Liam Fox has been named Dundee United ’s next permanent manager after agreeing a two-year deal to replace Jack Ross.
And East Fife boss Stevie Crawford will return to Tannadice as his assistant after also agreeing a two-year deal. Fox has been in caretaker charge since Ross’ sacking last month and United chiefs are understood to have been impressed with his work steadying the ship after a torrid start to the campaign.
The 38-year-old was interviewed for the position earlier this week as was former Dundee, Rangers and Hibs midfielder Kevin Thomson. Ex-Western Sydney Wanderers boss Carl Robinson was another name in the running with sporting director Tony Asghar leading the recruitment process.
But former Livingston and Raith Rovers midfielder Fox, who was second in command to Ross and Tam Courts last season, has won the race for the hotseat ahead of next Saturday’s Premiership clash with St Johnstone. United are the only club in Scotland’s four professional divisions yet to win a league match and sit bottom of the Premiership with two points from seven games.
Fox said: "I’m absolutely delighted to be given the opportunity to lead this outstanding football club. It’s a massive honour and privilege and I want to thank Tony and the board for their faith in me.
"I’m looking forward to putting a team on the park that the supporters can be proud of. We have made some small steps in the last few weeks and it’s now about getting that winning feeling back.
"I know how much the supporters at this club crave success. They, quite rightly, want a team that is fully committed to the cause every week and it’s over to us, as a coaching staff, and the players to achieve that. This group of players have real potential and quality. It’s down to us to find consistency in our performances to deliver the success that we all want.
"I’m also delighted to have Stevie on board as my assistant. He’s a brilliant human being, a real football man and he has real experience in the game. He’s been a manager and has worked at big clubs with big expectations.
"I’ve known Stevie a long time and I have enormous respect for him as a coach. He cares deeply about developing players and teams and will be a real asset to Dundee United."
Ross was sacked after a horror run saw them lose five games on the spin, conceding 24 goals including a 9-0 home thrashing off Celtic. Since being appointed interim boss Fox has won a League Cup tie away to Livingston and drawn at Motherwell before Saturday’s 2-1 loss at Rangers.
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