ST MIRREN HAVE today appointed former Ireland international Jim Goodwin as their new first-team manager.
The 37-year-old joins the Scottish Premiership club from second-tier outfit Alloa Athletic, where he spent three years in charge.
There, Goodwin led Alloa to promotion to the Scottish Championship via the play-offs in 2018, before keeping the part-time side up last season against the odds.
As a player, the Waterford-born defender began his senior career at Celtic before spells with Stockport County, Scunthorpe United, Huddersfield Town and Hamilton Academical.
He also enjoyed five years with St Mirren — making 181 appearances between 2011-2016 and captaining them to Scottish League Cup in 2013.
At international level, he was part of Brian Kerr’s team that lifted the Uefa U16 European Championship in 1998 before climbing the ranks to earn one senior cap for Ireland — in a friendly against Finland in August 2002.
I am absolutely delighted to have been offered the job as manager of this great club,” said Goodwin.
“I had three wonderful seasons at Alloa and loved every minute of it, but the opportunity to come back to the place where I had my most memorable spell as a player was too good to turn down.
“This is a very proud moment for me and one I will never take for granted. I’m looking forward to meeting the staff and players next week, and genuinely can’t wait to get started.”
St Mirren narrowly avoided relegation from Scotland’s top flight last season — defeating Dundee United on penalties in the play-off final.
Club chairman Gordon Scott added: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome Jim back to St Mirren.
He was a firm fans favourite as a player here and I know he will receive terrific backing from our support as our new manager.
“I would like to thank Alloa Athletic for their co-operation in allowing us the opportunity to speak with Jim.”
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