Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin is preparing to step back into his role at Tannadice this week, following a three-week absence caused by a medical issue.
The 44-year-old was hospitalised in late August after falling ill with an undisclosed condition, prompting immediate concern around the Scottish Premiership club. He was discharged and allowed to return home on 1 September, but had remained away from first-team duties while he continued his recovery.
Goodwin is now expected to be back in charge as United prepare to host St Mirren in a Scottish Premiership fixture this weekend. As part of his return, the Irishman is scheduled to front the club's pre-match media commitments on Friday, a clear signal that he is ready to resume full managerial responsibilities.
During his time out, Goodwin did not disappear from matchday duties entirely. He was present in the stands for United's recent draw with Falkirk, watching on as his assistant, Lee Sharp, took charge of the team from the touchline.
Sharp has overseen the side throughout Goodwin's absence, managing three Scottish Premiership matches in total. His interim spell produced a mixed record of one win, one defeat and one draw, keeping United competitive while their manager recovered away from the training ground.
The upcoming clash with St Mirren will mark Goodwin's first match back at the helm since his hospitalisation, and it comes at a significant moment for the club as they look to build consistency in the league table. His return will be welcomed by supporters and players alike, with the manager having been a central figure in shaping the team's approach since his appointment.
While the exact nature of Goodwin's medical condition has not been disclosed, the club's handling of the situation saw Sharp step up seamlessly to ensure minimal disruption to first-team affairs. The assistant's spell in interim charge will likely be viewed as a valuable experience, even as the reins are handed back to Goodwin ahead of the weekend fixture.
Attention now turns to Friday's press conference, where Goodwin is set to speak publicly for the first time since his health scare, addressing media questions ahead of the St Mirren encounter. It will offer supporters and journalists alike the first opportunity to hear directly from the manager about his recovery and his outlook on the season ahead.
Dundee United will be eager to secure a positive result against St Mirren as Goodwin looks to hit the ground running following his lengthy time away. The manager's return adds a boost of stability to a squad that has had to adapt to caretaker leadership over the past few weeks, and both players and staff will be keen to show their support as he steps back into full-time control.
As the Scottish Premiership season progresses, Goodwin's health and continued presence on the touchline will remain a storyline to watch, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding his initial hospitalisation. For now, though, the focus shifts to team performance, with United hoping their manager's return can provide fresh momentum heading into the weekend's match.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport Football.