Dundee United’s long goodbye to manager Ray McKinnon has finally been confirmed by the club.
McKinnon has known since Saturday night that the loss to Inverness Caley Thistle at Tannadice was his last match in charge of the Tangerines.
However, the official announcement that he and United have parted company didn’t arrive until Tuesday afternoon.
It took all that time to sort out the legal aspects of the decision to let McKinnon go.
United’s statement read: “Dundee United and Ray McKinnon have mutually agreed the manager’s departure with immediate effect.
“The club thanks Ray for his service and will now commence the search for a new manager.”
McKinnon added: “It is disappointing that my time as manager of United has come to an end.
“It 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.”
Now chairman Stephen Thompson and his board will continue the search for McKinnon’s successor, with pressure on them like never before to get this appointment right.
