Jim Goodwin in Dave Cormack tribute after Aberdeen spell ended on 'good terms' ahead of Dundee United face off

Jim Goodwin paid tribute to the man who sacked him at Aberdeen as he prepares for Dundee United debut AGAINST the Dons at Tannadice tonight.

Goodwin is delighted Dave Cormack is on the mend from heart surgery - even joking that the run of results that ended in the axe may have contributed to the owner’s health issues. Goodwin admitted. “I messaged Dave because we left on good terms. I was grateful to him for giving me the opportunity and believing in me in the first place.

“I was really sorry to hear I’d caused it with the results up at Aberdeen! Listen, I’m not making lighthearted out of a very serious situation and I’m glad that he’s had the attention and care he needed. He’s on the other side of the surgery now, he’s back home and on the road to recovery. I wish him nothing but the best, both in his recovery back to full health and in football.

“If ever a man deserves success in football it’s him because of the personal investment he’s made. He really does care about the club up there, he’s extremely passionate and is as big a fan as any of the season ticket holders who walk through the gates.”

Goodwin believes he can unlock the real Jamie McGrath at United. The Irishman got the best out of his fellow countryman in their time at St Mirren.

Goodwin tried to get him to Aberdeen earlier in the season but lost out to the Terrors but now they are united again. The United boss said: “Jamie is one player that I know inside out, having brought him from Ireland over the St Mirren.

“He’s a terrifically talented player, technically one of the best I’ve ever worked with. He’s been unfortunate with some of the injuries that’s meant he’s not been able to get any consistency to his play.

“He wants to get back involved with the