Unlucky 13 games for Mcghee as Dundee let him go
Dundee have begun the search for a new manager
after announcing they will not be renewing the contract of Mark Mcghee following their relegation from the Premiership.
The 64-year-old took over in February on a short-term deal until the end of the season after the sacking of James Mcpake.
However, Mcghee has overseen only one victory in his 13 matches in charge, with the team’s demotion to the Championship confirmed on Wednesday evening.
Assistant manager Simon Rusk will also leave Dens Park to take on a role at the English FA.
Mcghee admitted Dundee need a younger manager to lead their bid to return to the Premiership next season.
“When we took the job we had a real belief that we could stay in the division, and we are disappointed that we did not achieve that target,” he said.
“My role at the club was that of a manager, with Simon working as the coach alongside me.
“The Championship is a division that I feel is suited to a younger coach, one with energy, and that is what the players deserve.
“I’m not sure my role is relevant in that environment.
“I would also like to thank managing director, John Nelms for the opportunity, the players and staff for their
commitment and the fans for their support during my time in charge.
“I wish the club every success in the future.”
Ryan Sweeney, meanwhile, refuses to make excuses for Dundee’s relegation.
Instead, the towering centre-half candidly confesses the players simply weren’t good enough over the course of the campaign.
The 25-year-old said: “We put in a really good performance against Hibs on Tuesday, but St Johnstone got the job done, and we can’t have too many complaints.
“I’ve always been a firm believer that you end up where you deserve to end up.
“Over the course of the season, we haven’t been good enough and that’s why we are bottom. That is the harsh reality of football.
“It’s also time for us to reflect, and look at ourselves in the mirror.
“We can go away, then come back fresh and ready to do well for this club again.”
When Mcghee replaced Mcpake, the Dark Blues had just won two matches in a row against Hearts and then Peterhead in the Scottish Cup.
The decision to sack Mcpake stunned the players, but Sweeney refused to use that as an excuse.
He added: “You come off the back of two good wins, and then that happened. There maybe was a bit of a surprise, but in football strange and mad things happen.
“We had enough games since then to turn things around.
“This final game will be for the fans, for the club and for a bit of personal pride.”