Dundee have received another big boost with influential midfielder Stephen O’Donnell signing a new one-year deal to stay at Dens Park.
The news came just 24 hours after boss Barry Smith made his first new signing of the summer in the shape of highly-rated Raith Rovers striker John Baird.
O’Donnell was one of the Dark Blues’ star men this season and his performances had sparked interest from several unnamed clubs.
However, the 28-year-old, who joined Dundee in 2010 after being released by St Mirren, has decided to pledge his future to Dundee as they prepare to gear up for another tilt at promotion to the SPL.
O’Donnell said: ”I am delighted to have signed. I have had a great couple of years at Dundee, I am happy and settled here and hopefully I can help the team get to where we should be.”
Smith said: ”It is great news that Stephen is staying with us. He is an important part of my plans and hopefully will be part of a successful squad.”
Dundee chief executive officer Scot Gardiner also praised O’Donnell for deciding to remain at Dens and stated his hope that the fans would renew their own commitment to the club by snapping up season tickets.
He said: ”We are very pleased to announce that Stephen O’Donnell has today put pen to paper on a new contract for Dundee FC.
”I know Stephen is highly rated by the manager and his fellow players and he is an important character in our dressing-room.
”Signing him was a key part of Barry Smith’s plans. I am delighted that Stephen has chosen to pledge himself to the club and he is another vital part of the squad we are building for next season’s push towards the upper echelons of the Scottish game.
”I know he is excited by the signing of John Baird yesterday and is looking forward to playing in a new-look Dundee squad next season.
”Stephen was also coveted by numerous clubs in the past few weeks but we made it very clear to him that we saw his future at Dens and, happily, he agrees.
”He is also a fans’ favourite and I hope they are encouraged by his commitment today and can continue to get behind us with season ticket sales as we endeavour to take the club forward.”