Micky Mellon leaves Dundee United after less than a year

Micky Mellon has left Dundee United with immediate effect having been manager for less than a year.

The club said the mutually agreed decision followed a “constructive and open discussion” about his tenure.

Mellon took on the role in early July last year and led the team to ninth-place in the Scottish Premiership and to Hampden to contest the Scottish Cup semi-final.

Club chairman Mark Ogren said the former Tranmere manager had joined Dundee United at a “challenging period” and wished him success in his future career.

He said: “After a constructive and open discussion reviewing the season and with his initial targets reached, both parties agreed that now was the correct time to part ways.

“Dundee United will now look to appoint a new head coach as we look to build on the strong foundations put in place over the last few seasons in accordance with our long term performance strategy.”

Mellon said he was “immensely proud” to have managed at Tannadice and improve the side’s standing in the game.

He said: “In what has been an unprecedented season due to the pandemic and in the absence of the opportunity to have a close relationship with the fantastic fan base, I leave content that I have played a substantial part in taking this Club forward.

“I would like to thank the players and staff at Dundee United for their hard work and endeavour on my behalf, the board for their support during my time here and all the supporters who I had the opportunity to meet.”

Mellon, who was born in Paisley, worked in England since travelling south to join Bristol City as a player in 1989.

The former midfielder played for a number of lower league sides, including lengthy spells at Blackpool, Burnley and Tranmere.