DUNDEE have confirmed Gary Bowyer will take the reins at Dens Park following Mark McGhee’s departure at the end of last season.

The 50-year-old joins the club along with assistant manager Billy Barr.

Managing Director John Nelms said, “We are delighted to welcome Gary and Billy to the club. At the start of the process, we set out with a job description and list of desired attributes that we wanted in a manager.

"It has taken time and patience along the way but we have brought someone in that ticked all of the boxes.

“It’s an exciting time for the club and we are looking forward to working with Gary and Billy."

Technical Director Gordon Strachan added: “It’s great to have Gary at the club. He is someone who ticked all the boxes during the process and that we feel can really drive the club forward.

"Now is the time for everyone to pull together and get right behind the manager and the team for the new season.”

Jack Ross and Shaun Maloney had been within touching distance of the position but talks broke down before Bowyer was given the nod.

The Englishman has managed clubs such as Blackburn Rovers, Blackpool, Bradford, and most recently Salford.

Bowyer was appointed Salford boss after Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney recommended him to club owners and fellow Manchester United Legends Gary Neville, David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, and Paul Scholes, but he was sacked after one year as he finished 10th in League Two.

The Dee face a tough position, being newly relegated to the championship with hopes of coming back up as convincingly as possible, and after days of talks and rumours have decided Gary Bowyer is the man to take them forward.