Relegated Dundee United sack manager Mixu Paatelainen and release eight players

Dundee United wasted no time in beginning their post-relegation clear-out by sacking manager Mixu Paatelainen and announcing the departure of eight players.

Paatelainen had pleaded for the chance to rebuild the squad and declared only a fool'' would put his inside knowledge to waste, but chairman Stephen Thompson took no heed.

The Finn was at United's training base on Wednesday to say his farewells after a brief meeting with Thompson the previous day.

Thompson also visited the St Andrews complex to meet the entire first-team squad. A club statement revealed that Edward Ofere, Callum Morris, Guy Demel, Ryan Dow, John Rankin, Euan Spark, Joe McGovern and Florent Sinama Pongolle would all be leaving.

All are soon to be out of contract but other players are reported to have been told they are free to find new clubs.

The announcement on Paatelainen came as no surprise after Thompson promised radical changes'' on Tuesday, less than 24 hours after a late derby defeat at Dens Park sealed their fate.

The 49-year-old former Hibernian, Kilmarnock and Finland manager had taken over in October with United a point adrift at the foot of the Premiership, but they are now 11 behind ahead of Friday night's visit to Inverness.

In a statement released by the club, Paatelainen said: I would like to thank the players, staff and supporters. It has been a difficult winter and the challenge was huge but nevertheless I have enjoyed every day working for the club and with this group of players.''

Raith Rovers boss Ray McKinnon was quickly installed as the clear favourite to take charge of his former club but United are likely to wait until his team's play-off campaign is over before making any move.

Rovers director Eric Drysdale said: We have not had any contact from Dundee United or any other club regarding Ray McKinnon. And should any be forthcoming it would be extremely unwelcome.

Ray and the team are fully concentrated on the play-off matches against Hibernian and nothing will distract them from this.''

The only out-of-contract player not on the released list was goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima, whose future remains unclear. Loan players Kyle Knoyle and Billy McKay will return to their parent clubs, while Chris Erskine has signed a pre-contract deal with Partick Thistle. Gavin Gunning and Robbie Muirhead had recently been released.

Reports claimed that Thompson had told all but four players they were free to leave - Blair Spittal, Luis Zwick, Scott Fraser and Simon Murray being the exceptions.

Thompson said: I have had to explain the harsh realities of relegation to the squad. I spoke to them about cost cutting measures.

It was not a pleasant thing to have to do, but it was better to do it face to face with them. John Rankin was there in his SPFA capacity and was very good about things. He was a great help.''

United also have Michal Szromnik, Sean Dillon, Paul Dixon, Paul Paton, Charlie Telfer, Henri Anier and Darko Bodul contracted until the end of next season, while Coll Donaldson and Mark Durnan have deals until 2018.

Rankin, the PFA Scotland chairman, later thanked the club and apologised to supporters for United's poor season.

In a note published on his Twitter account, the 32-year-old said: I'd like to thank everyone connected with Dundee United for their help and support over the last 5 years.

Had some great times and wonderful memories to look back on, also had the pleasure of playing with some great lads.

I would also like to apologise to all Arabs for our dismal performances this season and ultimately the lowest point of those 5 years!

Unfortunately my time here is coming to an end, however I have the privilege of pulling on the tangerine 3 more times at most and I promise everyone I will give 100% in those games.

I wish the club all the very best in the future and hopefully it gets back to where it belongs ASAP, the supporters deserve that.

My family and I were always welcomed and will hold Dundee United close to our hearts.

Thanks for everything.''