Dundee United chairman apologises to fans, fails to mention Paatelainen
Dundee United chairman Stephen Thompson has issued a statement apologising to fans for the club's relegation.
Dundee United chairman Stephen Thompson has issued a statement apologising to fans for the club's relegation from the Ladbrokes Premiership - but made no mention of boss Mixu Paatelainen.
The Tannadice outfit finally fell through the top-flight trapdoor when they were beaten 2-1 by city rivals Dundee on Tuesday night.
It brought an end to United's 20-year run in Scotland's highest division and increased speculation that Paatelainen was set to be axed seven months after taking over.
The Finn was summoned to a meeting with Thompson earlier on Wednesday but left Tannadice after just 25 minutes without confirming if he was still in charge.
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.
The board has worked over a period of time to review and restructure the club,'' he said.Financially, there will be a substantial drop in income due to relegation meaning cost reductions across the club.
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 ticket 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.''