Dundee United chief forced to apologise to fans following doomed club's relegation 

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Dundee United chairman Stephen Thompson has apologised to supporters for the club’s relegation.

In a bizarre move, however, the Tannadice chief followed a promise to communicate more with fans by failing to mention doomed manager Mixu Paatelainen.

Sportsmail understands the decision to dispense with the Finn was taken before Monday night’s relegation to the Championship and that Raith Rovers boss Ray McKinnon is the man Thompson wants to replace him.

Dundee United chairman Stephen Thompson (centre) has apologised to supporters for the club’s relegation

Only legal formalities have delayed Paatelainen’s departure but the club statement made no reference to a 25-minute summit meeting which ended with him leaving tight-lipped after being informed of his fate.

‘Dundee United have let you, the supporters, down this season,’ Thompson’s statement read. ‘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.’

The target of supporter unrest after last weekend’s Tannadice defeat to Hamilton, Thompson flew to the United States last week in search of new investment in the club.

Mixu Paatelainen's future at the club remains unclear despite reports he was sacked as manager

‘I am currently seeking fresh investment in the club which may in time lead to me standing aside,’ he continued. ‘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.’

With relegation certain to mean cost-cutting and lost jobs, two parties are believed to have enquired about the club’s availability. With complications surrounding his ability to sell up, however, the short-term likelihood is of savage cost-cutting and redundancies among club staff.

‘The board has worked over a period of time to review and restructure the club,’ added Thompson.

Dundee United's players walk off the pitch dejected after their relegation from the SPL was confirmed 

‘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.’

Raith Rovers insist they have received no approach for McKinnon ahead of the Championship play-off quarter-final – and that none would be welcome.

Chief Executive Eric Drysdale said: ‘We are totally focused on the playoffs. Ray McKinnon is our manager and he is under contract - full stop.

‘There has been no approach from Dundee United and we certainly would not welcome any approach from Dundee United.'

Raith Rovers insist they have received no approach for Ray McKinnon and will not welcome any