Raith and United play waiting game as McKinnon mulls over future

Contrary to premature reports on Tayside that claimed an appointment was due today, the Raith Rovers boss is still mulling over his options after speaking to United chairman Stephen Thompson yesterday.

After rejecting an initial approach, Raith accepted an offer of compensation from United on Sunday of around £30,000, paving the way for the Tannadice club to approach McKinnon, who still has a year left on his contract at Stark’s Park.

However, the Rovers board are also continuing talks with their in-demand boss, and have not yet given up all hope of retaining the services of the man who led the club into the promotion play-offs before being knocked out by Hibs.

Both Raith and United are now playing a waiting game while McKinnon contemplates his future, but while a move to Tannadice to replace Mixu Paatelainen is still likely for a man who played over 120 games for the club, it is not yet a foregone conclusion.

Meanwhile, midfielder Ryan McCord has left Raith to sign for League Two side Arbroath. McCord was one of McKinnon’s first signings last summer, joining from Alloa, and made 22 appearances for the Kirkcaldy side.

However, after finding first team opportunities limited in the second half of the campaign, he has now opted for a return to part-time football with the Gayfield outfit.