Sporting director Tony Asghar leaves Dundee United following fan protest

Tony Asghar has stepped down from his role as sporting director at Dundee United just two days after the club sacked manager Liam Fox.

Asghar, who has been a focus for supporters’ discontent over the direction of the club, says he is leaving to allow for a new management structure to be put in place at Tannadice.

A statement on the club website read: “Dundee United can announce that Tony Asghar has stepped down from his role as sporting director.

“Following more than four years at theclub, Tony has decided to leave his post to allow the new first team manager to be appointed within a revamped structure within the football department.

“The board and chief executive Luigi Capuano will now lead the process of hiring a new manager and hope to provide an update this week.

“The club will make no further comment at this time.”

Asghar leaves Tannadice with United rooted to the bottom of the Premiership table and facing relegation to the Championship unless results improve.

A section of the supporters had displayed an ‘Asghar out’ banner during the league match against Hearts in January, with fans unhappy with how he had been running the football department.

After the January transfer window closed without the club bringing in any new players to help fight against relegation, Asghar defended his position and actions.

He insisted the club had tried to sign quality players in January but would not settle for making additions just for the sake of it.

The sporting director also defended the appointment of Fox and the high turnover of managers at the club, which has parted company with Robbie Neilson, Micky Mellon and Liam Fox in just three-and-a-half years.

Asghar was again the focus of fan protests at the club AGM last week, which was attended by United owner Mark Ogren.

Saturday’s 4-0 defeat to fellow Premiership strugglers Ross County proved to be another low point in a difficult season, with United parting company with manager Liam Fox the following day. Fans had chanted again for Asghar and Ogren to leave the club during the match in Dingwall.