“Billy is very close to signing a contract as player-coach and we want Jim to sign a one-year extension to his contract,” said the manager. “In both cases, it is 99.9% agreed and I will be happy once both have put pen to paper because they’re important players for us.”

Ian was delighted to get Archibald’s name on his new contract. Signed from Partick Thistle last summer, he has, arguably, been the most consistent performer at Tannadice this term and has started every match.

“I thought he would do well when I signed him, but I didn’t imagine he would do as well as he has done. The only time he has not been on the pitch for us this season was when he was injured and had to come off at Dunfermline — that shows how well he’s done.”

As they try to maintain an excellent home record, the Tangerines will again be denied the services of some of their most experienced players when Hearts visit tomorrow.

The hamstring strain that forced him off at half-time against Rangers last week has left skipper Derek McInnes sidelined, while Andy McLaren will not recover from a calf problem in time.

And top scorer McIntyre remains some way away from making his return as he continues to be hampered by a torn groin muscle.

Definitely on from the start following his scoring double as sub against the Ibrox men, will be Jason Scotland, and Ian is looking for another positive performance from his team.

“In all, we will have five players out, but that is something we have had to become used to this season. This game will be every bit as hard as last week’s against Rangers, because Hearts are, without question, the third best team in the country,” he added. “They are where we want to be and, if we can strengthen over the summer, it is what we will be aiming for next season.”

With Monday being a Bank Holiday, all United’s community coaching sessions at Gussie Park are off.

With Barry Smith, Lee Wilkie and Tom Hutchinson still out, and in-form striker Steve Lovell suspended, that means some of the U/21 players, who have been completing an arduous programme for the second string over the last two months, will be pressed into service.

Chris Hegarty, Neil Jablonski and Steven McNally are in the squad and three or four others will be added later.

“The way things stand right now, I am going to have at least three young players on from the start. While I know their attitude will be first class and they can play, the problem is they’ve had a lot of games recently,” said boss Jim Duffy.

“Whoever is included, this is going to be their third game this week alone, and that is asking a lot of them.

“Having said that, it is not a bad time of the season to be coming in and, in Hibs, they will be facing a young side.

“Like us, they have a bit of experience at the back, but in midfield and up front, it is mainly guys our young players will know from U/21 level.”

On the plus side with injuries, centre-half Lee Mair is expected to recover from a groin problem in time to take his usual place. And both Steven Milne and Brent Sancho have trained without suffering any reaction to their problems, so will make it.

Meanwhile, as work continues to at least begin the process of emerging from administration before the SPL’s May 31 deadline, a further meeting between owners Peter and Jimmy Marr, the club’s administrators and fans group Dee 4 Life, took place last night.

The meeting was part of the ongoing discussions between Dundee and Dee 4 Life that could go a long way to seeing the 10-point penalty on those still in administration at the end of next month being avoided.

For that to happen, a company voluntary agreement has to be reached with creditors and a further meeting with them will have to take place.

With 21 days notice required for that, letters should be going out some time in the next week.

The latest fund-raising event for the club is on Sunday at Deja Vu nightclub when four local bands play between 2-10 pm.

But it’ll be nearer kick-off time before it’s revealed whether or not he’ll face the side whose manager, ex-St Johnstone favourite John Connolly, is being linked with the vacant managerial post at Perth.

Saints today appointed three new directors, Geoff Browne’s son Stevie, Charlie Gallagher and Stevie Park, and the chairman said he’ll be getting their views on any new team boss.

“They should have an input,” Geoff said. And he added, “We’ve had a number of applications for the vacant post and if people want it, they can apply for it.”

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