Dundee United name Ray McKinnon as manager
Thursday 12 May 2016 18:25, UK
Dundee United have confirmed Ray McKinnon as their new manager on a three-year contract.
McKinnon resigned his position as Raith Rovers manager on Tuesday and had been in negotiations to succeed Mixu Paatelainen, who was sacked last week.
That came after Sky Sports News HQ reported on Monday that discussions were underway after Raith accepted the offer of compensation from United on Sunday.
McKinnon told the club's website: "This is a wonderful opportunity at a club that is close to my heart and I am looking forward to taking on the task of rebuilding the club and developing the talent required to get us where we should be.
"There are a lot of challenges ahead and it is important that we give ourselves every opportunity to succeed. We will work hard to build a team that the United fans can be proud of."
An ex-United player, the 45-year-old Dundonian made 122 appearances for the Tangerines, scoring thirteen goals in two spells at the Club.
United, who were relegated from the Scottish Premiership and docked three further points for fielding ineligible players, confirmed McKinnon will watch Saturday's game away to Kilmarnock from the stand.
McKinnon guided Rovers to an impressive fourth-place Championship finish before their promotion hopes ended following a 2-1 aggregate defeat to Hibernian in the play-off quarter-final.
McKinnon added: "I want to thank everyone at Raith Rovers.
"I really enjoyed my time there and I am grateful to them for being so understanding of my desire to become manager of Dundee United. Raith Rovers are a fabulous, proper club whom I wish all the best."
