Raith issue hands-off warning as boss McKinnon linked with Dundee United

Raith Rovers have warned Dundee United not to interfere with their promotion bid after manager Ray McKinnon was installed as the bookies favourite to replace Mixu Paatelainen at Tannadice.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd May 2016, 18:07 BST
Updated 4th May 2016, 10:35 BST
Raith will not entertain an approach for manager Ray McKinnon while they are still involved in the promotion play-offs. Pic: Fife Photo AgencyRaith will not entertain an approach for manager Ray McKinnon while they are still involved in the promotion play-offs. Pic: Fife Photo Agency
Raith will not entertain an approach for manager Ray McKinnon while they are still involved in the promotion play-offs. Pic: Fife Photo Agency

While there is still no official confirmation of Paatelainen’s departure, it has been widely reported that the Finn has been sacked following United’s relegation to the Championship, which was confirmed after a 2-1 defeat away to city rivals Dundee last night.

The Press understands that former United player McKinnon is a leading contender for the post, but with Raith due to start their promotion bid at home to Hibs in the play-off quarter-final first leg tomorrow night, chief executive Eric Drysdale insisted any approach would be dismissed out of hand.

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“Any speculation at this time is unhelpful in the extreme,” he said. “We will not entertain any approach for the manager while we are still involved in the play-offs.”

Scottish bookmaker McBookie.com offered odds of 3/1 on McKinnon taking over at United but were forced to slash the price to evens after taking several bets on the Raith boss making the move across the Tay.

McKinnon (45), is under contract at Stark’s Park until the end of next season.

Related topics:Dundee UnitedRaith RoversRaithDundee