Dundee United defender Sean Dillon has given his club a timely boost by pledging his future to Tannadice.
The Irishman, one of the longest-serving and most respected members of Peter Houston’s squad, has put pen to paper on a new deal that will see him stay until at least the summer of 2015.
The two-year extension to his current contract, which was due to expire at the end of this campaign, is great news for United and provides a real tonic to combat early-season woes that have seen them slump to second-bottom spot in the SPL.
Dillon (29) joined the Tangerines from Shelbourne in his homeland in 2007 and the full-back quickly became a mainstay of the side under then manager Craig Levein. He went on to star for the side as United, by then bossed by Houston, beat Ross County to win the Scottish Cup in 2010.
As well as the silverware success, Dillon has been involved in three successive European campaigns and played his part in leading the team to strong finishes in the league.
He said: ”I love being at Dundee United. This club and the local area fit nicely in with my personal and career ambitions. The progress the club makes each year gives you a real buzz and my desire to continue to improve personally as well as improve the club’s fortunes made signing the extension an easy decision.
”My family are also very settled and we have many good friends in the area and that family security and happiness was also a vital reason for agreeing to sign on for another two years. I am now one of the senior players at the club and I enjoy having the responsibility that comes with that.”
No one knows Dillon’s value to the Tangerines more than Houston, and he welcomed the news.
”We are delighted that Sean has signed up for a further two years because he brings experience to Dundee United and is a great professional,” said Houston, who also saw youngsters Keith Watson and Stuart Armstrong agree contract extensions last month.
”Sean has also been a model of consistency. He has been asked to play in a various different positions over the years and has always got on with the job in hand for the good of the team.”
Houston also praised Jon Daly for his defensive display in last Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Aberdeen.
Not for the first time, Daly was moved back from his natural forward position and didn’t look out of place.
Houston said: ”He has played there before and I have said in the past that he might drop back there later in his career.
”We just needed his presence at the back against Aberdeen and he is a good talker, too, and communicates with those around him.
”It is a case of horses for courses, though, and you never know because Jon may end up back up front at St Mirren this coming weekend.”
French defender Gregory Vignal is continuing to make progress in his fitness fight and could start at Paisley after earning a place on the bench against the Dons.