Houston to exit United

Dundee United have confirmed manager Peter Houston is to leave the club at the end of the season.

The 54-year-old has decided against extending his current deal which expires in June after chairman Stephen Thompson made him an offer but on reduced terms.

Houston had recently been linked with taking over at Blackpool but this was later denied by the English Championship club.

"It is with sadness that I have arrived at this decision but feel that I have worked with the Board to help them financially to reduce the debts and ongoing costs over the last three years and that there is a limit to how much we can continue to cut costs and continue to deliver what I want on the pitch," Houston told United's official website.

"I understand and accept that changing circumstances mean that the Board is under continued pressure to reduce costs, but I feel the time is now right for me to move on for a fresh challenge," he continued. "I look forward to working with everyone at the Club to ensure we finish top six again as we have done for the last three years."

Houston famously guided the Tangerines to the Scottish Cup in May 2010 and within just a few months of replacing his predecessor Craig Levein.

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