'Goodwin proves managerial mettle'

Jim Goodwin has certainly experienced ups and downs on the Scottish football rollercoaster.

He cultivated an impressive reputation as an up-and-coming young manager at Alloa and St Mirren, before his upward trajectory stalled during a disappointing, and often bruising, spell in charge at Aberdeen.

But far from shying away, he jumped at the chance to get right back under the spotlight again, this time at Dundee United.

A lot of eyes have been on him after what happened at Pittodrie, but Goodwin has again proved his dugout mettle.

It was job done in the Championship last year, and while it is still early days in the top flight, the signs point towards it being another good campaign for the Tangerines.

Goodwin appears to have recruited well during what was a very busy transfer window at Tannadice.

And United go into the international break unbeaten in their four Premiership games and third in the table, as well as having a League Cup quarter-final with Motherwell to look forward to,

Part of football management, in fact any walk of life, is learning from past experiences – good and bad – dusting yourself down and moving on.

Goodwin certainly appears to have done that, and few would grudge him the plaudits he is receiving for the solid job he is doing in the City of Discovery.