Waterford's Jim Goodwin: 'It's one of the lowest points in my career'

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin admits defensive blunders have very likely cost them their top-flight status after a 3-0 home defeat by Kilmarnock left them needing a football miracle.

Cinch Premiership bottom club United need to beat in-form Motherwell at Fir Park on Sunday and hope Killie beat Ross County and somehow engineer an eight-goal swing along the way.

Goodwin appeared to be masterminding a United revival after being appointed as the club’s third manager of the season on March 1 but they have now lost four matches on the trot.

United gifted Kyle Vassell two first-half goals and never really looked like getting back into the game before substitute Innes Cameron netted late on following a counter-attack.

Waterford native Goodwin said: “I came in and people thought I was mad, but I genuinely thought I could turn it around and we did get a bounce from the players.

“Unfortunately the defensive frailties reared their head again and ultimately that’s what’s cost us. It’s one of the lowest points in my career.

“We will go to Motherwell on Sunday and give it our best shot. I am one of the biggest optimists out there so I will always try to be positive and believe the impossible can sometimes happen.

“But, of course, it’s an eight-goal swing so we have to go to Motherwell and score a hell of a lot of goals then hope Kilmarnock hammer Ross County. The likelihood of that happening is obviously very slim.

“But at the same time we have to go to Motherwell and play for pride and try to earn back the respect of the fans.

“The fans have every right to show their emotions the way they did at the end.

“There isn’t a player in there who can’t accept their part in it. There are good, talented individuals within the squad.

“But as a team this season simply hasn’t been good enough and I said that to them in the dressing room.

“As managers, myself, Jack Ross and Liam Fox we will take our share of the blame because we are in it together.

“As a team it hasn’t been good enough and the league table doesn’t lie.”