DUNDEE have sacked manager Tony Docherty.
SunSport understands the Dens Park gaffer was told this morning the club plan to move in a new direction.
Kenny RamsayTony Docherty has been axed by Dundee[/caption]
Kenny RamsayA Lyall Cameron double saw Dundee secure their top flight place on the final day[/caption]
GettyEx-Celtic star Shaun Maloney is in the frame for the Dens Park vacancy[/caption]
The former Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and St Johnstone number two took the job in the summer of 2023 and rebuilt the squad quickly following promotion from the Championship.
Docherty led Dundee to the top six last season, their first top-half finish in nine years, and was nominated for the Manager of the Year awards.
The 54-year-old couldn’t replicate the feat this season, with several injuries to key players crippling his defence.
As a result, they had the worst defensive record in the Premiership and only stayed out of relegation trouble on the final day by beating St Johnstone 2-0.
Dens owner Tim Keyes and managing director John Nelms have decided to make a change, with former Hibs boss Shaun Maloney in the frame.
The ex-Celtic winger is currently out of work after leaving crisis-hit Wigan in March.
He previously held talks about becoming Dee boss in 2022 but no agreement was reached.
Docherty also lost star man Luke McCowan to Celtic, who splashed out £1 million to sign him late in last summer’s window.
His backroom team have also left the club.
Dundee have confirmed Stuart Taylor, Alan Combe and Graeme Henderson have all departed with immediate effect.
In a statement, the Dens Park club stated that this season had “not met the standards expected by the club.”
They’re also planning to restructure the club’s football department while they begin their search for the next manager.
Dundee said: “Dundee Football Club can today confirm that manager Tony Docherty, Stuart Taylor, Alan Combe and Graeme Henderson have been relieved of their duties at the football club with immediate effect.
“Tony was appointed manager of Dundee FC in May 2023 after the club was promoted to the Scottish Premiership and in his first season in charge guided the club to a top six finish in the league.
“Stuart was brought in as assistant manager to Tony in June 2023.
Alan has been with the club since 2021 as goalkeeping coach and Graeme joined last summer as head of performance.
“Sunday’s result confirmed the club’s place in the Scottish Premiership for next season. However, this season the results of the team have not met the standards expected by the club.
“With the club finishing the season in tenth position, one place above the relegation play-off position, the club have taken the decision to relieve Tony of his duties.
Shaun Maloney’s career
Joined Celtic as a trainee in 1999 and made first team debut in 2001
Scored 37 goals in 138 appearances during first spell with Hoops
Spent 18 months with Aston Villa between 2007 and 2008 before returning to Celtic
Won five SPL titles and three League Cups across his two spells with the Hoops
Returned to England with Wigan in 2011 before a brief stint in the USA with Chicago Fire in 2015
Career ended with at two-year spell with Hull City
Won 47 Scotland caps and scored seven goals
Moved into coaching role with Celtic in 2017 before taking first team coach gig with Belgium in 2018
Appointed Hibs manager in December 2021 and was in charge until April 2022
Previously entered talks about becoming Dundee manager in 2022 but no deal was agreed
Took charge at former club Wigan in January 2023 and spent just over two years in the role
“The club would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Tony, Stuart, Alan and Graeme for all of the work they have put into the club during their time at Dundee FC. We wish them all the best for the future.
“The club intends at this juncture to restructure the football department and the process to appoint a new management team begins immediately.
“The club shall be making no further comment at this time.”
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