Dundee United midfielder John Rankin has revealed how extending his stay at Tannadice was the ”obvious choice” for him to make.
Rankin (28) voted by fans as United’s player of the year at the end of last season was already tied to the Tangerines until the summer of 2013 but has agreed to add a further 12 months.
The news that he will be around for another two seasons at least will be welcomed by those same supporters. They will also be thrilled to hear that the former Hibs man is loving life at the club and was always going to pledge his future to the Tangerines.
”It is important that you enjoy your football and playing for Dundee United has been so enjoyable,” said Rankin. ”It is a fantastic place with a great team spirit. So signing this extension was an obvious choice for me.
”Last season was a great season, one which I thoroughly enjoyed,” added Rankin, who was signed just before that campaign started but became the only United outfield player to start every competitive game. ”The fans took to me immediately and that really helped me settle.
”To finish fourth and to have achieved European football again shows how much quality there is in this team. The incentive is there for us now to push on from last season and progress.”
Tangerines boss Peter Houston welcomed the news, saying: ”John’s undoubted ability, fitness and workrate were always going to appeal to the fans and his experience was vital to the blend of our team last season.
”Such was his level of performance throughout the season that I am thrilled he has committed for a further year.
”This season we will look to kick on from last season’s excellent finish and with another crack at Europe to look forward to, John’s progress at the club is another indication of how (beneficial) it is for players’ careers to come to Tannadice.”