DEE IN NO RUSH TO REPLACE MCGHEE

Dundee are prepared to be patient in their search to fill the vacant manager’s position.

Courier Sport understands there is no rush to appoint Mark McGhee’s successor, with the start of preseason training still a month away.

The playing squad broke up for the summer after meeting managing director John Nelms and technical director Gordon Strachan on Monday.

In it, the pair set out their plans for the team in the Championship.

Strachan has taken on a more active role in first-team matters over the past few weeks and will guide the Dark Blues’ on-pitch approach going forward.

As a result, with outline plans already in place, the search for McGhee’s successor need not be rushed.

It is understood Dundee are currently putting together a shortlist of candidates.

That will be whittled down over the coming days, meaning it could be into next week before the club’s preferred candidate is known.

The bookies have installed Strachan’s son Gavin as early favourite to take the job at Dens Park.

The former midfielder had a loan spell with Dundee at the start of his playing career and is currently a first-team coach at Celtic.

However, Courier Sport understands he is not being considered for the role.

Among the other early favourites with the bookies are former St Mirren, Sunderland and Hibs boss Jack Ross, who almost took the job in 2017, as well as former Dees Kevin Thomson and Darren O’Dea.

Thomson recently led Kelty Hearts to the League Two title while former centreback O’Dea coaches Celtic’s U/18s.

Both played under Strachan during their careers.