Jim Goodwin to return to Dundee United dugout after hospital stay

Jim Goodwin is back. The Dundee United manager will be in the dugout on Saturday for the trip to St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership.

It ends a worrying few weeks for the club. Goodwin, 44, was admitted to hospital at the end of August with an undisclosed condition, BBC Sport reports. He returned home on 1 September to continue his recovery.

He will take pre-match media duties on Friday before the league game. That is the top division in Scottish football. He will then lead United from the touchline on Saturday, the Daily Record reports.

Goodwin missed the club's previous two matches after the health scare. He did make it to the draw with Falkirk, watching from the stands while assistant Lee Sharp took charge on the touchline.

Sharp has overseen three Premiership games in total during Goodwin's absence. The record stands at one win, one draw and one defeat. Steady work in difficult circumstances.

Goodwin has led United since March 2023, when he was appointed to replace Liam Fox. The move came one month after he was sacked by Aberdeen, following a 6-0 league defeat at Hibernian.

For supporters, this is simple and welcome. Their manager is well enough to return. Football crowds notice an empty seat in the dugout. They feel it even more when it fills again.

Saturday brings its own test. St Mirren away is never straightforward. United will be glad to have their voice back in the technical area.