United hand coaching staff new deals and plan to keep Shankland

Dundee United have handed new contracts to boss Robbie Neilson and his assistants following their strong start to the season.

Neilson has made a positive impact at Tannadice since taking the helm last year, guiding the club to the Scottish Premiership play-off final in his first season.

The Terrors sit top of the Championship after winning six of their first eight games, and the club have rewarded Neilson and assistants Gordon Forrest and Lee McCulloch by extending their deals until 2022.

Meanwhile, the Tannadice club’s desire to win promotion will be the key factor in their strategy concerning former Don Lawrence Shankland.

United sporting director Tony Asghar has confirmed that nothing will trump the club’s Premiership ambition when it comes to dealing with any possible bids for their Scotland striker.

Asghar said: “Lawrence has committed to three years and this club has a history of selling players at the wrong time.

“Lawrence was a target for us all last season. Robbieand I spoke about him and it took a lot of time to get him.

“My job is to get the best value for the club and the best value for the club is to go on and get promotion over and above any money from a transfer fee.

“The owners (Mark and Scott Ogren) have invested a lot of money. They are craving success. If you weigh a transfer fee up against success on the pitch they will take success on the pitch every time.

“I don’t think there is any price you could name for us to sell him and then not give ourselves the best chance of promotion.

“I am sure Lawrence would say the same thing. He’s a great boy. Other clubs had a chance to take him six months ago and never took it – he understands that

“He is committed to the cause here. By seeing the coaching staff all signing new deals now, it will show him that we’re all in this for the long-term.

“Some clubs can find themselves in the position where they have to sell top assets but we’re not in that position.”