St. Mirren picked up a surprise win over Aberdeen yesterday to give the Buddies a big confidence boost after a difficult summer – and the win over the Dons might just be a sign that Jim Goodwin is starting to turn things around in Paisley.
After the Oran Kearney fiasco – and even the disappointment of Alan Stubbs’ time in charge – St. Mirren have felt like a club on their knees for quite some time.
While the win over Aberdeen is hardly an earth-shattering result, it’s one that few would have predicted before kick-off yesterday.
Since taking over at his old club, Goodwin has tried to get things back to basics and get his side doing the fundamental things well before trying to over-complicate matters.
During his time at Alloa, the Irishman was popular with his players for the way he worked with them to get the most out of what he had at his disposal rather than aiming for things beyond his players’ capabilities.
The Buddies are never going to start playing the sort of football that’ll be held up as a shining example of attacking football, but Goodwin will get them playing effectively and keeping things simple.
That’s not to say that he doesn’t want his side to play attractive, flowing football but getting results and keeping St. Mirren in the Premiership is the number one priority and the win over Aberdeen gives them a great platform to build on.
With Rangers at home next, it’ll be a real challenge for Goodwin’s side to take something from a Gers team who look to have the bit between their teeth but there will be some real confidence now after a clean sheet and win over an Aberdeen side looking to split the Old Firm this season.