Dundee United will begin the search for a new manager after deciding to part company with Ray McKinnon.
While there has been no official confirmation from the Tannadice club and the board has still to officially sanction the sacking, Courier Sport understands that the 2-0 home loss to Inverness Caley Thistle on Saturday was McKinnon’s last in charge.
The result saw fourth-placed United slip five points behind Championship leaders St Mirren after suffering consecutive defeats to Livingston and the Highlanders.
Following the ICT game, directors gathered to discuss the situation and they will hold another meeting in the next day or so.
All the indications are that McKinnon’s time is up and the hunt for his replacement will begin in earnest.
Time to go through a lengthy recruitment process is not a luxury United can afford given their desperate need to stay in touch in the title race.
The board will try to act quickly and, ideally, someone will be in position ahead of Saturday’s visit to Dumbarton and be able to hit the ground running.
The leading contender would appear to be former United striker Jim McIntyre, who was sacked by Ross County along with assistant Billy Dodds a month ago.
Scottish Cup-winning manager Peter Houston is also available after leaving Falkirk but may not fancy the challenge of a second stint at Tannadice.
