Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin will have a minor operation within the next month and a half to resolve a recently detected health issue. The Irishman confirmed the news ahead of his side's return to Premiership action, providing clarity after a period of tests and speculation.
Goodwin is now back at work and will lead the team against St Mirren this weekend. He described the upcoming procedure as an 'in-and-out job' and stressed it is not related to stress. The issue was identified after a series of examinations over recent weeks.
"It’s been a really strange time because I’ve never missed a day’s training in my career," Goodwin said. He paid tribute to the NHS staff at the Royal in Glasgow and Stobhill for their support during the process.
The manager also received backing from his family, the club, and colleagues across football. "I’m delighted to be back, I’ve had incredible support from my family, the club, all my friends and from so many people in football," he added.
On the squad front, midfielder Emmanuel Agyei will be absent for several weeks with a ligament issue picked up in training. The club is confident the injury is not long-term, dismissing rumours of a season-ending problem. Agyei will be assessed further during the upcoming international break.
Dundee United currently sit sixth in the Premiership with seven points from six matches, having scored 8 goals and conceded 9. Their next challenge is a home fixture against Motherwell, who are one place above them in fifth. The team will be looking to build on their recent form, which includes three wins from their last five league outings, as they prepare for the match detailed in the club's fixtures.
With Goodwin's immediate future clarified, the focus shifts to maintaining momentum. The manager's scheduled operation is expected to have minimal disruption to his duties.
Further reading: Daily Record Football
