Dundee have parted company with manager John Brown, with Paul Hartley the strong favourite to replace him.
The club said the decision was made by “mutual agreement” and was “the best way forward”.
A statement from the club said: “Dundee FC and manager John Brown have today announced they are to part company by mutual agreement. The club agreed with John’s expressed view that, after recent results, this is the best way forward.
“John stated that he has loved his time at Dundee FC as a player and as a manager. He still passionately wants Dundee FC to win the league this season and would share in our pride if we go on to do so.
“The board of directors would like to put on record their thanks not only for his valiant efforts in attempting to keep us in the Premier League last season when no-one gave us a chance, but also for his hard work and diligence in achieving the current points total which sees the club joint top of the league with 14 games of the season to go.
“His work with the youth teams has also seen a dramatic turnaround in the club’s fortunes with the reserves team also second place and a number of our youths in the running for national honours.
“The club expects to move quickly to appoint a new manager, to continue the good work by the management and players to date and to and get us over the line as champions in May.
“We urge the fans to continue to support the club in the superb numbers they have done so far this season.”
Brown wasn’t at Dens Park today, and his departure comes after fans vented their anger at Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Alloa not the first time a section of the Dark Blues’ support has turned on him.
They may be joint top of the league but their form has been unimpressive for a lot of the season.
Courier Sport understands that Hartley, who resigned recently as boss of Alloa, is in the frame to take over from Brown and is interested in the post.
Brown joined Dundee as interim boss last February, before being given a two-year contract in April.
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