The cull of the Dundee United squad has begun – before a new manager is appointed.
Experienced midfielder John Rankin is understood to be among the many players who will be cut free at the end of the season, with Paul Paton and Paul Dixon two of the under-contract group told they can find a new club.
Relegation from the Premiership means that the wage bill will have to be severely cut at United.
Manager Mixu Paatelainen’s departure was confirmed mid-morning after the Finn spent over an hour in a meeting with general manager David Southern at United’s St Andrews training base.
Chairman Stephen Thompson then met with players, most of whom have been told they are free to leave at the end of the season.
Courier Sport understands that none of the out-of-contract players will be offered new deals.
So John Rankin, Ryan Dow, Guy Demel, Eiji Kawashima, Callum Morris, Euan Spark, Edward Ofere and Florent Sinama-Pongolle will all move on.
Gavin Gunning and Robbie Muirhead have already parted company with the Tangerines, and loan players Billy Mckay and Kyle Knoyle will return to their parent clubs.
Veteran club captain Sean Dillon, along with Blair Spittal, Scott Fraser, Simon Murray and Luis Zwick have been told they have a future at Tannadice.
There are several other under-contract players who won’t have their deals terminated, but are free to find other clubs.
They are – Paul Paton, Henri Anier, Darko Bodul, Paul Dixon, Coll Donaldson, Mark Durnan, Michal Szromnik and Charlie Telfer.
United have yet to give official confirmation on the above.
