Dundee United end Fenlon pursuit

Dundee United today dramatically abandoned efforts to bring in Pat Fenlon as their new manager after accusing Bohemians of “excessive” compensation demands.

Fenlon, 40, reportedly agreed a deal to succeed Craig Levein yesterday but the two clubs have been unable to reach an agreement to secure his release.

United said in a statement: “Dundee United has decided not to pursue any further interest in Pat Fenlon as team manager due to the excessive compensation demand made by his club and an unwillingness to reduce this.

“We now consider the matter at an end and will pursue other options.”

United are believed to have thought they could secure Fenlon for free because he was owed bonuses by the Dublin club.

But Bohemians were not to prepare to budge significantly on a compensation demand in the region of €278,000.

United reportedly offered a five-figure sum for his services but that was rejected.

It is understood there is no chance of a deal being resurrected for Fenlon.

Speaking before United ended their interest, chairman Stephen Thompson told the Evening Telegraph: "I have spoken to both their chairman Robert Dunne and the Bohemians board as a whole, and I have to say Mr Dunne is a gentleman.

“I appreciate his position, but I have made clear our position and it is now down to Bohemians taking stock of that and getting back to us.”

Reports suggest United could now turn to former Manchester United, Rangers and Scotland assistant Archie Knox, who is currently part of Motherwell caretaker boss Craig Brown’s coaching team.

“It’s well known that I am in at Motherwell on a temporary basis and I could be gone here tomorrow,” Knox told BBC Scotland.

“So I would have to listen to anyone who had something to say to me.”