That’s a longer and more lucrative contract than the Dark Blues were prepared to offer, and Swankie’s now former boss had no complaints about his decision to move on.

What has left Alex with a frown on his face, however, is the player’s failure to inform him of his intentions during several sit-downs over the past few months.

“The last time I saw Gavin was on Tuesday, and he said he was still considering his options. Then, last night, I got a call from an agent saying he would be signing for St Johnstone today.

“I have no problem with him doing that, because it’s his right and, if he feels he needs a fresh challenge, he should go for it. What did disappoint me was he did not tell me himself. That would have given me the chance to wish him all the best in person.

“I was not able to do that, but I hope things go well for him and I would like to thank him for his service to the club. We look forward to him visiting us next season and we’ll have a special welcome for him.”

For his part, Swankie admitted the opportunity of a new challenge was a major factor in his decision to move to McDiarmid Park.

He said, “St Johnstone approached me about a month ago, but it wasn’t until this week that things got sorted out. I was offered a new deal at Dundee, but I think I need a change. This is a big club and, hopefully, we’ll be fighting for promotion next season.

“Everything here is positive and, hopefully, it will prove to be the right decision. I’ve made good friends at Dundee, so it was hard to leave, but I’m excited to be here.”

Derek McInnes has also signed Morton midfielder Chris Millar on a two-year deal, and the Saints boss was relieved the deals had been concluded.

He said, “I am delighted to get both of them. There’s been a lot of speculation and it’s great to get the deals signed and sealed.

“Both guys are at a good age for us. They are talented players who, I think, can help us get to the Premier League.

“Gavin gives us a natural width, which we struggled with this season. I’ve watched Chris for a few seasons and he’ll give us real energy in the middle of the pitch.”

Millar had agreed a pre-contract with Saints midway through the season, but, this week, Morton mounted a last-ditch attempt to keep him by throwing more money than Saints were offering at the former Celtic midfielder.

“Morton came in at the last minute with a great offer and I had to think about it, but I feel I’ve made the right decision,” said Millar.

McInnes also revealed that Paul Sheerin has agreed a new one-year deal, which will involve coaching Saints’ youngsters.

Out-of-contract players Kevin Cuthbert, Andy Lawrie, Allan McManus, Jamie McCluskey and Daniel McBreen have not been offered new terms.

Back at Dens, the manager has continued to work to bring players in and has now offered a player a deal to join the club — St Mirren striker Stewart Kean has been linked, but the manager was sticking to his policy of not naming names until contracts have been signed.

“I have made an offer, but, like most decent players, he has a few other things to consider. He’s been up front about that and asked for time to think things over, which I fully understand,” said Alex.

“Since I came here, I have certainly had no complaints about the fans and the level of support they have given has been terrific,” he said.

“This season, they have had some good results and performances to shout about, but I think a key period came in November and December when we had some dodgy results.

“They stuck with us then and I think that was a big thing. When fans get on players’ backs it can have an adverse effect, but, when they go out knowing they’ll have the supporters behind them, it’s a big help.”

Craig also recognises that over the season his players have given the people in the stands reason to cheer them.

“It has to be a two-way thing and, to be fair to the players, they have always given the supporters something.

“The punters are not stupid — they know when players are trying and when they aren’t. The one thing they know about this team is that, whatever the result, they will always give 100% and they’ve responded to that.”

Looking back at that sticky patch just before Christmas, Craig believes that, had he the strength in depth then that he has now, results would have been better.

Yesterday, he watched his reserves blast six past Falkirk and was pleased with the performances of those who took part.

“The squad is strong just now and that’s illustrated by the fact that, earlier in the season, we had Johnny Russell on the bench for the first team and now he is only making sub for the reserves.

“That’s not a reflection on how we view him, because we rate him highly. It shows we’ve got a good depth to the squad.

“We did not have that in November and December — if we had, I suspect we might have had third place in the bag by now.”

Willo Flood was back training today and is expected to be fit for Saturday’s trip to Aberdeen.