Courts keen to be back as boss after listening to Clarke’s advice

FORMER Dundee United head coach Tam Courts is ready for a return to the dugout.

Courts, 42, has been out of work since leaving Budapest Honved in October 2022, describing the Hungarian side as “a complicated club in a complex situation”.

The ex-Kelty Hearts gaffer revealed there have been “offers” and “discussions” with teams during his sabbatical.

Courts said: “This period has been really good to do some travelling, spend time with people like the Scotland manager (Steve Clarke), who’s been generous with his time, and pick the brains of people.

“There have been (job) offers. There have been discussions and sometimes I’m not quite the right fit at the end.

“Other times, the more you look at the opportunity, it’s not quite right for me.

“I look at some managers who maybe jump too quickly, whereas I’ve taken the view that I want to take a bit of time.

“But I definitely feel like it’s coming to a natural end and I’m ready to get back on the training pitch.

“Whether that is in Scotland, at different levels, or abroad again, I’m open to all opportunities.”

Courts left United after just one season in the Tannadice hot-seat, stepping up from his role in the Terrors’ academy to guide the senior side to fourth place.

Asked if he left the Tangerines too soon, he said: “You are always open to that accusation because my time in Budapest wasn’t as long as where I’d managed previously.

“But I look at the experienced gained and the reasons I wanted to take on the opportunity.

“I take that long-term approach to my career and make sure I am equipped for that.”

Tam Courts has not coached since October 2022.