Tam Courts leaves Dundee United amid Rijeka talks as boss explores 'other options'

Manager Tam Courts has left Dundee United by mutual consent.

The Premiership club have confirmed Courts' wish to explore "other options" after he held talks with Croatian side Rijeka.

He led United to a top six finish and qualification for the Europa Conference League in his first and only campaign in charge after succeeding Micky Mellon.

And that attracted interest from the continent, with Courts being allowed to commence discussions with Rijeka last week.

An agreement has now been reached for the 40-year-old to depart Tannadice with the club's best wishes.

Courts said: “I’m immensely grateful to everyone at Dundee United for the opportunity they gave me to manage such a prestigious club.

“Tony Asghar took a chance on me and I had terrific backing from the owner Mark Ogren, the exec team and from my backroom staff such as Liam Fox and Adam Asghar. “A special thank you must also go to the players who have been a joy to work with and a pleasure to lead. They give maximum effort to everything they do for the club and I hope they have continued success for next season and beyond.

"Without their support and the backing of the fans, we wouldn’t have achieved our fourth-placed finish and qualification for the Europa Conference League.

“It’s not an easy decision to move on from Dundee United but I believe my time with the club has helped me grow and develop immensely, both personally and professionally and I feel ready for my next challenge.”

Sporting director Tony Asghar has already begun the search for Courts' successor and expects to make an announcement "in the coming days".

He bid farewell to Courts with a message thanking the coach for his considerable influence at the club, which previously involved his role