Former Kelty Hearts manager Kevin Thomson to be interviewed as Dundee United draw up manager shortlist

Former Kelty Hearts manager Kevin Thomson is to be interviewed by Dundee United as the Premiership club look to appoint a new manager, STV understands.

Thomson is on a shortlist of four candidates for the position, which was made vacant when United sacked Jack Ross last month.

The 37-year-old left Kelty Hearts in May after guiding the team to the League Two title and was linked with the Kilmarnock job before Derek McInnes was appointed at Rugby Park.

United have spoken to a long list of interested parties and have now settled on a final four to be assessed before a decision is made. The club hopes to conclude the process by the end of next week.

Interim manager Liam Fox is also on the shortlist and is considered a strong candidate to replace Ross on a permanent basis.

Under Fox, United beat Livingston 2-1 at the Tony Macaroni Arena in the Premier Sports Cup and drew with Motherwell at Fir Park.

The coach will take charge of the side for a third time when they face Rangers at Ibrox on Saturday and it’s understood that the result will have no bearing on the decision regarding a manager.

Speaking on Thursday, Fox said that the job would be a terrific opportunity for whoever is chosen.

“I think it’s a good job to have,” he said. “I think there’s a very decent group of players here.

“Listen, we’ve had a couple of difficult months and everybody’s entitled to their beliefs and opinions about where they think the club is.

“I can only speak from the inside that I think there is a good group of players and I think it’s a really good football club. Whoever gets the job will inherit both of those things. It’s a good opportunity for somebody.”