Paul Hartley: Dundee manager signs new three-year contract

Paul Hartley has guided Dundee into the Premiership's top six

After signing a new three-year deal, Dundee manager Paul Hartley immediately set his sights on a top-four place and becoming the best side in the city.

Hartley also says winning a trophy is on his list of ambitions.

In just over a year in charge at Dens Park, Hartley has steered the Dark Blues to promotion to the Premiership and then a top-six finish.

And his long-term aim is to usurp neighbours United as the dominant force in the City of Discovery.

"That's what we're trying to strive towards, to try and compete with Dundee Utd," the 38-year-old former Alloa boss told BBC Scotland.

"They've dominated the city for so long and that's something we want to try to do. But we can only do that by trying to get a good winning football team on the park."

The signing of defender Daryll Meggatt on a pre-contract two-year deal from Alloa has also been confirmed.

Meggatt, 24, began his career at Queen's Park but joined the Wasps in 2012 and played under Hartley.

"I think it makes it much easier [to attract players] that you're a top six side," added the manager.

"We've brought a couple in already in {Rory] Loy and Meggatt and we'll try to improve the squad as the months go on.

"Everybody is singing from the same hymn sheet that we want to make the club better. It's a lot of hard work and that's the key for us, working hard to try and establish the club in the top flight for years to come.

"I've had total support from the board. I try to run the footballing side and that's what I'm paid to do, to try and bring the squad together, and the club have been fantastic so far: everything that I've asked for they've provided us with it."

Dundee last won the League Cup in 1974, while their only success in the Scottish Cup came in 1910.

However, Hartley was bullish on his search for silverware.

"I think to try and be a top four club and try and win a trophy, that's what we want to try to gear towards," he explained.

"I think we understand that we're not going to win the league and that's a fact, but there's always cups that we can win and that's what we're trying to do."