The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Time not an issue in finding right man for job
United chairman Stephen Thompson insists the club were determined to take their time to ensure they got the right man to occupy the managerial hot-seat at Tannadice, writes Neil Robertson.
Csaba Laszlo has now been confirmed as the new boss more than two weeks after the club parted company with Ray McKinnon following two successive Championship defeats.
There had been feverish speculation over who Thompson was going to appoint but he admitted Laszlo’s enthusiasm and passion won him over.
The chairman said: “We took our time because this is such an important decision for us.
“They are all hard decisions. There are different circumstances around different appointments.
“After meeting Csaba, seeing his enthusiasm for the job and his understanding of what is required by Dundee United, he emerged as the outstanding candidate.
“We are sitting equal top of the league so it’s maybe easier for people coming in than it was a few weeks ago.
“There are no guarantees in sport – that’s what makes it’s so exciting. You can’t predict anything – apart from maybe Celtic winning every week.
“I spent a lot of time with Csaba. He’s an interesting character. I’m sure he’ll keep people entertained but it’s about the job.
“We believe we have a good manager. I have heard people – even people close to the board – saying they want a manager to be more animated on the touchline.
“Some fans like to see it, but it’s about the job. The job starts now.
“Laurie (Ellis) is his No 2 and I have a lot of respect for him – he has a bright future.”
When asked if there would be funds available for Laszlo to strengthen in January if required, Thompson admitted it was something that his new manager had not brought up.
He added: “The one discussion we didn’t have was about signings.
“They almost always want to know
We took our time because this is such an important decision. STEPHEN THOMPSON
that so it was refreshing. He wants to work and has been to see the Under-20s and wants to see what he has first before deciding anything.
“We have a good squad and if we have to bring in one or two we will look at it.”
United have won their two games since McKinnon’s departure, against Dumbarton and St Mirren.
Thompson, though, admitted that only time would tell if the former manager had been dismissed too soon.
He added: “You can look back and say you should have done this and that. I’ve had 15 years on the board now and nine as chairman. There are times you would have done things differently, of course.
“Raymond and myself parted on good terms. We remain friends and we’ll meet for a coffee in the next couple of weeks.
“I feel for him personally. He’s from Dundee and he’s an ex-player. It’s hard to live in the city as manager or chairman.
“It’s tough as it brings extra pressure. Time will tell if it was too quick a decision.”