Dundee United have released a statement saying they have mutually agreed the manager Ray McKinnon’s departure with immediate effect.
Speaking to dundeeunitedfc.co.uk today, Ray said: “It is disappointing that my time as manager of United has come to an end.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to both play for and then manage my hometown club that I have supported all my life.
“I would like to thank the fans for their support over my time in charge. Also, I’d like to thank everyone at Dundee United for their efforts during my tenure.
“I wish the club every success moving forward and I’m certain they will be back where they belong shortly.”
Dundee United were working on two fronts today to complete the managerial change at Tannadice.
While finalising the terms of McKinnon’s departure, the search for his replacement is also continuing.
Having been told after Saturday’s home defeat to Inverness Caley Thistle, Ray was at Tannadice yesterday for a meeting in a bid to finalise his severance package.
As the Tele reported, the likes of Jim McIntyre, John Hughes and even former boss Peter Houston are all names that will be considered.
But as quickly as the board would like the new man in place — preferably in time for the trip to Dumbarton on Saturday — other names are under consideration.
A number of managers with experience of winning promotion have made contact with United to express an interest and they will be considered.
And there is a strong feeling this time it has to be a man with that kind of know-how who takes charge.
Away from that turmoil, there remains a game to prepare for and assistant manager Laurie Ellis has been taking training.
One boost for United is the fact that, by the weekend, Paul Quinn and Scott Fraser should be available, while Jordie Briels has a chance of recovering from a thigh problem in time.
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