Lee Sharp also joins Aberdeen from St Mirren as assistant to Goodwin, who had been Buddies boss since June 2019.

"I am hugely honoured to have been offered the role of manager at this great football club," said Goodwin.

"The opportunity to work at one of the biggest club's in the country is a dream come true, and I can't wait to get started.

"I can guarantee everyone connected to Aberdeen FC that I will give my all on a daily basis to ensure the club has the success it so richly craves and deserves."

Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack said former Alloa boss Goodwin "fully embraces our vision and strategy".

Stephen Glass left the Aberdeen manager's job on Sunday, the day after a Scottish Cup defeat by Motherwell, and Aberdeen were given permission to hold talks with Goodwin on Friday.

Aberdeen are eighth in the Scottish Premiership, with St Mirren two points above in sixth.

Barry Robson took interim charge as the Pittodrie side drew 1-1 at home to St Johnstone on Tuesday - their sixth game without victory - to move up one place.

St Mirren visit Livingston on Saturday and assistant Sharp and goalkeeping coach Jamie Langfield took the Paisley side's training on Friday in Goodwin's absence.

"It is a disruption, nobody is going to get away from that," said former Aberdeen goalkeeper Langfield on Friday.

Former St Mirren captain and coach Goodwin, 40, led the side to ninth and then seventh in the Premiership - their highest finish in 32 years - after replacing Oran Kearney in June 2019. The Buddies reached two semi-finals last season.