Dundee United's 'radical changes' expected to spell end for Paatelainen

Mixu Paatelainen's seven-month reign as Dundee United manager is set to end after chairman Stephen Thompson promised "radical changes".

The Tannadice chief was forced to issue a statement apologising to fans after the club lost its fight for Premiership survival on Monday night.

But while there was no mention of Paatelainen in the 364-word document, it appears his exit is imminent.

Reports from the city suggest his axing will be confirmed within the next 48 hours once the legalities are finalised.

The Finn's predecessor Jackie McNamara was also forced to endure a frustrating two-day wait for his fate to be announced when he was sacked last October.

The Tannadice outfit finally fell through the top-flight trapdoor when they were beaten 2-1 by city rivals Dundee.

Paatelainen inherited a squad already rooted to the bottom of the league but instead of turning round their fortunes, things only became worse.

The former Kilmarnock, Hibernian and Finland boss mustered just five league wins out of 25 and those results now see United drop out of Scotland's highest division for the first time in 20 years.

After Monday's defeat to their next-door neighbours, Paatelainen pleaded for the chance to lead the rebuilding job, even suggesting Thompson would be a "fool" to dispense with the preparatory work he and his staff had already undertaken ahead of next season's Championship scrap.

But his words seem to have fallen on deaf ears. The 49-year-old was summoned to a meeting with Thompson early on Tuesday afternoon but left Tannadice just 25 minutes later without commenting to the waiting media pack.

Then, at 4pm, Thompson issued a statement taking responsibility for the mess the Terrors now find themselves in.

But it failed to address the uncertainty over Paatelainen's future.

His statement said: "Dundee United have let you, the supporters, down this season. I apologise unreservedly to all of you for our relegation from the Ladbrokes Premiership.

"As the chairman the buck stops with me and I accept full responsibility for what has happened. The big decisions were mine and I got some of them wrong.

"I have backed managers with the third-biggest budget in the league but the results have not been acceptable. In the near future many radical changes will be made to try to ensure our quick return to the top league."

Thompson was the target of angry protests outside Tannadice last weekend following United's defeat to Inverness, a result which killed off the last remaining hopes they could fight their way out of trouble.

Now the chairman has also confirmed his intention to sell off his 53 per cent stake in the club should he find a suitable buyer.

His statement continued: "I am currently seeking fresh investment in the club which may in time lead to me standing aside, and I aim to strengthen our current financial position to launch a bid for an immediate return to the top flight.

"I understand calls for change and am open to realistic well-funded proposals that can bring in major investment.

"However, with the serious financial challenges we face in the Championship, I will not put the club's existence in peril by simply handing over the keys unless any proposed investor is well financed and can offer a sustainable alternative."

But the chairman warned that the short-term period will involve a drastic cost-cutting exercise as United face up to life in the second tier.

"Financially, there will be a substantial drop in income due to relegation meaning cost reductions across the club," he said. "These include both on and off-field operations that will be implemented after consultation with employees.

"I am determined to return this club to the top of Scottish football as soon as possible and once again offer every United supporter my unreserved apologies for what has happened on my watch.

"I ask you now for your continued support: already over 1,100 have renewed your season tickets during our loyalty period and I thank you for this excellent take-up.

"It has never been more sorely needed as the job of rebuilding this great club for the future begins in earnest."