Tuesday 24 October 2017 15:47, UK
Ray McKinnon says he is "disappointed" after losing his job as Dundee United boss following back-to-back Scottish Championship defeats.
United were beaten at home by Inverness Caledonian Thistle on Saturday, a week after another loss at Livingston, leaving them five points short of the leaders St Mirren and fourth in the second tier after 10 games.
The 47-year-old's spell at Tannadice has ended after 17 months despite winning the Scottish Challenge Cup and narrowly missing out on promotion last season.
Dundee United challenged eventual league winners Hibernian throughout the campaign, but finished third and then were beaten in a tight play-off semi-final against Hamilton.
The club said in a statement that the decision was "mutual", but McKinnon suggested it was the team's distance from the top of the table that led to him losing his job.
He said: "I wish the club every success moving forward and I'm certain they will be back where they belong shortly.
"It is disappointing that my time as manager of United has come to an end. It been an honour and a privilege to both play for and then manage my hometown club that I have supported all my life.
"I would like to thank the fans for their support over my time in charge. Also, I'd like to thank everyone at Dundee United for their efforts during my tenure."
United's statement said: "The club thanks Ray for his service and will now commence the search for a new manager."
