Bobby Mann wants to make a name for himself at Dens

And Dens Park skipper Barry Smith has agreed a new two-year deal.

Mann is a late arrival to the top flight, the 30-year-old having helped Caley Thistle to the Division One title five years after joining from Forfar.

Dundee boss Jim Duffy said: "We're asking him to step up another level, but I have no doubts that he has the skill and the mental toughness."

Mann had agreed to join Dundee before Caley Thistle came from behind to pip Clyde for the title and grab the opportunity to enter the SPL for the first time in their history.

"He's shown for the past four or five seasons that he's capable of moving his game to new levels every time he's called on," said Duffy.

I know Barry had chances and offers to go elsewhere Dundee boss Jim Duffy

"We've got a young side at Dens and I think Bobby will prove invaluable - not just because of his experience but because of his considerable abilities as a footballer. He suits our style."

Dundee had faced opposition from other clubs for the services of the 30-year-old Smith, but he decided to stay despite being offered reduced terms.

"He's inspirational, he's a hard worker, he's a leader and he reads the game brilliantly - but sometimes I think people don't realise just how good a footballer he is," said Duffy.

Duffy expects to lose trio

"When I told the staff at Dens today that Barry was re-signing, there were beaming smiles all over the place. There's nobody more popular."

Smith said: "I was always keen to stay here and hopefully I can give something back to the club for being good to me over the last nine years."

Mann, who lives in Dundee and was commuting to Inverness, added: "I jumped at the chance to come here and work with Jim Duffy.

"He is an up-and-coming young manager and I think the club are about to start heading in the right direction."