Gary Bowyer exits Dundee days after winning Championship title

Dundee have parted company with manager Gary Bowyer days after winning the Championship, citing a need for “certainty” as they announced his departure.

The Dark Blues clinched the title on the final day of the season, beating Queen’s Park 4-3 in a head-to-head match to determine who would lift the Championship trophy.

That success helped win Bowyer the league’s manager of the season award, but the Englishman will not get the opportunity to manage Dundee in the Premiership next season.

A club statement read: “Dundee Football Club can confirm the departure of manager Gary Bowyer and assistant Billy Barr.

“Gary helped the club achieve its objective of an immediate return to the cinch Premiership and we are grateful to him for leading us to the cinch Championship and automatic promotion.

“Now is the time for certainty as we enter a critical summer of work in the transfer market and on the training ground, to ensure the first-team squad is ready to compete in the Premiership and remain in the top division.”

Dundee managing director John Nelms said: “Given the importance of the weeks and months ahead, I felt it was necessary to ensure we are all aligned on the direction needed to ensure the club is ready for its return to the Premiership.”

“On behalf of everyone at the club, not least our fans, we wish Gary the best for the future and reiterate our thanks for his achievements in the past year.”

Nelms and sporting director Gordon Strachan will now lead the search for a new manager.