Search begins as United confirm McKinnon’s exit

TANNADICE: Former boss pays tribute to fans for their support

Dundee United’s long goodbye to manager Ray McKinnon has finally been confirmed by the club.

McKinnon has known since Saturday night that the loss to Inverness Caley Thistle at Tannadice was his last match in charge of the Tangerines.

However, the official announcement that he and United have parted company didn’t arrive until yesterday afternoon.

It took all that time to sort out the legal aspects of the decision to let McKinnon go.

United’s statement read: “Dundee United and Ray McKinnon have mutually agreed the manager’s departure with immediate effect.

“The club thanks Ray for his service and will now commence the search for a new manager.”

The now former gaffer McKinnon added: “It is disappointing that my time as manager of United has come to an end.

“It been an honour and a privilege to both play for and then manage my hometown club that I have supported all my life.

“I would like to thank the fans for their support over my time in charge. Also, I’d like to thank everyone at Dundee United for their efforts during my tenure.

“I wish the club every success moving forward and I’m certain they will be back where they belong shortly.”

Now chairman Stephen Thompson and his board will continue the search for McKinnon’s successor, with pressure on them like never before to get this one right.

Ultimately, the Jackie McNamara appointment went pear-shaped and it is to the final months of his tenure that United’s decline can be traced.

With the team on course for relegation, the Tangerines gave the job to former player Mixu Paatelainen, with the drop to the Championship the result.

McKinnon’s appointment in May 2016 was welcomed by most fans and he came within a play-off second leg against Hamilton of getting them back up.

However, the board have decided to make their move now because recent performances have left them unconvinced that promotion will be secured this season if McKinnon stayed in charge.

So United move on to the next man, with ex-player Jim McIntyre and former Hibs, Falkirk and Inverness boss John Hughes the leading contenders, although there does remain a possibility the club could pull a rabbit out of the hat.

Time is against them, though. The Tangerines, currently in fourth spot and five points off the top, simply must stay in the title race.

They face Dumbarton – their bogey team – away on Saturday, with assistant Laurie Ellis expected to take the side on a temporary basis, then welcome table-topping St Mirren to Tannadice the following weekend.

Lose both matches and they could find themselves a disastrous 11 points behind the Buddies before the Guy Fawkes’ bonfires have been lit.

Ray McKinnon was sacked by United.