Since then Thompson has dismissed Alex Smith, caretaker-coach Paul Hegarty and Ian McCall from the Tannadice hot-seat.

BBC: SPORT | Football | My Club | Dundee Utd | Chisholm battles to avoid sacking

"If Paul Hegarty decides to take the job, we at the SFA would be very pleased to see him on board, " said Smith.

BBC: Hegarty not second choice - Smith

"The chance of going back to the mid-80s glories, that will never happen, " said the chairman who has sacked Alex Smith, Paul Hegarty and Ian McCall since taking charge in 2002.

BBC: SPORT | Football | My Club | Dundee Utd | Thompson demands a top-six place