A quicker indication of the support for the management team will, however, come in the form of an improved war chest to bring in new talent to enable them to have a real push at the top end of the First Division.

“Extending Alex and Davie’s contracts is something we will get round to, but we do not need them to sign pieces of paper to show they are here for the long term,” said chief executive Dave MacKinnon today.

“The chairman (Bob Brannan) has said he views Alex as a long-term appointment and that’s good enough for me and what is more important is that we put together a budget that allows them to have a real go at getting promotion.

“I cannot give you exact details, but it will be increased for next season and they will be in a position to do that. With the teams coming into the division, gate revenue will be up and we are working hard on bringing investment in.

“That will give Alex the money to bring in the players he needs — right now I’d say we have a dozen or so who can be relied on, but he needs more.”

This season, the Dark Blues have not been serious contenders, but, when all factors are taken into account, the board are satisfied with the work done by their team boss.

“When you consider all that has been going on off the park, it was not realistic to expect the team to be right up at the top of the league,” added Dave.

“This was always going to be a season of consolidation and we are very happy with the progress that has been made. As I’ve said, Alex has the basis of a good squad and now the financial situation has been sorted, by giving him an improved budget we believe he can really push on next season.”

For his part, the manager is continuing to speak to a number of players who he would like to see extending their deals beyond the summer of 2008, though, so far, no-one has put pen to paper.

Veteran defender Gary Smith, who is likely to sign up for another season, missed training today because of an ankle problem he picked up against Partick Thistle on Saturday.

This afternoon, Dens was invaded by around 80 local primary school children, who were attending a Show Racism the Red Card seminar.

The kids took part in a question-and-answer session with players Ludovic Roy, Dyron Daal and Khaled Hamdaoui and watched a video.

“Show Racism the Red Card are extremely pleased to be working with Dundee Football Club on this kind of event. The impact on the young people of meeting and listening to players in this setting is considerable,” said SRTRC campaign co-ordinator Billy Singh.