Source: Team_Talk
Houston set for permanent Terrors role
Peter Houston is to be unveiled as Dundee United boss over the next few days after confirming he has been offered the job on a permanent basis.[LNB] The 51-year-old took charge of team affairs until the end of the season following the departure of Craig Levein to the Scotland national team in December.[LNB]The Tannadice club went on to secure the coveted third spot in the SPL, before clinching the Active Nation Scottish Cup at the weekend - their first success in the competition for 16 years.[LNB]Talks between Houston and chairman Stephen Thompson took place earlier today, with Houston set to put pen to paper on a three-year-deal.[LNB]"The chairman and I have now spoken and he has now offered me the job permanently, which is something I regard as a great honour," he said.[LNB]"We had a few things to discuss, but it didn't take long and now he'll sit down with my representative John Colquhoun tomorrow to sort out the exact details of the contract.[LNB]"To be honest, I didn't even ask how long it would be for, but the chairman mentioned three years and that's great by me."[LNB]Houston was initially reluctant to take on the role following a difficult start to his tenure as caretaker manager, including a 7-1 defeat to Rangers at Ibrox.[LNB]He ruled himself out of the running to succeed Levein, who he assisted for more than three years at the Tannadice club.[LNB]United saw a move for Bohemians manager Pat Fenlon break down in January after failing to agree compensation with the Irish club.[LNB]Results under Houston then improved dramatically, prompting him to change his mind over wanting the job.[LNB]As well as finishing third in the SPL, Houston boosted his chances further with a 3-0 win over Ross County at Hampden on Saturday, as United claimed the Scottish Cup for only the second time in the club's history.[LNB]"It's now about personal terms," Thompson told the Dundee Evening Telegraph.[LNB]"After our meeting today, I'm hopeful that isn't going to take too long."[LNB]Houston will be able to call on one of his biggest stars next season after Scotland midfielder Scott Robertson signed a contract extension today.[LNB]Robertson, who finished an injury-plagued season on a high by coming off the bench at Hampden on Saturday, committed himself to the club for another year until May 2012.[LNB]Young defender Keith Watson has also penned a two-year extension until May 2013.[LNB]Houston told the club's official website, www.dundeeunitedfc.co.uk: "I am delighted that these two players have agreed to extend their stay at Tannadice.[LNB]"Scott Robertson has proved himself to be capable of playing at the highest level and, were it not for injury, I'm sure he would have received further recognition at international level.[LNB]"He's just back from a long spell on the sidelines and it will be a great boost to have him back as a first-team regular next season.[LNB]"Keith Watson was recognised as having great potential as soon as we arrived at the club and it is very pleasing to see him battle back from serious injury to challenge for a regular first-team starting berth. I have high hopes for his future.[LNB]"Having already signed Ryan Dow and Dale Hilson on extended contracts, these further contract extensions demonstrate that we are all fully focused on the long-term future of Dundee United."
