Rae was in charge at Dens Park for almost two-and-a-half years

Alex Rae has been sacked as manager of Dundee after a disappointing start to their First Division promotion bid.

The former Rangers, Sunderland and Wolves midfielder was relieved of his duties after Saturday's 2-1 defeat at home to struggling Ross County.

Rae, 39, had lost support in the boardroom but was unhappy at the summer sale of top players like Kevin McDonald, who was sold to Burnley.

Dundee are third bottom of Division One but remain just six points off the top.

Assistant manager David Farrell will take charge of the first-team for Saturday's match against Morton in Greenock as Dundee aim to resurrect their pursuit of leaders Queen of the South.

Queens manager Gordon Chisholm, along with coach Billy Dodds, are among those already being mentioned as possible successors to Rae.

Airdrie United's Kenny Black and former Raith Rovers manager Jimmy Nicholl, presently assistant with Aberdeen, are also possible targets.

Rae became player-manager with Dundee in May 2006 and this season gave up playing to concentrate on his management role.