Dundee United today announced that Paul Hegarty has been appointed manager of the Club until the end of the season.

Eddie Thompson Chairman of Dundee United said: " By appointing Paul until the end of the season, I am giving him the opportunity to stake a claim for the position on a longer term basis."

"It has been a difficult time for everyone concerned but I hope now that the speculation can stop and that Paul and his coaching team are allowed to get on with the job of getting United into a more respectable league position. That is without doubt the absolute priority."

"I will now be sitting down with Paul to look at our playing staff and I will be awaiting his recommendations and plans concerning this when the transfer window opens in January."