Steven Pressley is still the favourite to be installed as the new Dundee United manager but his appointment is not a foregone conclusion.
Following Peter Houston’s earlier than expected departure from the club on Monday, the Tangerines would ideally like his replacement to be in charge for their massive Scottish Cup fifth round tie against Rangers on Saturday.
Pressley is the leading candidate but suggestions that he is the only show in town are wide of the mark.
Still in with a chance is Partick Thistle boss Jackie McNamara, while a late entrant from England is also understood to be under consideration.
Pressley and McNamara were both on the shortlist of serious contenders drawn up last week that also included former United assistant Billy Dodds, Ross County gaffer Derek Adams, ex-St Johnstone boss Derek McInnes and Peterhead’s Jim McInally.
No minds have yet been made up in the Tannadice boardroom despite chairman Stephen Thompson declaring a preference for Houston’s successor to be in the dugout for the already controversial and eagerly-anticipated clash with the Light Blues.
Thompson said: “I would prefer to have someone in place before this weekend. We’ve been working on it for the last wee while quietly behind the scenes.”
Houston quit the club sooner than planned, saying his goodbyes to the players and staff before Monday’s training session at St Andrews.
It wasn’t supposed to be that way, with the now former manager declaring just 12 days ago that he would be seeing out his contract to the summer after rejecting the club’s lucrative new deal.
It was hardly the greatest preparation for tonight’s SPL match at Fir Park against Motherwell, although the club’s statement did stress the departure was amicable.
It read: “Dundee United today announced that manager Peter Houston had left the club by mutual consent.
“Peter, who recently confirmed he would not be renewing his contract at the club, led Dundee United to Scottish Cup success in 2010 and helped the squad qualify for European football on three consecutive occasions.
“He leaves with the thanks of everyone at the club and best wishes for the future.”
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