Jim Goodwin eyes Tayside derby for Dundee United to hit winning form

Jim Goodwin has targeted Sunday’s Tayside derby for his Dundee United side to get back on the winning trail.

The Terrors started the season with two Conference League qualifying wins over UNA Strassen but that was followed by two draws against Rapid Vienna in the Conference League before losing on penalties to the Austrian team, a draw and a defeat against Falkirk and Hearts respectively in the William Hill Premiership and a Premier Sports Cup defeat to Kilmarnock.

After having last weekend off as opponents Aberdeen exercised their right to have extra time to prepare for their Europa League play-off against FCSB, Goodwin comes up against Steven Pressley’s Dundee side at Dens Park.

The Irishman said: “We just need to get back to winning ways. It’s as simple as that.

“We’ve had a really good week’s training.

“We’ve been able to get a lot of energy and a lot of freshness into the group.

“And there’s a real air of excitement now building up towards this big game.

“It’s equally important for both teams, I think, in terms of getting those three points.

“And it’s important for us. If we want to go and have the kind of success that we had last season, then we certainly need to get back to winning ways.”

Nikolaj Moller, Goodwin’s 14th signing of the transfer window, is in contention for a start.

The 23-year-old Swedish attacker signed from Swiss Super League side St. Gallen on an initial two-year deal, with a club-held option of an additional year.

Goodwin said: “Really pleased, he’s a very, very good player.

“He’s not an out-and-out target man, albeit, when you look at him physically, he’s 6’3″, 6′ 4”, leads the line really well, but technically very good, very mobile as well, for such a big fella.

“He can go in lengthen the game and I think it’s another good attacking addition for us in that area of the pitch.

“Obviously Max Watters, unfortunately, suffered an injury, but I think Nikolaj will certainly come in fill that void his while we wait on Max’s return.

“But he’s a great age, He’s got a lot of room for development, and he’s a player that we’re delighted to have.

“I think we’re pretty much done now. Obviously the injuries have made us question one or two areas of the squad, but given the business that we’ve done – we’ve signed 14 new players – I’ve got to be grateful to the board and to all of the people involved for helping us get the deals over the line.

“I think once everybody is back and available, then we’ve got a really strong competitive group of players that can go and challenge in this league.”