Scottish Cup winning manager Peter Houston has reiterated his desire to stay with Dundee United.

Addressing a packed city centre celebration to mark the cup triumph, Houston said: "I want to be at Tannadice for as long as possible.

"I'll be seeing the chairman next week and the one thing I want is the manager's job."

Houston replaced Craig Levein in late December and a month later agreed terms until the end of the season.

Following a 7-1 defeat to Rangers in his second game in charge Houston said he was not interested in the job on a full-time basis and only a row over compensation prevented Bohemians boss Pat Fenlon from taking charge at Tannadice in January.

United then embarked on a long unbeaten run as Houston led his side to third place in the Scottish Premier League and claimed the Scottish Cup for only the second time in their history.

Prior to the celebration in the city and an open top bus parade, Houston had revealed he would be speaking to chairman Stephen Thompson regarding his position.

MY SPORT: DEBATE Share your thoughts on United's victory at Hampden

"We will speak but it is just a temporary talk to see where we are going," he said.

"If it comes to it that I am offered the job I have got someone to speak for me and who knows how long that will take. Don't look for a 100% decision then but if I get offered it I want it.

"I am very pleased to be the manager of Dundee United and very proud of the fact we've won the Scottish Cup. It goes in the record books and no-one can take that away from me.

"I know what the chairman is going to ask me and it is all just about getting the bits and pieces sorted out that we want to chat about."

BBC Scotland's Jim Spence was the master of ceremonies at the City Square party before the team went on to show off the trophy at Tannadice.

And the football reporter was in no doubt that Houston will be at the helm next season, saying: "There's no danger he'll be anywhere other than Tannadice.

"He has a great, young squad. One or two players may have to go but the chairman has said he is in no rush to sell."

Meanwhile, striker Jon Daly is adamant Dundee United can improve further after a fantastic season, if the squad remains intact.

"I don't see that this is all we can achieve," said the Irishman.

"If we can manage to keep the players together, it's a young squad and we can push on and hopefully next year go a step further in the league and hopefully retain the cup.

"If there is interest in the players, we are doing something right. We're happy we've got this squad and we'll see how the summer goes.

Daly (left) believes the United squad can improve further

"Hopefully we can get Houstie signed up on a long-term deal as well."

Eight of the Hampden starting XI were brought to the club by Levein and the others, defender Garry Kenneth and goalscorers David Goodwillie and Craig Conway, owe much to the Scotland boss for their development.

And David Robertson was quick to praise the contribution made by his former manager.

"It's Craig Levein's team and he has been outstanding with everyone," said the midfielder, who was used as a late substitute on Saturday.

"He put the team together and Peter Houston has carried it on.

"For me especially as well, because I wasn't playing before, I can't thank him enough.

"I didn't think six months ago, the way things were going, that I would be in a winning Scottish Cup team.

"Houstie has carried it on and probably done it as good if not better, but it was Craig Levein's team to start with. So I have a lot to thank both of them for."

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