DUNDEE are on the hunt for a new manager after confirming Neil McCann will not be making his interim Dens Park role permanent.

The Sky Sports pundit was called in to rescue his relegation-threatened former club after the Dark Blues sacked former boss Paul Hartley.

He took over with five games remaining and successfully guided the club away from trouble with two wins and a draw.

But now the Taysiders have confirmed the ex-Rangers, Hearts and Scotland winger is returning to his TV position.

In a statement, Dundee thanked McCann for his efforts in preserving their top-flight status and revealed talks have already begun as they step up their search for a long-term replacement.

“Dundee Football Club can today confirm that Neil McCann has left the club after fulfilling his role as interim manager,” it read.

“Neil returned to Dens on April 18 with a clear objective to steer the club clear of relegation with five matches of the season remaining.

“As a man who already had a number of historic moments with the club, Neil quickly got to grips with what was required and it would be enough to secure the club’s Premiership status.

“Since Neil returned to the club the process for finding our next permanent manager began. Extensive discussions have taken place over the past few weeks, and the process continues this week.

“Sky very kindly allowed Neil to step away from his contract to answer the call for the past five weeks. We are grateful to them and also to Neil for his hard work over the period.

“We would like to wish Neil all the best for the future.”

Hartley was axed after a run of seven straight defeats saw the Dark Blues slide into the relegation play-off spot.

They eventually finished the campaign two points above Hamilton and managing director John Nelms admitted the club was indebted to McCann for answering the call in their hour of need.

He said: “On behalf of the entire Dundee Football Club family I’d like to thank Neil for his interim spell in charge. He came in and did the job we asked him to do. The club once again owes Neil a debt of gratitude. ”

McCann added: “I’d like to thank everyone at Dundee for their hard work in the time I was manager there.

“It was an honour to become manager of the club where my playing career started and finished and I’m very proud I was able to succeed in keeping them in the Scottish Premiership. I wish them great success in the future.”