Ian McCall could be named as Dundee’s new manager shortly after being allowed by his current employers, Partick Thistle, to hold talks with the First Division leaders. Jocky Scott was sacked on Saturday night by the Dens Park club after a poor run of form, which has put their hopes of promotion to the Scottish Premier League in jeopardy.

Dundee invested heavily in their squad in the summer, bringing in the likes of Leigh Griffiths and Gary Harkins to lift them out of the second tier five years after their relegation on the last day of the 2004/05 season.

That outlay in players looked to have paid off as they roared into an early lead in the league but they have won just two of their eight games since the new year, allowing Ross County, Inverness and Dunfermline back into the title race.

A 3-0 defeat to bottom club Airdrie United signalled the end of Scott’s third time in charge and the Dundee boardroom have moved quick to bring in a man capable of keeping their title charge on track.

Former Dundee United, Airdrie and Falkirk boss McCall looks to fit the bill for Dundee and Thistle chairman Allan Cowan confirmed on the Jags’ official website on Sunday that McCall had been allowed to talk to the league leaders, but hoped he would turn down their offer.

"Following their decision to dismiss their manager we have allowed Ian McCall to speak to Dundee Football Club regarding their vacant manager's position,” Cowan’s statement read.

"However, Ian McCall remains the manager of Partick Thistle Football Club and is contracted to the club.

"It is our hope that Ian will remain our manager for at least the duration of that contract."

62-year-old Scott replaced Alex Rae as Dundee manager for the third time in 2008 and looked likely to be the man who took them back to the top flight.

Their embarrassing result to the Diamonds, coupled with their recent poor form, left the Dundee hierarchy feeling otherwise and said that they had to take action to realise their ambitions of winning promotion.

"The unanimous decision of the board was not taken lightly, but it was felt that in view of results since the turn of the year a move was essential and in the best interests of the club," a statement from Dundee on Saturday night read.

"As a board we felt it was vital this move was made while there was still enough time for a new manager to be appointed and to secure the victories required to get the team back to the SPL at the end of the season.

"Every effort will be made to ensure the appointment of a new manager is made as quickly as possible. The club will not be advertising the post.

"The board would like to take this opportunity to thank Jocky Scott for his work since returning as manager in the autumn of 2008.
"His devotion to his duties and desire to get the team back to where he feels it belongs have been admirable."