Rovers’ Ray on United’s radar

RAY McKinnon, the highly rated Raith Rovers manager, is wanted by Dundee United to lead the club out of the Ladbrokes Championship next season.

On an unusual day even for the Tannadice outfit’s recent standards, it is believed Mixu Paatelainen was told in a face-to-face meeting with United chairman Stephen Thompson that his services were no longer required.

This came as little surprise given that Monday’s Dundee derby defeat confirmed the team’s relegation from the Ladbrokes Premiership and that Paatelainen won just five out of 25 league games after replacing Jackie McNamara in October.

The Finn’s sacking was expected to be confirmed on Tuesday afternoon but Thompson instead released a long and apologetic statement which, while addressing some of the problems, did not mention Paatelainen.

Despite this, Paatelainen’s days are numbered and McKinnon, who this season has steered the Kirkcaldy club into the Premiership play-off places against all expectation, is believed to be United’s first choice.

The 45-year-old, who enjoyed two spells as a Dundee United player after serving his time with Lochee United and Brechin City, has earned himself a fine reputation at Stark’s Park where his team face Hibernian in the first round of the play-offs .

But it is believed he would be keen on a return to the club where he stated his career.

Raith, however, will not allow their manager to leave. Their chief executive, Eric Drysdale, warned against any approach.

Drysdale said: “Ray is under contract and is Raith Rovers manager.”