Dundee United chairman Stephen Thompson has started meeting individual players to discuss their futures following relegation and the departure of manager Mixu Paatelainen.

Paatelainen left his position on Wednesday morning and Thompson then began talks with the playing staff as the club begins to adapt for life in the Championship.

Edward Ofere, Callum Morris, Guy Demel, Ryan Dow, John Rankin, Euan Spark, Joe McGovern and Florent Sinama Pongolle will leave the club at the end of the season.

Stephen Thompson said: "I have had to explain the harsh realities of relegation to the squad. I spoke to them about cost cutting measures. It was not a pleasant thing to have to do, but it was better to do it face to face with them. John Rankin was there in his SPFA capacity and was very good about things. He was a great help."

Kyle Knoyle and Billy McKay will return to their parent clubs after their loan deals end. Chris Erskine has already agreed a pre-contract deal to return to Partick Thistle.

Thompson will also turn his attention to recruiting a replacement for Paatelainen and STV understands Raith Rovers manager Ray McKinnon is the club's top target.

McKinnon is understood to be open to an approach but is under contract until the summer of 2017, though the terms of his deal mean he could leave if a set compensation clause is met.

Raith Rovers are currently involved in the Premiership play-offs and start their campaign at home to Hibernian this evening.