Dundee United in advanced talks with Jack Ross after Tam Courts exit for Honved
- Published
Jack Ross is nearing a return to Scottish Premiership management with Dundee United after his sacking by Hibs last season
Jack Ross is in advanced talks with Dundee United about succeeding Tam Courts as head coach.
An agreement is expected in the coming days, with former Hibernian, Sunderland and St Mirren boss Ross the "preferred candidate" United referenced when Courts left on Tuesday.
Courts, meanwhile, has been appointed head coach of Hungarian club Budapest Honved.
The 40-year-old spent a season in charge at Tannadice.
Having guided United to fourth in the Scottish Premiership and a Europa Conference League spot - the club's first European football in 10 years - Courts departed by "mutual consent" to pursue other opportunities.
He had been given permission to hold talks with Croatian club Rijeka last week but instead has signed a two-year deal to work in Hungary's top-flight.
Ross with point to prove after Hibs sacking?
United sporting director Tony Asghar said on Tuesday the club hoped to make a swift appointment. A few issues remain to be ironed out with Ross, 46, but those are not expected to be deal breakers and he is poised to return to Premiership management six months on from his sacking by Hibs.
Ross' track record, and the fact he is currently out of work, made him the obvious choice.
Many viewed his Hibs dismissal as harsh, having led the club to third place in his first full campaign - 2020-21 - as well as Scottish Cup and League Cup finals. However, owner Ron Gordon opted to sack him after two wins in 10 games with Hibs sitting seventh.
The fact they ended up finishing eighth only strengthens Ross' case that it was a mistake to get rid of him and his work getting St Mirren promoted and Sunderland to a play-off final are also evidence of his abilities. Even if not everyone at Hibs was a fan of the style of play.
He will need to subscribe to United's youth policy and a quick appointment will be key for the club with pre-season just around the corner.
Given the upheaval of recent summers - United are searching for a new manager in June for the third consecutive season - they will hope for some continuity too, although at least Courts' departure is a mark of the club's recent success rather than failure.
Get news notifications for your Scottish Premiership club by downloading the BBC Sport app on Apple, external - Android, external - Amazon, external
