Jim Goodwin eyes more success after signing new Dundee United contract

Jim Goodwin believes Dundee United have only “scratched the surface” of what they can achieve, and is looking forward to the challenge after signing a new contract at Tannadice.

The manager has signed a new 12-month rolling deal at Tannadice, having been rewarded for two seasons of success so far.

Goodwin led the team to Championship title success after being appointed, and then guided united into Europe on their first season back in the top flight.

He’s now eyeing more progress and thinks it’s “just the start” from his team.

“It’s been a tremendous journey throughout the past two years and I’m incredibly pleased with what we’ve built here,” he said after signing his new contract.

“I said when I arrived that I wanted to give the supporters a team that they can be proud of and I believe, as a collective, we have achieved that thus far.

“When I first came through the doors at Tannadice, the club was at a real crossroads – but there was a clear vision from the board and a hunger from the fans to get this club back to where it belongs.

“We’ve had to make difficult decisions, rebuild the squad on numerous occasions, and push through some real tests of character – but the buy-in across the club and fanbase has been nothing short of incredible.

“Winning the Championship, finishing fourth in our first season back in the Premiership, and giving a strong account of ourselves in Europe are achievements we can all take immense pride in – but they’re just the start.

“We’re building something sustainable, something with identity, and I truly believe we’re only scratching the surface of what we can achieve together.

“We need everyone involved to continue to pull in the same direction to ensure we can keep building a culture conducive to prolonged success, and I have no doubts everyone connected with Dundee United will maintain the high standards we have set here.”

United chief executive Luigi Capuano said the board was happy to have Goodwin’s commitment, and that the manager had helped to strengthen the bond between club and support.

“We’re delighted to have secured Jim’s services for the extended future,” he said.

“Upon his initial appointment, we set out a clear vision for the short, medium and long-term objectives of the football club.

“We emphasised the necessity to remain within the agreed strategy to ensure a sustainable regrowth, and Jim has massively influenced our return to success and stability across the past two years.

“He’s had the full, unwavering support of senior leadership throughout his tenure, underlined by forward-thinking appointments such as that of Ross Goodwin, which has further enhanced our ability to identify talent and increase the squads aptitude to compete in elite-level competition.

“The togetherness between Jim and the board puts us in the best possible position to prolong our prosperity and achieve our long-term ambitions of regularly competing for the top six, reaching the latter stages of cup competitions and returning to the European stage.

“The terrific connection that has been nurtured between the club and the supporters was a huge factor in Jim’s decision to remain here, as he sees further opportunity to build upon the strong foundations that have been laid since his arrival with the backing of everyone connected with the club.”