Ian McCall is to remain as coach of Falkirk, despite the best attempts of Dundee United chairman Eddie Thompson to lure him to Tannadice.

It appeared that McCall was on his way to Dundee United after a meeting on Tuesday night between Thompson and McCall's agent Raymond Sparkes.

It was understood that a deal had been agreed between the two parties.

But Falkirk offered McCall a much-improved deal to stay at the club and the former Airdrie boss has decided to stay at Brockville.

McCall said: "We are top of the league, six points clear and I have a fantastic squad of players who I believe can achieve great things in the coming seasons.

"I appreciate that there will always be speculation surrounding myself and the team when we are in this fortunate position.

"But I want to confirm to the fans that I am happy and delighted to be facing the challenges that I have at Falkirk.

"I am absolutely committed to staying at Falkirk and I have an enormous challenge at the club which I thoroughly enjoy."

This is a club with a great future Ian McCall Falkirk coach

McCall's decision is a huge bonus for the First Division leaders, who have been in outstanding form since he took the reins at the beginning of this season.

It had been thought that McCall, as an ambitious young manager, would have taken the opportunity of moving to a Scottish Premier League club.

Even if Falkirk win the First Division, it is unlikely they will be promoted to the SPL as their ground does not meet the league's criteria.

The club hopes to begin work on a new ground on the outskirts of the town by the end of this year, but that would not be ready in time for the beginning of next season.

But McCall appears to be committed to staying with the club, despite these difficulties.

"This is a club with a great future. We have a balanced squad, a fantastic support and the prospect of a new community stadium in the not too distant future," added McCall.

Chairman Campbell Christie was delighted with McCall's decision.

"We are obviously delighted that Ian has demonstrated his commitment to the club in this time of intense speculation," he said.

"Ian and his team are doing a great job and he is as ambitious for the club as we are.

"I appreciate, however, with success comes admiring glances from other clubs and that is part of football.

"However we do have a bit to go on many aspects of the club but we are progressing and glad that Ian has reaffirmed his commitment to us."