Dods has completed his move to Dundee United

The 32-year-old will join up with the rest of the squad for pre-season training at the end of next week.

Dods signed a pre-contract agreement to join United from fellow SPL club Inverness in January.

Dundee United manager Craig Levein said: "His leadership qualities are well known and will benefit the team as a whole."

Interview: Dundee United defender Darren Dods

Levein continued: "Darren will bring further experience and solidity to the defence.

"Looking to the future, we have a number of very young players in the team and experience is not only required to help them develop, but is vital to the success of any side.

"Darren will bring exactly the type of experience we require."

Dods had previously played for Hibs and St Johnstone, and joined Inverness in July 2004.

He was made captain of the club at the start of the following season and has been a consistent performer at the heart of the Inverness defence, making 39 appearances last season.