Dundee boss Barry Smith has agreed a new three-year deal, and influential midfielder Stephen O’Donnell has also pledged his future to the Dens Park club.
The Dark Blues, who are due to come out of administration in a matter of days and already have a board of directors in place, have wasted no time in offering Smith the contract after keeping them in the first division after an emotional rollercoaster of a season.
Smith took charge of the crisis club in October following the departure of Gordon Chisholm, and then proceeded to haul his side to safety despite being docked 25 points by the SFL for their financial problems.
The rookie manager exceeded all expectations by helping inspire a club record 23-game unbeaten run which even led to him being mentioned as a contender for manager of the year.
The whole of Smith’s squad have been offered contracts for next season and he hopes others will follow O’Donnell’s lead. The former Dundee United and St Mirren man has signed a one-year deal with an option of a further 12 months.
Smith said, “I’ve agreed in principle to stay for another three years. I’m delighted to get my future sorted out because everyone knows my feelings for the club.
“Now I just want to focus on getting as many of the out-of-contract players signed up as I can.
“Hopefully seeing that I’m committed to the club will persuade a few of them to stay and buy into what we’re trying to do here.
“Stephen O’Donnell has agreed a new deal as well. We’re delighted with that because he’s been magnificent since he came to the club.
“He doesn’t get the credit he deserves but I have loved working with him and can’t speak highly enough of him.
“We’re still in talks with the rest of the squad and hopefully we’ll have some more positive news soon.”
Dundee chief executive Harry MacLean lavished praise on Smith the man he hopes will lead the club back to the SPL next season.
He said, “We’re absolutely delighted that Barry has agreed a three-year contract. He did brilliantly last season keeping the club up against all the odds.
“We’re looking forward to having him run the club from top to bottom and hope one day that he can take us back to where we feel we belong.”
Reserve keeper John Gibson has also signed a new deal.