Steven Pressley is hoping Ash Hay will be the first of many first-team stars who will commit their long-term futures to Dundee.
The striker was set to go out of contract in the summer, but has signed a two-year extension, with a club option to take that to 2029.
More deals in the pipeline
Dundee have the likes of Imari Samuels, Drey Wright and captain Simon Murray out-of-contract in the summer.
Pressley stated: “David Longwell is discussing a few things with a few players just now. He is trying to push on with a number of players whose deals we would like to extend.”
Hay's journey to Dundee
Hay, who scored the weekend winner at Falkirk, was an immediate priority for Dundee. He is a player that Pressley knows well and was responsible for taking him from Brentford B, where they worked together.
Pressley confirmed: “I knew Ash from my time at Brentford. I saw him close hand and he was a player who always had really good potential.
“Coming here and going into a first-team environment at Dundee, there is quite an adaptation. He has handled that step really well.
“It can take time to settle in and grow.
“He settled in and slowly and surely began to find his feet. When I look at him he has scored some really important goals.
“He provides us with great speed and mobility and he is very good in the air.
“I think he is improving in other areas all the time. He works extremely hard for the team and as a result of that he has created a really strong bond with our support. We are delighted he has committed. He should also be delighted with the progress he has made.”
Room for growth
It took time for the 23-year-old to find his feet but he had been a major player for the Dark Blues. Pressley believes he is only going to get better.
“We feel there is still a lot more to come from Ash,” he claimed. “All and all we are delighted that Ash has signed.
“We want a bit more stability around the club. Signing the likes of Ash on a new contract allows us to do that. It is exciting because we get more time to work with him and help his growth.
“He is getting more and more robust and more and more physical. He was physical against Falkirk.
“His understanding has also improved and a big part of his growth is dealing with the pressures and expectations of first-team football. That is such a challenge.
“It is a hugely challenging. His mind set has grown. He is also utilising his assets more. He is understanding his assets more and his movement is Improving.”
