The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
United get their man as Mellon handed top role
TANNADICE: Tranmere boss to be named as Neilson’s successor
Dundee United are expected to announce Micky Mellon as the club’s new manager today.
It is understood the deal to take the 48-year-old to Tannadice to replace Robbie Neilson, who returned to Hearts two weeks ago, was finalised last night.
Mellon, 48, emerged as the preferred candidate for the role late on Friday after talks with the
United hierarchy, including sporting director Tony Asghar, who also spoke to Steve McClaren and Malky Mackay about the job.
The Premiership new boys held discussions with Tranmere Rovers at the weekend over compensation for the Paisley-born coach, who was under contract until next summer.
He has an impressive record in the lower leagues in England, also bossing Fleetwood Town, Barnsley (as caretaker) and Shrewsbury Town. Rovers were relegated from League One last month after a vote to call the bottom two divisions early on a points-per-game basis. The United job is his first managerial role in his homeland.
Tangerines defender Mark Connolly yesterday insisted the new man would inherit a squad well placed to thrive in Scotland’s top flight.
Following Neilson’s shock exit, work on the training pitch continued in recent weeks under the supervision of coaches Gordon Forrest and Lee McCulloch, who could join their old boss at Tynecastle.
Despite the changes in the dugout, Connolly remains enthused about his own return to the Premiership, as well as the mix of inevitable new arrivals and existing young talents at United.
He said: “The club will probably look to bring in a few more players once the new manager is appointed but at the moment it’s an exciting time.
“I think we’re in a good position to get someone in and get ready for a huge season ahead.
“I played in the Premiership for two years with Kilmarnock and really enjoyed it. I felt comfortable at that level.
“I’m looking forward to getting back into that league and also seeing some of our younger boys test themselves, show that they can play at the top level and prove that they are not Championship players.
“The club have put a lot of faith in those players by giving them longterm contracts so I’m sure they are desperate to test themselves against the likes of Celtic, Rangers and Aberdeen.
“We were the best team in the Championship but we know this is a step up, not just in the football side of it, but the mental side of things.
“But I just can’t wait to get back playing at that standard every week.”
Neilson will break his silence on his Tynecastle return at his first press conference as Hearts boss on Monday.
Connolly says his old manager’s advice will ensure the Tangerines squad is fighting fit for the new man’s arrival.
He told Arabzone: “We had to be mentally switched on in terms of when we would be coming back, and we spoke to Robbie (Neilson) about how we could come back stronger and fitter.
“I look around the team and I think everyone has taken that on board.
“Everyone is very fit for this stage of pre-season and, whoever the new manager is, it gives him a fantastic platform. The boys are ready to crack on.”