The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Tangerines part company with Laszlo
Dundee United are looking for their fifth manager in just over three years after bowing to the inevitable and parting company with Csaba Laszlo, writes Ian Roache.
The Tangerines acted understandably swiftly, reaching a “mutual agreement” with the Hungarian less than 24 hours after Saturday’s 5-1 loss to Ross County.
The word coming out of Tannadice in the immediate aftermath of that defeat was that chairman Mike Martin wanted some time to consider the biggest decision of his six-month tenure.
Martin had stood by his man through thick but mainly thin and had hitherto been Laszlo’s loudest cheerleader.
He kept the faith even after United failed to get promoted at the end of last season and backed him despite the poor start made to this campaign.
His thinking had been that chopping and changing bosses too often has damaged the club, with Jackie McNamara going in late September 2015 and followed out the door by Mixu Paatelainen (May 2016), Ray McKinnon (October 2017) and now Laszlo.
However, the shambolic performance against the Staggies was sufficient proof that enough is enough.
The club was humiliated by what happened on the pitch on Saturday, the fans went from being apathetic to angry – even hostile in some cases – and it was game over for Laszlo.
Assistant boss Laurie Ellis has taken over as interim manager while the search for a permanent boss starts.
Robbie Neilson, the former Hearts boss and ex-United defender, is the early frontrunner along with former Tannadice striker Jim McIntyre and Ellis. St Johnstone boss Tommy Wright would be of interest to the board but is an outside bet at this stage.
Both Neilson and McIntyre have been spotted at recent United matches.
Chairman Mike Martin said: “I would like to thank Csaba for the considerable commitment he showed during his time at Dundee United and for his contribution to improving the underpinning football structure at the club.
“We wish him all the best for the future.
“I can also confirm that Laurie Ellis has taken interim management responsibility for the team.”
The decision to wave goodbye to Laszlo was welcomed by the Dundee United Supporters’ Foundation, who also warned that the backing of the fans should not be taken for granted going forward.
They stated: “Whilst it’s never good to see someone lose their job, DUSF recognise that the termination of Csaba Laszlo’s contract needed to be done.
“Indeed, we publicly stated in May that the manager’s position needed to be properly reviewed after last season’s failures.
“Alongside most fans we were very disappointed that this did not happen.
“The Dundee United board now need to act quickly to properly select and recruit a manager who will command the respect of the players and fans.
“The support of the fans has been fantastic over the turbulent past couple of years, however that should not be taken for granted.
“United fans are renowned for their loyalty and we are crying out for some real leadership and direction from our board of directors.”