Dundee United announce Thomas Courts as new boss

The 39-year-old replaces Micky Mellon who returned to Tranmere Rovers

Published 7th Jun 2021

Dundee United have confirmed Thomas Courts has stepped up from his role has head of tactical performance to land the manager's job at Tannadice.

The 39-year-old replaces Micky Mellon who returned to Tranmere Rovers, with Liam Fox arriving from Livingston as his assistant.

Courts previously managed Kelty Hearts between 2013 and 2018 before moving to Dundee United.

He was put in temporary charge of the club's first team for last season's 2-0 defeat to Livingston when Mellon was forced to self-isolate.

He told DUTV: "I feel really excited and privileged to be taking charge at Dundee United. When I got the offer to speak to the Club I was optimistic because I felt I was ready for the challenge.

"At each part of the process, I felt that I gave a good account of myself and articulated my vision for the Club moving forward and, thankfully, I'm now sitting as the new Head Coach of Dundee United Football Club in the Scottish Premiership.

"I've got 300 games under my belt as a manager. The fans are getting an experienced manager, one who has a proven capability of winning, developing players and also being open and receptive to giving opportunities to young players as well.

"This is where I want to be, the calibre of player I want to work with on a day-to-day basis and this is the stature of club I feel I can propel myself into and drive the Club to the next level.

"There has been a little bit of energy online surrounding the appointment but I want to harness that energy. I've seen the fans at this ground suck the ball into the net and turn Tannadice into a cauldron in the Dundee derby. Any energy that has been online is something I want to harness and redirect on to the pitch when the fans come back into the stadium.

"I think the fans should be excited. We've got the foundations laid here and it's a really exciting time to be connected with this Club and certainly an exciting time to be leading the club."