Dundee United are reported to be close to appointing Tranmere Rovers manager Micky Mellon as their new head coach, according to reports.
The 48-year-old has enjoyed two promotions and what is being termed as a ‘fake relegation’ during his time at Prenton Park and he looks set to become the first Tranmere manager in 50 years to be poached by another club. The Tangerines, who won the Scottish Championship, need him to replace Robbie Neilson who has moved to Heart of Midlothian. The two clubs have swapped place in the Scottish system.
Dundee United were looking to former England boss Steve McClaren, but he ruled himself out after talks. Scottish FA performance director Malky Mackay was also thought to be in the running, alongside Jon Daly and Austin MacPhee.
Instead, it is Scot Mellon, who spent his entire playing career south of the border, who looks likely to rock up at Tannadice. As well as his success with Tranmere, he previously achieved promotion with Fleetwood Town and Shrewsbury Town. He endured a tough season with Tranmere in 2019/20, coming up through the League Two play-offs, but losing leading striker James Norwood. When the season ‘ended’, his side were three points adrift with a game in hand over their rivals, Wimbledon.
Tranmere supporters are still reeling from their relegation to League Two, so news that the manager is on his way as well has not been well received.
It’s a cert been in press all week! Disastrous season for us and horrific prep for next season. Hopefully McGreal will be in ASAP so can start trying to bring some targets in and not miss out
— Sean M (@Wirral_white) July 5, 2020
https://twitter.com/TRFC710/status/1279555440733556738
Been incredible 🙌, first time my wife who doesn't watch football, devastated hearing he's leaving, that's what he did , he respected, understood the wirral and most importantly loves Tranmere. Thanks Micky #SWA
— Gaz 🇸🇱 ⚽️🏉🏴🎸🎧 (@SterTrfc) July 5, 2020
He’s done great for us but at the end of the day we were 3rd from bottom so may be for the best I wish him well and hope he is successful
— Steve Lawrence (@LStevelawrence) July 5, 2020
Losing key staff, analyst, Shaun, goalkeeping coach, prospect of loosing key players, Connor, Ollie, limited player budget for 20/21, might have been playing on his mind and influenced a decision if he goes.
— Andy (@andyiv22) July 5, 2020
am hoping it doesn't happen….I don't think Dundee Utd will be good for him…might end up with him as a neighbour if he does accept the job…ha ha ha!!(I get the piss taken out of me at work for being a Tranmere fan from the Dundee utd fans..now they want our manager)
— 🏴Steve_Scooby🏴 (@steve_scooby) July 5, 2020
This weekend could not get any worse, can it?
— TheJollyScot (@JollyScot) July 5, 2020
Terrible , last manager I was gutted when they went was Aldridge