JACK ROSS has been pinpointed as Dundee United's preferred candidate to replace the departing Tam Courts, according to reports.
The Tannadice outfit confirmed today that their manager had exited the club and it is widely expected that he will link up with Croatian outfit Rijeka.
United sporting director Tony Asghar has already begun the recruitment process to replace courts and an announcement is expected in the coming days.
The Courier state that the Terrors number one target is former Hibernian boss Jack Ross, who has been out of work since being sacked at Easter Road in December last year.
The 46-year-old was axed after a run of seven defeats in nine league games.
He has recently been linked with the Dundee job, but after turning the role down, a move to Tannadice could be on the cards.
Asghar said today: “I’d like to place on record our gratitude towards Tam Courts for the service he has given Dundee United both as Head Coach and in his previous role as Head of Tactical Performance.
“We made a brave appointment last year by promoting from within but it was a calculated risk that clearly paid off.
“We enjoyed a lot of success on the field last year and qualified for Europe. This is testament to the culture we have created throughout the club.
“Tam bought into our long-term strategy to develop some of the finest young talent in Scotland. The fruits of our labour are there for all to see with the recent international call-ups of Archie, Kieran and Ross.
“But through the course of discussions with Tam it became clear he was keen to pursue other options and we had to look after the best interests of the club.
“Following continued discussions, we have now agreed to mutually terminate his contract to allow him time to secure his next opportunity.
“He leaves with our best wishes, but I would like to assure Dundee United fans that the club is moving in a timely fashion to appoint a new Head Coach.
“We have identified a preferred candidate and we anticipate making a further announcement on this in the coming days.”
