Jim Goodwin says offer was “too good to turn down” as he returns to St Mirren as manager

Jim Goodwin has returned to St Mirren as boss after being handed a three-year contract, the Paisley club have confirmed.

The former club captain was the clear favourite to replace Oran Kearney and Saints chairman Gordon Scott wasted little time to get the Alloa boss after parting company with the man who kept the side in the Ladbrokes Premiership on Wednesday.

Goodwin – who skippered the club to their first trophy in 26 years with the Buddies’ 2014 League Cup triumph – said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been offered the job as manager of this great club.

“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.”

St Mirren Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Jim Goodwin as the club's new manager. https://t.co/ZkCPlKBfWo pic.twitter.com/RmxzlqkrY7

— St Mirren FC (@saintmirrenfc) June 28, 2019

Goodwin – who will be assisted by his Wasps number two and former Saints defender Lee Sharp – added: “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.”

Chairman Gordon Scott said: “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.”

?| Jim Goodwin moves to @saintmirrenfc

➡️https://t.co/Ch1LvQKEvl pic.twitter.com/Eunxa0PVOL

— Alloa Athletic FC (@AlloaAthleticFC) June 28, 2019

In a statement to fans, Alloa chairman Mike Mulraney said: “Obviously the Alloa Athletic fans will be disappointed that we have lost another manger, but we are sure you will agree with the board that both [Goodwin and Sharp] go with our gratitude for the outstanding service they have given Alloa Athletic Football Club.

“We are sure they will be a success in the future and we wish them well. Special mention must go to Jim who has had an outstanding tenure as Alloa manager and has given everything to the club in his time here.

“His effort has been reflected in the results the team have achieved. We would also like to record that St. Mirren have conducted the process impeccably at all times.