With Levein out of contract in the summer, United supporters were growing increasingly concerned he could walk away from the club he’s transformed since taking the reins just over two years ago.

However, those fears were allayed today with the former Hearts and Leicester gaffer agreeing a new three-year contract.

That was welcome news for the fans, who, under Levein’s guidance, have seen their club’s fortunes improve dramatically from a side battling to avoid relegation into genuine contenders for a European slot.

He also led the team to last season’s CIS Cup Final at Hampden, where they led Rangers twice, only to be denied in a penalty shoot-out.

But it’s his transfer market dabblings which have proved Levein’s biggest success, where he’s brought in a group of relatively unknown players, several from lower league football, and transformed them into a side capable of challenging at the top end of the SPL.

Getting his manager to sign a new deal was always the No. 1 priority for Stephen Thompson, who took over as chairman of the club following the death of his father Eddie in October.

He said, “I have been working closely with Craig on a number of important football-related issues for some months now, but I always knew my main priority was to ensure that we secured his services for a longer term.

“We began discussions some time ago and, while it was clear at an early stage that the outcome of these would be positive, neither of us thought it was appropriate to continue these discussions or make any announcements while my father was so seriously ill.

“However, we both now think that the time is right to move forward and I’m absolutely delighted to announce that Craig and his management team have extended their stay at Dundee United for a further period.”

For the manager, the bond he has built up with the fans and the board over the last two years, meant he had little difficulty in agreeing to a new deal.

And, with the current group of players at his disposal, he firmly believes United can continue on an upward curve.

Craig said, “I thoroughly enjoy working at this club and I’m genuinely excited about the future prospects for the squad of players we now have.

“I also have a great relationship with the supporters and the board, so, when Stephen (Thompson) first raised the matter of extending my stay, it really didn’t take long to consult with my family and decide to accept the offer.”

Meanwhile, the manager’s biggest problem today was finding somewhere suitable to train.

Yesterday, frost put paid to any chance of this afternoon’s reserve game against Hibs going ahead at Station Park and today’s early-morning snowfall made finding a decent surface to train on near impossible.

“We’ll probably train indoors again, but there’s no point in worrying about it,” said Craig. “Most of the fringe men have been getting games regularly in the reserves.”

However, although he’s still some way short of a return, the next few weeks should see him be able to join the rest of the top-team squad in training.

“Colin has been doing his own stuff with the physio,” said boss Jocky Scott today.

“He’s hoping to be back training with the first team in the next two or three weeks, but, as far as games go, he won’t be in contention until the new year.”

Darren Young, meanwhile, continues to improve, while Mark Gilhaney, who has been sidelined with a calf injury, is also on the mend.

Looking at yesterday’s Scottish Cup draw, which saw Dundee handed a trip to face champions Celtic at Parkhead, the manager remained philosophical.

However, he wouldn’t be drawn on whether the financial windfall from the tie would allow him to bolster his squad when the transfer window opens in January.

“If you’re going to get a bad draw, you’re as well getting a big one,” said Jocky.

“But we’ve far too many important games coming up between now and then for me to start thinking about the Celtic tie.”

Stuart McCaffrey, Kevin James and Steven Doris are the only players receiving treatment.

It was felt McCaffrey would recover from his calf injury in time to face Dundee, but that proved not to be the case. It’s hoped, though, he’ll be fit enough to be considered for the home game against QOS on Saturday.