Dundee United prepare to appoint Mixu Paatelainen as boss
Published:
Dundee United are set to end their search for a replacement for ousted boss Jackie McNamara by appointing former striker Mixu Paatelainen later today.
The Finn, 48, made his name at Tannadice Park in the late 1980s and early 1990s, playing 169 games and netting 47 goals before enjoying spells with Aberdeen, Bolton Wanderers, Wolverhampton, Hibs, St Johnstone and St Mirren.
Paatelainen’s managerial career has also taken in a number of Scottish clubs, with stints as Cowdenbeath, Hibs and Kilmarnock leading up to him taking the Finland job in 2011.
A five-time Scottish Premiership Manager of the Month and Manager of the Season during his final year with Killie, Paatelainen is expected to go well with the rock bottom Terrors now only 4/1 to secure a top six finish in the Ladbrokes Premiership.
While Paatenlaininen is expected to be unveiled this afternoon, it appeared that he would shun the club to focus his effort on finding a job in England, with Ladbrokes making Inverness manager John Hughes the overwhelming favourite.
‘Yogi’ was thought to have been happy to discuss the role, despite Caley’s reluctance to part ways, but developments in recent days saw Paatelainen emerge as the front runner.
If all goes to plan the new boss will be in place in time for the weekend’s visit of Hearts, a game which sees the travelling Jambos priced up as 7/5 favourites.
The Terrors can be backed at 15/8 to pick up a first win in nine games, while a share of the spoils is available at 23/10.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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