BY KYLE GUNN

JIM GOODWIN has described his return to St Mirren as a ‘no-brainer’. 

The 37-year-old, who has legendary status from his playing days after captaining the Paisley club to their first major trophy in 26 years in the 2013 League Cup against Hearts, took over from Oran Kearney in the Buddies hotseat earlier this summer.

But he’s well aware that his relationship with the supporters will only last if he wins games now he’s in the dugout. 

“It’s what people expect you to say but everyone knows this was my favourite club through my playing career,” he told Gazette Sport. “This was where I had my most memorable moment as a player and captain. This is probably the club I built up the best rapport with, not just the fans but the people at the stadium.

“There is always that risk element attached to it because I’ve left a good legacy as a player and as a captain. 

READ MORE: Jim Goodwin returns to St Mirren as manager on three-year deal

“It’s my most memorable moment in my playing career and it’s probably the most memorable moment for a lot of younger St Mirren supporters as well, so there is always that risk attached to it, but I don’t think you can let that thought process manifest. 

“I have to be positive in my outlook for the club. I have to back myself and my ability as a manager and believe that I’m going to be successful at the club.

“I’m well aware my rapport with the supporters will only last so long. At the end of the day, the supporters demand success and that is the bottom line. I’m honest enough to know I’ll get the backing of the supporters but at the same time I know I need to be a success. That relationship can only carry me so far. I believe that we will be successful in my time here if we get the players we’ve identified in then I back myself to do alright and keep that feeling going with the supporters.”

Goodwin brings with him fellow ex-Saint Lee Sharp as assistant manager and he says that it was vitally important to bring in someone who he’s used to working with. 

And the Irishman is looking forward to having extra time on training ground with the likes of chief executive Tony Fitzpatrick and technical director Gus MacPherson on hand to help with sourcing and negotiating with players. 

He added: “In my time at Alloa, the chairman was very hands off and I had a great backroom team around me. I controlled the budget myself, I spoke to agents myself and discussed terms with the players directly and got those deals over the line.

READ MORE: St Mirren granted permission to speak to Alloa boss Jim Goodwin

“This job is a bit different where I have come to a bigger club and there are directors of football and chief-executives and that will take a bit of getting used to but in the early part it is brilliant.

“It is great that the club are that supportive and that they offer those people in the background. For me to say to Gus ‘that’s the one I want’ and for him to make it happen and to do all the dirty work if you like by dealing with agents and being on the phone constantly is fantastic. It is great for me to be able to sit back and relax and get on with the important things which is on the training ground and working with the players that I have available.”

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