John Hughes has signed a new contract to remain as manager of Inverness Caledonian Thistle until the summer of 2018.

Hughes, who has enjoyed a successful spell in charge of the Highland club including winning the Scottish Cup last season, had been linked with Dundee United who were refused permission to hold talks with Hughes before appointing Mixu Paatelainen.

Hughes said: "I'm extremely pleased that negotiations have been satisfactorily concluded and that my future lies with Caley Thistle.

"It's the outcome I really wanted as I've really enjoyed myself at the club and in the Highlands. The supporters have been excellent and there's a tremendous spirit in the dressing room which I have worked hard to maintain and strengthen."

"It's a pleasure to work with such a wholehearted, committed bunch of lads. Brian Rice has done a first class job since coming in three months ago and I'm delighted that he'll be at my side over the next couple of seasons."

Club chairman Kenny Cameron added: "It's extremely pleasing that, having offered John the job two years ago and seen his selection fully vindicated, we've now persuaded him to put pen to paper through to the summer of 2018."

"We're happy to thus ensure that our management team are in place for the longer term. Continuity is vital for a club of our stature and we'll be working closely with John to come to contract agreements with players who are willing to commit to continuing this club's journey."