Dundee United have officially confirmed that manager Jackie McNamara and his backroom team have left the club “by mutual consent.”
In the aftermath of Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park, McNamara was informed by chairman Stephen Thompson that the board no longer wanted him in charge of the Tangerines.
Talks to agree a severance deal for him, assistant boss Simon Donnelly, first-team coach Darren Jackson and goalkeeping coach Craig Hinchcliffe finally concluded late on Monday night.
The club statement read: “Dundee United Football Club and Jackie McNamara have mutually agreed the departure of McNamara as first team manager with immediate effect.
“Following widely reported talks between the chairman and McNamara, the club and McNamara agreed that a change was required to improve the results of the club’s first team, with immediate change being required following the club’s start to the season.
“Simon Donnelly, Darren Jackson and Craig Hinchliffe (sic) have also left the club.
“The club thanks Messrs McNamara, Donnelly, Jackson and Hinchliffe (sic) for their service.
“The club will commence recruitment for a new first team manager and associated staff.”
While the search for a replacement boss continues, United youth coach Dave Bowman has been placed in caretaker charge and he will be assisted by club captain Sean Dillon.