Dundee United sack manager Mixu Paatelainen

Dundee United have announced head coach Mixu Paatelainen has left the club following their relegation from the Scottish Premiership.

The 49-year-old's position was always likely to be under threat after a disappointing season ended with defeat to local rivals Dundee on Monday which confirmed they would be playing Championship football next season.

Appointed in October, the former Hibernian, Kilmarnock and Finland boss could not turn things around for the club he represented for five years.

A short statement on the Terrors' website confirmed his departure, with the club now beginning the process of finding a replacement.

"Dundee United Football Club and Mixu Paatelainen have agreed the departure of Paatelainen as first team head coach with immediate effect," it read.

"The club thanks Mixu for his service and will now begin the search for a new head coach."

United have three games remaining, trips to Inverness and Kilmarnock sandwiching their final home fixture against Partick, before their 20-year top-flight stay comes to an end.

In the 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."