THE CITY OF RECOVERY

Dodds: Goodwin has great chance to prove Dons was one-off as foes' rise another top boost for Dundee

- CRAIG SWAN

BILLY DODDS reckons Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin has a brilliant opportunity to prove his painful Premiership spell at Aberdeen was a one-off.

And the former Scotland striker believes having both of the city's clubs back battling it out in derbies again is a major boost for the top flight.

Under Tony Docherty, Dundee have excelled on their return to the big time and sealed a spot in the top six with a game to spare.

And across the road, United have responded to last term's relegation by bouncing straight back up to the Premiership.

Only an unthinkable mathematical miracle could now deny Goodwin's men, who boast a six-point cushion over Raith and goal difference of 36 better off, an instant return.

And Dodds, who played on both sides of the street, is thrilled to see the Irishman heading back up.

Goodwin's term at Pittodrie didn't go to plan and he couldn't keep United up when first taking charge on a short term basis just over 13 months ago.

Now he's set for a full crack at it at Tannadice and former Inverness Caley Thistle boss Dodds said: "It's a brilliant chance for Jim to show what happened at Aberdeen was a one-off. It's a great opportunity.

"I'm delighted for him. I've got a lot of time for him. When I was in the game myself, wel picked up the phone regularly to each other. In the Championship.

with a club like Dundee United, you just need to get the job done. It's such a hard league.

"You look across the city at Dundee and the way they have really pushed on and stabilised after promotion. It will be important for Jim to make sure Dundee United, first and foremost, stay in the league next season.