Dundee United apologise to fans after 'horrendous' run of results

Dundee United chairman Mark Ogren has apologised to the club’s support after what he called “a horrendous run of results” and says the club will move forward after the sacking of Jack Ross.

Ross was removed from his position as manager following United’s record 9-0 home defeat to Celtic on Sunday.

The loss was a fifth consecutive defeat and that run also included a 7-0 hammering at the hands of AZ Alkmaar in Europe, and a 3-0 loss to St Mirren at Tannadice.

With the club now searching for a fifth manager in three years since Ogren took over, prompting the owner to publish an open letter to the support on the club’s website.

He said sorry for the results but said that he believed the foundations of the club were sound and that success could follow.

“I would like to address the current situation amid what has been a largely disappointing start to the on-field campaign,” Ogren wrote.

“A string of poor performances and unacceptable results led to the board making the decision to relieve Jack Ross of his position as head coach.

“Such actions are never taken lightly and, as a board, we took a period of reflection and information gathering after Sunday’s game before coming to our decision.

“This has been a horrendous run of results for the club and for that we apologise unreservedly to our fans.

“However, it is my belief that the tools and infrastructure remain in place for us to achieve success on the field. This will require everyone to be united behind what we are trying to do.”

United are in their second season back in the Premiership and achieved European football and a fourth place finish last season.

However, a poor start to the season has left the team rooted to the bottom of the Premership with just a point from seven games.

Despite that, and following the sacking of the manager, Ogren said that he believes the players are good enough to turn results around.

“In the almost four years of ownership at this club, we have achieved nearly all of our goals and objectives earlier than expected and as a board, we believe we can take things even further soon,” he added. “I am confident the players, staff, executive team, and board currently in place are the ones to take us forward alongside a new head coach.

“As we begin the process of looking for our new head coach, please know this will take some time and I ask you all to remain patient and supportive.

“Your support has been exceptional, both in terms of ticket sales and vocal backing and I know you simply crave success for our club. I can assure you I share that craving and certainly expect we will again soon be seeing performances in which we can all be proud.”