A vastly-experienced campaigner, his career started at Hibs, moved on to St Johnstone and then saw him join ICT in July 2004.

He has been skipper of the Highland outfit for the past two seasons and now United are looking to him to add leadership and presence to a defence that has leaked too many goals this term.

“Looking to the future, we have a number of very young players in the team and experience is not only required to help them develop, but is vital to the success of any side,” said Craig today.

“I am, therefore, pleased to announce that Darren Dods has agreed a two-year deal with us, as he will bring exactly the type of experience we require. Darren will also bring solidity to the defence and his leadership qualities will benefit the team as a whole.”

The Dods deal will not prevent the manager attempting to add another defender to the ranks this week, and chairman Eddie Thompson is digging deeper into his pockets than originally planned during this transfer window — because he has been so impressed by the way Craig has revitalised the team.

Despite defeats in the last three league games, the new boss has already steered the Tangerines off the bottom of the league to the relative safety of mid-table.

An impressive run of results, including a win over Rangers and a draw at run-away league leaders Celtic, has persuaded the Tannadice supremo to make extra funds for new players available.

He has already stumped up cash to bring in Morgaro Gomis from Cowdenbeath and highly-rated Irish pair Sean Dillon and John Daly — a trio of signings that ate up the original January transfer budget.

However, with the manager keen to push ahead with his squad rebuilding, the chairman has decided to free up more funds for at least one more signing.

There is also relief Craig himself signed up on a three-year contract when he took over from Craig Brewster at the end of October. Had he only been handed a short-term deal, the belief in the Tannadice boardroom is that he would have been the SFA’s No. 1 target to replace Walter Smith as Scotland boss.

The seven-figure compensation they would have had to pay for his services and an eagerness to avoid the kind of unsavoury wrangle that put a stain on Smith’s departure to Rangers, is believed to have frightened the ruling body off from making an approach for Craig.

United, meanwhile, today announced that Scott Carnegie, the club’s finance director and one-time chairman, would be standing down with immediate effect.

“I came into Tannadice some five years ago with the key goals of returning stability to Dundee United and to open the door for Eddie Thompson and others to invest in the club. Having seen Eddie take over, I was then invited by him to stay on, which has been a great honour and a privilege,” he said.

“Eddie’s leadership has brought stability to the club and his personal investment has provided the club with a sound financial platform for the future. Because of this, the outlook is extremely positive for the years ahead and it is now time for me to step down and concentrate on my own business interests.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Tannadice and I would not hesitate to help Dundee United again in the future, if ever the need arose. I wish the club every success in the future.”

“Yesterday we had to train in the gym and, today, the ground was even harder outside, so there was not much real ball work we could do and the boy has not really been able to show how good he is,” said Alex.

“He’s a free agent, though, and that means I have time to look at him — I don’t need to have him signed up before the end of the transfer window.

“Our kids are back from their winter training in Cyprus in a few days and that will give us enough bodies for a bounce game, so, if conditions improve, I might try to arrange one for next week and he can play in that.”

While he has been unable to check on the former FC Augsburg wide man’s ability, Alex has already been impressed with his attitude.

Paass, who has had trials with Falkirk and Kilmarnock in the past few months, had the chance to switch to Cyprus, but wants to earn a deal in a more established league to enhance his chances of adding to his two international caps.

“That shows he is keen and wants to do well. We could certainly do with another player who is comfortable out wide and we’ll see how he does once we can get him out on a decent surface.”

Meanwhile, no offers have been forthcoming for transfer-listed skipper Bobby Mann, though Dundee expect that to change between now and the end of the month.

“Bobby is keen to be playing every week and that is why he asked for a move. He has a lot of experience and knows the game at this level, so I would think there will be interest in him,” added Alex.

Reports suggest Main has rejected a new one-year deal to stay at Gretna and an 18 month deal from QOS in favour of a three-year offer from Saints. The player had a previous eight-year spell with the Perth club from 1995-2003.

Saints played a closed-door match against Morton today with new boy Felipe Morais playing for a half. The Perth men also fielded fringe first-team players and youngsters. Not taking part were Allan McManus, Kevin James and Martin Hardie, who are nursing injuries.

Owen is still trying to bring new players in, but his inquiry for an Irish striker will go no further as his club are asking too much money.