Who's next for Dundee hotseat? Candidates who could replace the axed Paul Hartley

Dundee are a club looking for a hero – and fast.

After a poor run of results and performances that led to them plummeting into the Premiership relegation play-off spot, the board decided it was time for gaffer Paul Hartley to go.

The Dens men find themselves scrapping for survival after suffering a horror run of seven consecutive defeats, in a spell stretching back to the end of February.

So, the Dark Blues need a boss who will rally the troops, inject some life into their all-important post-split showings and drag them to safety.

Record Sport Online looks at some of the names who could find themselves in the frame to be next in the Dens Park hotseat.

Alan Stubbs

If you go by the bookies’ predictions, then Alan Stubbs is the early favourite to be installed as the next Dundee gaffer.

The former Hibs boss has been made the 4/1 frontrunner by league sponsors Ladbrokes, which, given his record, isn’t very surprising.

Under Stubbs’ management, the Easter Road men were always there or thereabouts in terms of promotion, and made it to the Premiership play-offs.

His greatest achievement, though, and one that put his name in Hibs’ folklore was lifting the Scottish Cup last year – the first time they had lifted the famous trophy in 114 years.

He’s out of work and available but would he fancy a crack at the Dundee job?

Jim Duffy

Duffy is no stranger Dundee, having already been in charge twice before.

During his first spell as boss, he won plaudits after leading them to the Scottish League Cup final in 1995, where they were defeated 2-0 by Aberdeen.

His return didn’t go quite as well, though, as, despite the high of another Hampden date and qualification for the UEFA Cup, subsequent administration meant he had to lose many of his big-hitters and his charges were eventually relegated from the top flight.

Currently at Championship side Morton, Duffy has the Greencok side on song and in fourth place. But, if his old club were to come calling, could he be tempted to revisit an old stomping ground and be the one to get them out their slump?

John Brown

Having played and managed at Dens, not many know the set-up as well as Brown.

A fans’ favourite during his days on the pitch, the ex-Rangers defender also impressed when he was brought in as manager.

Despite failing to keep them in the Premier League, Brown assembled a team that fought hard for survival and came close to achieving it – experience that could serve him well if he was to get the nod to replace Hartley.

David Hopkin

The man in charge of Livingston could be a candidate for the move after a title-winning season.

Coasting to the finish line, Hopkin led the Livvy Lions to the League One crown with four games to spare.

The former Scotland international could be a darkhorse in the race for the Dark Blues hotseat.

Peter Houston

Houston may not be first choice for many supporters, given his association with their Tayside rivals.

But, his record isn’t to be dismissed, having had several solid years with Dundee United, including winning the Scottish Cup in 2010.

Houston has also cemented himself as a Falkirk favourite since taking over three years ago, during which time he has reached a Scottish Cup final and nurtured one of the strongest teams in the Championship, as they currently sit second to Neil Lennon’s Hibees.

Darren Young

Young could attract attention after proving his coaching credentials quickly at Albion Rovers.

Winning the League Two championship and promotion in his first season as a manager, the one-time Dee star went on to oversee their best start to a third tier season in the club’s history and has kept the good form up, steering them to a respectable seventh place at present.

Throw the experienced Billy Stark into the fold, who is Young’s assistant and could well follow him to his next destination, and it could be an exciting managerial prospect for the Dundee board to consider.

What the bookies say…

While Stubbs is the top of the Scottish Premiership sponsors Ladbrokes’ list to take up Hartley’s former position, there are some more left-field names in their crop.

Former Dens supremo Claudio Caniggia is 50/1 to make a shock return, with ex-Celtic manager Ronny Deila also making it on to the list.

Ladbrokes’ latest odds:

Alan Stubbs 4/1

Terry Butcher 6/1

Gary Locke 7/1

Ronny Deila 25/1

For the more adventurous punter…

Temur Ketsbaia 25/1

Claudio Caniggia 50/1