Dundee United confirm departure of Mixu Paatelainen

Dundee United have confirmed the departure of Mixu Paatelainen with immediate effect.

United's relegation to the Championship was confirmed after defeat to Dundee on Monday, and the head coach held talks with chairman Stephen Thompson on Tuesday.

He arrived at United's training session on Wednesday morning to say his goodbyes to staff and squad members ahead of his imminent departure, seven months after signing a three-year deal. 

A statement read: "The club thanks Mixu for his service and will now begin the search for a new head coach.

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Paatelainen said, "I would like to thank the players, staff and supporters. It has been a difficult winter and the challenge was huge but nevertheless I have enjoyed every day working for the Club and with this group of players".

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Former Finland boss Paatelainen, 49, replaced Jackie McNamara in mid-October when United were bottom of the table after just one win in their first 10 matches.

But the new incumbent failed to galvanise an upturn in fortunes, securing just five wins in 25 Premiership matches, culminating in city rivals Dundee administering the coup de grace earlier this week.

Raith Rovers manager Ray McKinnon - who made almost 100 appearances for the club over two spells in the 1990s - has been installed as one of the early favourites to take over.