Kevin Thomson is on a shortlist of four for the vacant Dundee United manager’s job with Tannadice chiefs hopeful of appointing Jack Ross’ successor by the end of next week.
Interim boss Liam Fox will also be interviewed and remains the favourite for the job ahead of the trip to face Rangers at Ibrox on Saturdat. But he faces stiff competition from former Rangers midfielder Thomson and Record Sport understands United chiefs led by sporting director Tony Asghar are keen on installing a young boss in the ilk of Tam Courts who only left his position at the end of last season.
Official interviews with the quartet are due to be held early next week with an appointment expected soon after giving the new man in charge over a week to prepare for their first game in charge at home to St Johnstone on October 1. Thomson has been without a club since leaving Kelty Hearts in May after guiding them to the League Two title in his first season as a boss.
The 37-year-old is eager to move into management with a full-time club and was interviewed for the Kilmarnock job before Derek McInnes replaced Tommy Wright in January. But Fox, 38, remains favourite with the bookies after steadying the ship in the wake of Ross’ departure.
A 2-1 League Cup win away to Livingston was backed-up with a goalless draw at Motherwell before Fox takes charge for a third time at Ibrox. Speaking on Thursday, Fox said: “I had a quick conversation with (sporting director) Tony Asghar on Monday and it was just a case of ‘carry on until told otherwise’.
“All I can say is I’ve enjoyed the last three weeks but it’s not up to me whether I’m given the opportunity or not. That’s up to the people above me in the football club. They’ll make a decision based on what direction they see the club going. It’s been a challenging period but I’ve enjoyed it and now I’ve got a very tough game to look forward to on Saturday.”
