Jamie Langfield is not surprised Aberdeen want Jim Goodwin – but it’s the Granite City bound gaffer who could be in for a shock.
St Mirren coach Langers was left to mind the fort in Paisley yesterday as the boss headed north to seal his move to Pittodrie.
Former keeper Langfield spent more than a decade with the Dons and he can fully see why Goodwin would be keen to take on one of Scottish football’s plumb gigs.
But there was also a word of warning as the demands of the club are huge and while the rewards of getting it right can be spectacular, it’s a hefty price if it goes south.
Langfield said: “I can understand why he’s attracted to it. He’ll get a shock at how big the club is up there.
“I was fortunate enough to spent more than 10 years there but I probably didn’t appreciate how big the club was until I left.
“It was crazy. I think I didn’t notice it because I was in a bubble up there and when you come away from it you realise how big a club the club is.
“The fan base is huge and there’s an expectation to win every game, no matter who you are playing against.
“At St Mirren you don’t want to lose game but you’re not expected to win every single game. At Aberdeen the fans demand it.
“If the manager goes there it will be a bit of a shock to him.
“When things are going well up there it is brilliant. I can also say if it’s not going so well it’s not so great place to stay!
“I had an up and down career at Aberdeen, with more ups than downs, and I really enjoyed my time there.
“When you get it right like we did in 2014 and under Derek after I left when they finished second and reached cup finals, it becomes a great place.
“But if you don’t get results that’s not the case and it’s not such a great place.”
Langfield is gutted Goodwin has no doubt the Saints legend has the stones to be a success at Aberdeen.
He said: “The manager started at Celtic and he knows what it’s like to win. He’s came to other clubs and he’s been part time.
“But I know he’s a winner. He believes you are going beat Rangers and Celtic.
“Everyone can see the club is in a better position and you look at his man management. We have 22 first team players and they are all happy.
“His man management is one of his big selling points. Tactically he’s very good as well.
“I’d love to stick a heart monitor on him on the touchline because he puts in as much as the players from the sidelines.”
Langfield is watching the Goodwin move unfold but his mind is fully on St Mirren business as they prepare for Livingston.
The coach will take the side today but he’s convinced Saints are in great shape for any new manager coming in, with former boss Jack Ross bang in the frame for a return.
Langfield said: “It’s a big thing but it has to be the right person for the club. They’d need to fit in with the club’s ethos. This is a family club with everyone working together.
“It would be better to get it done quicker rathe than let it drag on. We are at the stage of the season where we are in a good place.
“But it there’s uncertainty over who is coming in or what’s happening it can seep through to the players.
“We’re in great shape both on and off the pitch at the moment but, like everything in football, that can change. But the job at St Mirren has become more attractive than it was three or four years ago and I’m sure there will be loads of people out there who would want it – and the right sort of people as well."
