David Southern heads to new role at Dundee United

Dundee United have appointed former Hearts managing director David Southern as general manager in a newly-created role.

Southern, who was at Tynecastle for nine years, takes up a position at Tannadice. Picture: SNS

Southern, who was at Tynecastle for nine years, including the turbulent Vladimir Romanov reign, initially as communications director, will move to Tannadice by the end of August. Southern said in a statement: “This is an exciting time for both the club and for Scottish football as there is a real opportunity for change across the game. Having worked with the chairman at SPL level on a range of improvements including, most recently, league reconstruction, I am sure there is more we can deliver both at club and national level to build supporter enthusiasm in forthcoming seasons.

“Dundee United is well positioned both on and off field for future success and my focus will be primarily to support the club’s off-field operations and deliver on the undoubted promise that exists.”

Meanwhile, Hearts have broken through the 8,000 barrier in under three weeks of season ticket sale.

The club’s exit from administration, a mouth-watering Championship battle against Rangers and Hibs and the signings of Morgaro Gomis, James Keatings, Soufian El Hassnaoui, Alim Ozturk and Neil Alexander have led to a wave of optimism among supporters.

Club owner Ann Budge said: “Season ticket sales have been exceptional and that is great news for the club. We all hope, of course, that as many as possible of our current season ticket holders will renew.”

Hearts are expected to hand former Hibernian youngster Lee Currie the chance to win a deal at Tynecastle during their brief pre-season trip to England. Hearts face Bulgarian champions Ludogorets Razgrad at the Leigh Sports Village just outside Chester this evening before an encounter with Romanian outfit Dinamo Bucharest on Sunday.