Dundee are expected to take their time over the appointment of a new manager.

Tony Docherty was dismissed on Monday, less than 24 hours after securing survival in the Premiership with victory at St Johnstone.

It is understood Dark Blues chiefs made the move quickly after the final match of the season to give themselves as much time as possible to find the right manager to take the team forward.

Tony Docherty has left Dundee after two years in charge. Image: Craig Foy/SNS

The club say applications are being sifted through and no candidate has yet been officially spoken to.

A shortlist will be whittled down and it’s likely discussions with candidates will take place next week.

Candidates

Former Hibs and Wigan boss Shaun Maloney remains the frontrunner for the job and has reportedly stated his interest in talking with the Dark Blues.

Maloney played for Dundee technical director Gordon Strachan with Celtic and Scotland.

Other names linked with the job include Ayr United boss Scott Brown and Dunfermline gaffer Neil Lennon, both of whom also played under Strachan, and Linfield manager David Healy.

Shaun Maloney’s most recent role saw him spend two years in charge at Wigan Athletic. Image: PA

It’s also understood former Dens skipper Charlie Adam would be interested in a return to his boyhood club.

He’s currently working under David Moyes as Everton set-piece coach.

Limbo

The wait for a new manager being appointed, however, has a knock-on effect with other issues unable to be resolved.

Dundee have a number of players out of contract this summer including key men such as captain Joe Shaughnessy.

Dundee skipper Joe Shaughnessy is out of contract this summer. Image: SNS

Scott Fraser and Charlie Reilly also do not have new contract offers to consider right now while the likes of Scott Tiffoney, Josh Mulligan, Antonio Portales and Mo Sylla were offered new deals in November.

It’s understood players in contract limbo have been spoken to in person by the club to keep them aware of the process.

The club’s search for a new head of recruitment will also have to wait until a manager is appointed.

Billy Kirkwood, however, remains in post and work on transfer targets for the summer will continue behind the scenes as the search for Docherty’s replacement continues.