had a look at the squad of players that could be available to me prior to coming in, and I think there's enough in this current group to turn this around.
"Some people think I'm off my head and should have waited in the house to see what other options came up in the summer, but for me it is a gamble worth taking.
"There's enough time, there's 12 games left until the end of the season. I think there's enough time to get confidence back into the group and get the points required to stay in the league.
"I spoke to three or four of the experienced boys last night and obviously spoke to the group this morning. The feedback that I have had is that they are taking responsibility for the situation as well.
"They understand there is a level of accountability across the board. Inevitably the manager is the one who falls on the sword when things aren't going well, but the players and backroom staff collectively have to take responsibility for their part in the season so far."
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