Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin is preparing to return to the touchline this weekend after a health issue kept him out of action for the past three weeks, with the club confirming he is now back to full fitness ahead of a trip to face St Mirren.
Goodwin was admitted to hospital at the end of August and has since undergone treatment, though he stressed that his underlying condition was not serious and only required what he described as a straightforward medical procedure. Speaking publicly for the first time since his hospital stay, the United boss expressed his gratitude for the wave of support he received during his absence.
"What I would like to say is a huge thank you to all the people out there from the football world and far beyond who have reached out and passed on their best wishes," Goodwin said. He singled out several groups for their support, including his club, his family, and medical staff who cared for him. "From the club here at Dundee United to our supporters, they put a nice display on last week against Falkirk – obviously my wife and my children and the NHS staff at the Royal Hospital in Glasgow and at Stobhill in Bishopbriggs, they have all been brilliant, but I am pleased to say I am back to full health and raring to go," he added.
During Goodwin's time away from the dugout, assistant manager Lee Sharp took charge of first-team affairs. Under his stewardship, Dundee United produced a resounding 4-0 victory away at Kilmarnock, though results were mixed elsewhere, with the team suffering a loss at Motherwell and playing out a draw at home against Falkirk.
Reflecting on the difficulty of being sidelined during such a pivotal stretch of matches, Goodwin admitted the situation had been an adjustment not just for him, but for his family as well, given how much of his time is normally devoted to football duties. "It was a strange period for my children as well because in 20 years they have never been used to me being at home, so it took a little bit of getting used to, but I have to say the staff here at Dundee United and the players have been brilliant," he explained.
Despite being physically absent from the training ground and matchday touchline, Goodwin revealed he remained closely involved with the squad throughout his recovery. He maintained regular contact with his coaching staff, continued to watch matches, and stayed in touch with the bench during games. "I have had constant dialogue with them on a daily basis. I have still been able to watch the games and communicate with the bench and things like that, but tomorrow it will be brilliant to be back on the sidelines and back at a familiar spot as well in Paisley playing against St Mirren," he said.
Goodwin's return comes at an important juncture for Dundee United as they look to build on the positive result against Kilmarnock while addressing the inconsistency shown in the draw with Falkirk and the defeat to Motherwell. The upcoming fixture at St Mirren Park represents a familiar setting for the manager, and his presence back in the dugout will be seen as a boost for a squad eager to find momentum heading into the coming weeks of the season.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport Football.