Jim Goodwin has told the great unwanted at Aberdeen he won't lose any sleep if he puts any noses out of joint at Pittodrie this season.
The Dons boss has held frank conversations with several fringe first team players and told them they don't have a long-term future at the club and he's adamant that honesty will ensure no complaints if they remain beyond the closure of this transfer window. A clash at Motherwell tomorrow is the chance to build on last weekend's impressive win over St Mirren and Goodwin believes the secret of success is to keep his squad guessing over who's getting a start.
On the day Goodwin revealed new signing Callum Roberts faces a six to eight weeks injury lay-off, he also admitted it'll be survival of fittest for this campaign. He said: “I’m not really worried about getting every player into the team. I can only pick 11 at the end of the day and that’s where we’re at. There’s competition for places and that’s what every manager wants. I don’t want anybody to be too comfortable and the players who aren’t in the team have to be patient and keep working hard in training.
“Those who are lucky enough to get the jersey at the moment need to play well enough to keep it. I have had discussions with two or three of the squad. They know the situation, that their game time this season might be a little limited and that the club isn't going to stand in their way if they can find an opportunity out there to play more regularly.
“If they stay, then that’s great for me and it gives me more options and selection problems, in a good way. The ball is in the players’ court in terms of those two or three. In terms of the one more we have to get in. We’re still talking to a couple of players and there’s still plenty of time as far as I’m concerned.
‘Before that frustration settles in and the window shuts, I thought it was appropriate to let those players know and give them time. "I’m led to believe their representatives are working in the background to try and find them something. At least that way if the window closes and they’re not in my plans, they can’t come and bang my door down and say I never told them."
Motherwell's promotion of academy director Steven Hammell as permanent manager has been praised by Goodwin who believes they are going down the right road. He said: "I’m delighted to see any young manager get the opportunity. I think Alan Burrows and the guys at Motherwell deserve a lot of credit because too often I think boards tend to go for tried and tested and expect different results.
"Whereas someone like Stevie coming in to such a big job with fresh ideas, a new vision for the club and a new strategy, I think will be exactly what the Motherwell fans will want to see and hear. Credit to the board there for taking that option. And I’m absolutely delighted for Stevie. I wish him every success."
Goodwin also had good news on an injury to Middlesbrough loanee Hayden Coulson who limped off against Ross County last Saturday but new signing Roberts also pulled up at Pittodrie and faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines. He said: “The results of Coulson’s scan were a lot better than first feared, although this weekend will come too soon. We hope he’s back involved next week.
“Roberts’ one is quite a significant injury and he’s looking at a lengthy spell on the sidelines for that one. It’s a hamstring problem. It’s a bit of a blow, for us and for him. As a new signing, you’re desperate to go and show everyone what a good player you are and why you’ve been brought to the club.
“Now he’s going to have to be a bit patient and bide his time to get out there. It’s a bit of a blow. You sign new players and unfortunately we’re going to have to go without Roberts for a while. We’re probably looking at early October."
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