FORMER Hibs manager Mixu Paatelainen could make a return to Scottish football with Dundee United, according to reports.
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The 48-year-old spent four years managing his country’s national team but was sacked in June.
The former Finland striker, who earned 70 worldwide caps, has also had a spell in charge of TPS in his homeland.
During a 20-year playing career he turned out for FC Haka, Dundee United, Aberdeen, Bolton, Wolves, Hibernian, Strasbourg, St Johnstone, St Mirren and Cowdenbeath.
I am delighted to welcome Mixu back to the club as our new head coach.
He also helped Kilmarnock to a top-six finish in his single season at Rugby Park and was named the Scottish football writers’ manager of the year despite having left to become Finland’s head coach before the end of the campaign. His desire to come back to the club was clear from the first minute we spoke.
“His experience combined with his vision and enthusiasm for the club made him the standout candidate and we are thrilled to announce his appointment”.
Paatelainen succeeds Jackie McNamara as boss of the Tannadice club now sitting bottom of the table.
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Paatelainen had been a 6/1 favourite to be appointed United manager after McNamara’s sacking, and despite approaches by the club for St.Johnstone’s Tommy Wright and Inverness’ John Hughes – which were rejected – it now appears that United have finally appointed their man.
