Dundee manager Steven Pressley has revealed the club intends to tie down several more of its squad on longer-term contracts over the coming weeks and months.
The Dens Park side has already secured extensions for Ash Hay, Imari Samuels and Ethan Crombie, and Pressley indicated further deals are planned.
Continuity key to squad growth
“Over the coming weeks and months I’m sure David will be working hard to get some of the other players on longer term contracts,” Pressley said.
“There is a lot of work ahead. January will come around and we’ll have to manage that window, but I speak a lot about continuity.
“If you get continuity and stability in your squad, it helps create the growth you’re looking for. We are eager to tie down several more of the squad over the next few months.”
Samuels signs until 2029
Full-back Samuels is the latest first-team player to commit, signing until 2029 with a club option for a further 12 months. Pressley believes his best years are ahead of him.
“I’m delighted to get Imari signed up and think it’s great business for us,” he added. “He’s been a very consistent performer during my time at the club and I think some of his performances have gone under the radar.
“At times he’s not had the plaudits he’s deserved. He’s growing all the time, getting stronger all the time and for me he’s been a key player for us.
“I think there’s a lot of scope in his development. He’s a different option to Idris Odutayo, he’s not got the same size and physicality but he is growing stronger.
“But he’s very quick, good at one-on-one defending and he’s brave. When I say that I don’t mean tackling and heading, it’s about being on the ball, taking it under pressure and getting us out of tight situations.
“He shows a lot of courage and quality in those moments. Those things are really important for the team and he’s terrific at it. He’s still young, only 23 and I believe there’s a player of really high potential there.”
Finnigan and Bevan set for St Johnstone clash
Pressley expects Ryan Finnigan and Owen Bevan to be fit and available for Saturday’s Premiership match against St Johnstone.
“We trained on Saturday and played a game between ourselves - and the good news is we didn’t pick up any further injuries,” he said.
“Ryan Finnigan played and came through it unscathed and Owen Bevan trained as well. With Ryan we need to manage him, be a bit selective around his training to get him through at the moment.
“Kieran O’Hara is still out, he’ll be missing for the next ten days.”
