Dundee United's new manager Micky Mellon has told of his delight at taking over as new manager at Tannadice.

The Tangerines confirmed they had got their man after agreeing terms with his former club Tranmere Rovers. He will be in place ahead of the new Premiership season beginning on August 1.

Mellon, 48, told the club website: "I am very happy to be here at Dundee United. The challenge of managing the Club in the Premiership is an exciting one. I look forward to meeting the players and am really keen to get started."

The new United boss was one of a number of candidates for the role including SFA performance director Malky Mackay and former Newcastle and Derby County coach Steve McClaren. And following negotiations over the past few weeks since Robbie Neilson's departure, club sporting director Tony Asghar beamed at sealing his new head coach.

He said: "I am delighted to welcome Micky Mellon to Dundee United FC as our new manager. After a rigorous process where we spoke to a large number of excellent candidates, we see Micky as the man to lead our team into the Scottish Premiership and continue the success we have achieved so far. 

"Having known Micky for many years, his record of being a winner cannot be understated and his enthusiasm and standing in the game make him an ideal fit to the culture at Tannadice. He is a players’ manager and someone who will embrace the fans and local community which is highlighted by him moving to the local area with his family. I would also like to thank Mark Palios at Tranmere for his professional and respectful manner during the negotiations. 

"Micky will meet the staff and players tomorrow as we look forward to a new era in the history of Dundee United FC." 

Mellon counts Shrewsbury and Fleetwood among the other clubs he has managed where, at the latter, he won the Conference Premier League in 2012. He has also sealed promotion for The Fishermen and Tranmere Rovers.