Levein pens Terrors extension

Levein: Three-year extension

I am therefore delighted to confirm that myself, Peter and Gary have signed contract extensions to May 2012.

Craig Levein
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Dundee United have been boosted by the news that manager Craig Levein has penned a three-year contract extension at Tannadice.

Within a few hours of the former Hearts and Leicester City tactician revealing he was in advanced talks, the deal has been agreed and signed.

Levein, who has guided United into fourth spot in the SPL table, is enjoying working for the Terrors and did not hesitate in committing his long-term future to the club.

"I thoroughly enjoy working at this club and I'm genuinely excited about the future prospects for the squad of players we now have," he told the club's official website.

Great relationship

"I also have a great relationship with the supporters and the board. So when the chairman (Stephen Thompson) first raised the matter of extending my stay, it really didn't take long to consult with my family and decide to accept the offer."

The club's assistant manager Peter Houston and reserve team coach Gary Kirk have also signed similar contract extensions.

Levein added: "I am therefore delighted to confirm that myself, Peter and Gary have signed contract extensions to May 2012 and that I'm looking forward to continuing to work closely with Stephen and the rest of the board for the betterment of Dundee United."

Talks on hold

Contract talks were initially put on hold as a result of Eddie Thompson's battle with cancer.

But, following his death in October, his son, Stephen, felt the time was right to push the club forward by securing Levein on a new deal.

"I have been working closely with Craig on a number of important football-related issues for some months now," said Thompson.

"But I always knew my main priority was to ensure that we secured his services for a longer term.

"We began discussions some time ago and while it was clear at an early stage that the outcome of these would be positive, neither of us thought that it was appropriate to continue these discussions or make any announcements while my father was so seriously ill.

"However, we both now think that the time is right to move forward and I'm absolutely delighted to announce that Craig and his management team have extended their stay at Dundee United for a further period."