Dundee received a double boost as central defenders Rhys Weston and Craig McKeown agreed new contracts at the club.
Weston was paraded on Wednesday morning, while McKeown, who was not expected to sign until later in the week, put pen to paper in the afternoon.
Weston admitted it was the emotional attachment he has for Dundee that was the decisive factor which convinced him to sign a new one-year deal with the Dark Blues, despite interest from SPL new boys Dunfermline.
“My agent had preliminary talks with Dunfermline but, to be honest, it would have taken something exceptional for me to leave here,” said the 30-year-old Welshman.
“I want to make it clear that I wasn’t looking for a quick fix. It wasn’t a case of trying to jump ship and getting into the SPL by any means.
“To be honest, it would have had to be a life-changing offer because there is a big emotional attachment here.
“I have had such a good time at Dundee and it is the most I have enjoyed my football in such a long time.
“It’s an exciting prospect coming back next season and hopefully taking the next step, which would be to clinch promotion to the SPL.
“If we can keep the majority of the team together, then there is no reason why we cannot do that.”
Weston and McKeown have joined Stephen O’Donnell in committing their futures to Dundee, with others likely to do the same shortly.
“Hopefully, the more that commit themselves to the club the more will follow,” added Weston.
“Every player, to a man, could expect interest from elsewhere given the season we have just had.
“But as the gaffer rightly says, if we can keep the nucleus of the squad together, we can be challenging.
“I have never experienced such team spirit at any club before and if we can replicate that, then we will be very tough to beat.”