Dundee United today announced that midfielder John Rankin has agreed a two-year contract extension.
The former Hibs midfielder would have been out of contract in the summer, but will now be at Tannadice until 2016.
Rankin (30) has made 117 appearances for the club and has scored nine goals since signing in May 2011.
He has been a regular this season and has been a key part of the team’s recent resurgence.
Manager Jackie McNamarasaid: “This is great news for the club and fans. John wanted to stay here and continue to enjoy his football and we are delighted with the job he is doing. We want our young players to learn good habits and both on and off the park John leads by example.
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“He is a fans’ favourite and securing his extension shows the fans we are intent on keeping our players and taking the club forward. The fans will be thrilled with this news and I am delighted that he will be part of my squad for a further two seasons.”
Rankin added: “The last three seasons have been the most enjoyable period of my career and I see the potential here right now and I want to be a part of that. The supporters are so encouraging and whilst that is important for the youngsters at the club it is also nice for us more experienced players.
“There is a positive vibe around Tannadice and we can achieve things in the near future here. We have shown progress over my time here and I think we are now ready to go to the next level.”
McNamara himself extended his contract earlier this week, and young stars Ryan Gauld, John Souttar, Stuart Armstrong, Nadir Ciftci and Andy Robertson are also tied up on long-term deals.For Ian Roache’s full interview with John Rankin see Thursday’s Courier or try our digital edition.