Runners and Riders: Who’s Next for Dundee United?

The axe fell on beleaguered manager Jack Ross on Tuesday morning as he paid the price for a 9-0 humiliation at the hands of Celtic, leaving the club rock-bottom of the Scottish Premiership with a goal-difference of -16.

Sack Race: Jack Ross has been dismissed as manager of Dundee United after two months at Tannadice (Image: Getty)

The question is now on who Sporting Director, Tony Asghar and the boardroom will appoint as the Tangerines prepare to welcome their 21st permanent manager in the past 30 years.

Let’s have a look at four names that could be in contention to arrive at Tannadice…

Duncan Ferguson

The overriding popular choice is former Tangerine striker, Duncan Ferguson.

The Scotsman started his career in Tayside under the legendary Jim McLean before swapping for Ibrox in 1993 for what was at the time, the record-breaking British transfer fee.

Having adopted the moniker, ‘Big Dunc’, the 50-year-old had two spells as caretaker manager of Premier League club Everton in 2019 and 2022, before leaving Goodison Park in July to pursue managerial ambitions.

It would be incredibly interesting to see how Ferguson would progress in management and a nostalgic return to Tannadice is something he could see as a starting point to making his name in the hotseat.

According to reports from sources in England, he has already shown interest in opening negotiations with club chiefs and with the prospect creating excitement amongst United supporters, only time will tell…

‘Big Dunc’ come home?: Ferguson as caretaker manager of Everton in January 2022 (Image: Getty)

Michael O’Neill

O’Neill was installed as the bookmaker’s favourite almost immediately after the news broke of the vacancy and it’s not hard to see why…

The 53-year-old is another Tannadice alum, having played as a midfielder under Jim McLean from 1989-1993. A managerial career that spans 16 years, he has managed Brechin City, Shamrock Rovers and more recently Stoke City, where he was dismissed last Thursday.

The idea of replacing a manager who was sacked with another, may startle some sections of the club’s support, however, there is no denying his experience and pedigree, particularly from his nine-year stint at Northern Ireland.

He made history with the national team, leading them to Euro 2016 in France, their first-ever European Championship and only qualification to a major tournament in 30 years, so, O’Neill would be an eye-raising appointment for the Arabs.

O’Neill as manager of Stoke City (Image: Getty)

Kevin Thomson

There is no secret that the club directors have got to make the right appointment, in what could make or break their season, thus, they may take inspiration from the success of Ross’ predecessor, Thomas Courts and select another upcoming young manager…

Kevin Thomson has stated his desire to make the step-up to full-time management, after his departure from Kelty Hearts in the summer, who he led to automatic promotion from Scottish League Two.

The 37-year-old was in contention for both the Kilmarnock and Motherwell vacancies, emphaising how he has caught the eye of full-time clubs and certainly impressed enough to secure interviews or reach a shortlist.

As the old saying goes, ‘good comes to those who wait’ and the ex-Rangers midfielder would harbour dreams to become a future Ibrox manager and could look at the club as somewhere to prove any doubters wrong and show he can be a success in Scotland's top-flight.

Thomson in action for Rangers against Dundee United at Ibrox (Image: Getty)

Owen Coyle

A wildcard option, but not one without a credible argument. The current Queen’s Park boss is vastly experienced in the game and is certainly making his mark on his return to Scotland, with the Spiders sitting third in the Scottish Championship on 10 points after their opening five matches.

The 56-year-old is another who has previous at Tannadice having been part of the 1995-96 promotion winning squad and would almost certainly be well aware of the expectations required at a club with a proud history.

The Glasgow club’s Chief Executive, Leann Dempster would certainly want to fend off any interest in Coyle and if United were to come calling, finances wouldn’t be an issue for chairman, Mark Ogren.