First Team
EVERY WORD | JACK WALTON LOOKS AHEAD TO IBROX TEST
21st November 2024
Dundee United Manager Jim Goodwin has completed his hat-trick of Glen’s Vodka Championship Manager of the Month Awards, as he scoops the accolade for the third time this season.
Throughout April, the Terrors have remained undefeated under the guise of the Irishman, with three wins and a draw from four massive fixtures setting United on course for the cinch Championship title.
Despite being faced with a daunting west-coast double-header to begin the month, Goodwin’s charges remained resilient to secure two resounding victories back-to-back.
United enjoyed their first win at the National Stadium since 2015 in a 5-0 mauling of Queen’s Park, before racking up the goals once more on a sodden Friday evening in Greenock - seven days, seven points clear and nine scored.
Our spot back at the top table of Scottish football was then all but confirmed on Matchday 34, as Chris Mochrie’s late strike was enough to dispatch Ayr United and send us out with the realistic grasp of Raith Rovers at the summit. The result also marked our first four-match winning streak this term, and the Gaffer’s best run of league form since November 2017.
And they're off ??????#UTDAYR | #cinchChamp | #DUFC pic.twitter.com/Z5m1kCcPHo
— Dundee United FC (@dundeeunitedfc) April 21, 2024
The month culminated with a goalless draw at the Excelsior to rubber-stamp our status as Champions.
In 2023/24, Goodwin has broken multiple personal records. No other side managed by him have attained as many points (72) or scored as many goals (69), and he prepares to get his hands on the first piece of silverware since hanging up his boots.
Furthermore, having conceded just 22 in 35 matches, the former St Mirren and Aberdeen boss has built the meanest defence in both recent second-tier memory and his career to date.
The last Manager to receive the recognition three times in one campaign also sat in the Tannadice hotseat - fellow Championship-winner Robbie Neilson.
'THE AWARD IS FOR EVERYBODY'
Upon his acceptance of the award, the 42-year-old commented: "It's a great honour to be named the Glen's Vodka Championship Manager of the Month for the third time this season.
"It's a nice way to finish the season on a personal note, but it's not an individual game - you can't win anything on your own."
He continued: "I reiterate my comments from earlier on in the campaign - that awards like these are for everybody at the football club as it would not be possible to succeed without their tireless efforts behind the scenes.
"I accept the trophy on behalf of my entire backroom team and the playing squad."
