Dundee United announce Mixu Paatelainen as new head coach
Wednesday 14 October 2015 17:04, UK
Dundee United have announced Mixu Paatelainen as their new head coach.
Sky sources reported on Tuesday that the 48-year-old Finn, who is a member of the club's Hall of Fame as a former player, was set to take over and he has subsequently signed a contract until June 2018.
And Paatelainen, who is relishing the challenge ahead, had praise for former boss Jackie McNamara and his staff on his return to the club.
"Looking forward to it very much. This club is a special club in my heart, it was my first club abroad and everything started there, so to come back as a manager, to lead the team, I'm honoured," Paatelainen said.
"This is a wonderful club, the supporters always in full numbers here at Tannadice, and great supporters, so I'm looking forward to it.
"It's been a sticky start to the season but our job now is to work hard and change all that.
"I believe the squad is capable of doing much better. We had a good training session this morning, the boys were upbeat, a good tempo, a good desire to do well and show what they can do, and if the attitude stays like that I think we'll be okay.
"It won't be easy, we are bottom of the league at the moment, which I don't think anyone anticipated.
"That's nothing to do with Jackie McNamara or the management team, I think they did a fantastic job for the club, they guided the club to a couple of cup finals and top six finishes, but for one reason or another this season was sticky.
"Our first task is to ensure we are not in a relegation battle, and any other positions higher than that is a bonus."
United chairman Stephen Thompson said: "I am delighted to welcome Mixu back to the club. He served United with distinction as a player and will do the same as a manager.
"His desire to come back to the club was clear from the first minute we spoke. He was the first person we spoke to and also the last.
"His experience combined with his vision and enthusiasm for the club made him the standout candidate and we are thrilled to announce his appointment."
Paatelainen, who made 173 appearances for United and scored 33 league goals between 1987 and 1992, has been out of work since his sacking as Finland manager in the summer.
He previously spent time as a manager in Scotland with Hibernian and then Kilmarnock before leaving Killie to take charge of his country's national team in 2011.
