Micky Mellon: Dundee United confirm manager exit after one season
- Published
Micky Mellon was only unveiled at Tannadice last July
Dundee United have confirmed manager Micky Mellon has left by mutual consent after a "constructive and open discussion" about his season in charge.
Mellon, 49, took over last July and guided the Tayside club to a ninth-place Scottish Premiership finish upon their return to the top flight.
United also reached the Scottish Cup semi-finals after failing to make it out of the League Cup group stage.
It has been reported academy coach Tam Courts is in contention to take over.
Courts, who led Kelty Hearts to the Lowland League, took charge for the 2-0 defeat at Livingston in December while Mellon was self-isolating amid a Covid outbreak at the club.
Chairman Mark Ogren acknowledged that Mellon came in during a "challenging period" but leaves with United's "best wishes and gratitude".
He added: "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."
Ogren said United will now "appoint a head coach in accordance with our long-term performance strategy".
Mellon joined United after a compensation deal was agreed with English League Two side Tranmere Rovers, following the surprise departure of Robbie Neilson to Hearts.
The Scot led Tranmere to England's third tier with back-to-back promotions, although they were relegated before Mellon's departure when the bottom two tiers were curtailed on a points-per-game average.
He previously achieved promotion with Fleetwood Town and Shrewsbury Town after a playing career spent entirely in England.
However, United's style of football under Mellon caused carping among some fans, with critics also pointing towards the lack of game time given to some of the club's younger players.
Mellon said he was "immensely proud" to have filled the role and his work in "improving the club's standing".
"In what has been an unprecedented season, I leave content that I have played a substantial part in taking this club forward," he said.
'Tough gig, but great gig' - analysis
Former United manager Ian McCall on Sportsound
I'm not so sure it's a shock. I think he did OK in his first season, but the American owners at Tannadice have put an awful lot of money in. Mellon's made his reputation in League One in England and I'm almost certain there'll be a gig down there for him.
I always thought Aberdeen and Dundee United were the hardest gigs in Scotland because it's within generations when they had Sir Alex Ferguson and Jim McLean there and they were the two best teams in Scotland.
You still had fans in the ground - pre-pandemic - who have seen these teams and that's how you're judged. It's a tough gig but it's still a great gig for someone.