Manager Extends Contract Until 2012

There was a huge boost for Dundee United ahead of this weekends SPL match against Inverness Caley Thistle, as manager Craig Levein confirmed he will remain at Tannadice for another 3 years.

Levein`s contract was set to expired during the summer of 2009, but instead he has committed his future to the club by agreeing an extension that will keep him at the club until May 2012.

After only just missing out on 3rd spot in the SPL last season, the former Hearts and Leicester City manager has lead the club to final of the Scottish League Cup last season and are set to take on Celtic in the Semi-Final of the same competition this season.

44-year old Levein replaced Craig Brewster as Dundee United manager in October 2006 and was rewarded for turning around the clubs fortunes when he was also named as Directory of Football in January of this year.

"I thoroughly enjoy working at this club and I'm genuinely excited about the future prospects for the squad of players we now have," admitted Levein to the BBC this week.

"I also have a great relationship with the supporters and the board. So, when Stephen 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."

Fans favourite Levein was very close to the late club Chairman Eddie Thompson, who passed away last October after losing his battle with cancer.

After recently being appointed as Chairman, Stephen Thompson (son of Eddie) has worked hard to convince Levein to extend his relationship with Dundee United.

'I have been working closely with Craig on a number of important football related issues for some months now, but I always knew my main priority was to ensure that we secured his services for a longer term," Stephen told the BBC.

"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."

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