Neil McCann has lost his job as Dundee manager.
Speculation had been building over the last few days that the club were keen for their rookie boss to bring in an experienced coach to bolster his backroom team as the Dark Blues fought to climb off the bottom of the Premiership table.
In the words of the statement confirming McCann’s departure, those attempts have “not come to fruition”.
The search for a replacement now begins, with Dundee one point off 11th place St Mirren and in touch with several other sides.
They will face Livingston on Saturday.
The full statement read: “The club can confirm that Manager Neil McCann has today left the club.
“We have explored alternative options to support the management staff recently but unfortunately these did not come to fruition.
“Assistant Manager Graham Gartland has been relieved from his role.
“Neil was appoint Interim Manager in April 2017 and steered the club clear of relegation with five matches of the 2016/17 season remaining.
“In the summer he was appointed as Manager of the club and in his first full season with the club achieved a 9th place finish with highlights in the season including a victory over Dundee United in the Betfred Cup and Rangers in the Ladbrokes Premiership.
“This season after progression from the Betfred Cup group stage a run of defeats in the league came to the end with a win over Hamilton Accies at the end of September. The following week the team were beaten at home to Kilmarnock.
“We would like thank Neil and Graham for their efforts while in charge and wish them all the best for the future.”
