Dundee Utd announce Paatelainen as McNamara’s successor

Dundee United are close to appointing their former striker Mixu Paatelainen as their new manager, BBC Scotland has learned.

Paatelainen had spells in charge of Cowdenbeath and Hibernian before an impressive stint with Kilmarnock – which included being named as SFWA Manager of the Year – landed him the Finland job in March 2011.

Paatelainen, who started his Scottish football career at Tannadice – where he made 133 appearances and scored 33 goals between 1987 and 1992 – has also had coaching spells at Cowdenbeath, Kilmarnock and TPS in his homeland.

United chairman Stephen Thompson said: “I am delighted to welcome Mixu back to the club”.

Mixu Paatelainen is on the verge of becoming the Dundee United manager, accordng to reports. He was the first person we spoke to and also the last.

The Terrors are now rock-bottom of the Scottish Premier League following a awful opening 10 games, which have produced just one win, while they’ve already lost a whopping seven times.

Paatelainen had been a 6/1 favourite to be appointed United manager after McNamara’s sacking, and despite approaches by the club for St.Johnstone’s Tommy Wright and Inverness’ John Hughes – which were rejected – it now appears that United have finally appointed their man.

He was due to speak to the media at Tannadice on Wednesday afternoon and takes charge of the team for the first time when United host Hearts on Sunday.