Ray still talking about departure

DUNDEE United were still working on two fronts today to complete a change of manager at Tannadice.

Exiting team boss Ray McKinnon is still talking to the Tannadice board about the terms of his departure.

And while that’s ongoing, the search for his replacement is also continuing.

Having been told after Saturday’s home defeat to Inverness Caley Thistle, Ray was at Tannadice yesterday for a meeting in a bid to finalise his severance package.

Progress was made but final agreement was not reached and that meant more talks today.

The two sides remain hopeful of reaching an amicable settlement.

Continuing i n tandem with that is the process of appointing the man the Tangerines hope will lead them to promotion at the end of the season.

As t he Tele reported yesterday, the likes of Jim McIntyre, John Hughes and even former boss Peter Houston are all names that will be considered.

But as quickly as the board would like the new man in place — preferably in ti me f or t he trip t o Dumbarton on Saturday — other names are under consideration.

A number of managers with experience of winning promotion have made contact with United t o express an i nterest and they will be considered.

And there i s a strong feeling this time it has to be a man with that kind of know-how who takes charge.

Away from that turmoil, there remains a game to prepare for and assistant manager Laurie Ellis has been taking training.

One boost for United is the fact that, by the weekend, Paul Quinn and Scott Fraser should be available, while Jordie Briels has a chance of recovering from a thigh problem in time.

Dundee United chairman Stephen Thompson is finalising details of his manager’s exit.