DUNDEE UNITED have announced the appointment of Jack Ross as the club’s new head coach after Tam Courts departed for Budapest Honved. 

The 46-year-old former Hibernian, Sunderland and St Mirren manager has been out of work since being departing Easter Road last year. 

Ross has signed a two-year deal at Tannadice and will be looking to build on the club’s fourth-placed finish in the Premiership last season. 

"I’ve had a spell out of management and was happy to have a break," Ross told the club's website.

“I’ve had offers from Scotland, England and overseas to return to work but I haven’t had that real buzz of excitement that you need to go in and do a good job.

“In all the conversations I’ve had with the club, I’ve felt that buzz and excitement. I firmly believe I’ve been given a fantastic opportunity at a terrific football club.

“What we did last year was brilliant, but the challenge is to deliver consistent success to the club.

“There’s a historical aspect to this too. I grew up with Scottish football and I understand Dundee United’s historical standing in the game.

“It’s already a big club but the potential is there for it to continue growing.

“I’ve got to deliver success to meet those expectations.

“But part of the attraction for me is the fact there is big expectation from the fans. That’s something I’ve had at a lot my previous clubs. It’s something I’ll embrace.”

United sporting director Tony Asghar added: “Jack Ross is one of the best managers we could have brought to the club. We’re delighted he’s here.

“He’s vastly experienced, he knows how to plan and build a squad.

“We have been working through a strategic plan for the last three and half years and this is an exciting part of that journey.

“We are building a good young squad that is balanced with experience with an aim to continually get into the top six and challenge in cup competitions.”