DUFC

UNITED PART COMPANY WITH ALEX SMITH

7th October 2002

Dundee United held a 1 pm Press Conference this afternoon in the Discovery Suite at Tannadice Park.

The following is the statement released by the Club:

DUNDEE UNITED TODAY ANNOUNCED THAT THEY HAVE TERMINATED THE CONTRACT OF THEIR MANAGER ALEX SMITH. THE CONTRACT WAS DUE TO END ON MAY 31ST 2003.

EDDIE THOMPSON, CHAIRMAN OF DUNDEE UNITED SAID, "THE BOARD MET WITH ALEX THIS MORNING AND WE EXPLAINED THAT WE FELT THE CLUB REQUIRED A NEW IMPETUS AND FRESHNESS TO ENABLE US TO MOVE FORWARD AND OF COURSE UP THE TABLE.

"BY ACTING NOW, IT WILL GIVE WHOEVER BECOMES OUR NEW MANAGER, TIME TO SETTLE IN AND BRING IN HIS OWN IDEAS.

"IN THE INTERIM, OUR COACH PAUL HEGARTY WILL TAKE CHARGE OF TEAM MATTERS ASSISTED BY OUR OTHER COACHES.

"I AND THE BOARD WOULD LIKE TO PERSONALLY THANK ALEX FOR ALL HIS EFFORTS OVER THE PAST THREE SEASONS. WE WISH HIM WELL FOR THE FUTURE."

ALEX SMITH SAID, "I WOULD TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO THANK MY COACHES AND THE PLAYERS FOR THEIR EFFORTS AND DEDICATION. I ALSO WANT TO PRAISE THE EXCELLENT BACKING I HAVE HAD FROM THE SUPPORTERS OVER THE PAST THREE SEASONS."