Mark Hughes has been rewarded for keeping Southampton in the Premier League with a new three-year deal.
The former Wales, Manchester City and Stoke boss was tasked with keeping the Saints in the top flight when he took charge in March.
He did just that and will now stay at St Mary’s – along with assistants Mark Bowen and Eddie Niedzwiecki – until the summer of 2021.
“Mark, Eddie and I are thrilled to have signed long-term contracts with the club. It was the only option we considered, having spent the last eight weeks with the club,” Hughes said.
“Now it is vital that we take the unbelievable support we received from the fans during the last few games into next season.
“The staff and the players will work hard every day to deliver the success this club deserves, and with everyone pulling together we will achieve our goals.”
Southampton were a point above the drop zone when the 54-year-old – sacked by Stoke earlier in the season – replaced Mauricio Pellegrino.
Hughes won three of his 10 games in charge, the most crucial being a 1-0 victory at Swansea in the penultimate game of the season which effectively secured survival at the expense of their opponents.
Hughes made 61 appearances for Southampton during an illustrious playing career that also took in the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester United.
As a manager he impressed in his first role in charge of Wales, before moving on to make a positive impression at Blackburn.
From there he went to Manchester City, Fulham and QPR before spending four and a half years at Stoke.
“Mark and his team had a massive impact from the first day on the players, staff and fans alike, and was able to pull together everyone involved with the club to deliver the results needed,” a Southampton statement said.
“It is important now, under Mark’s leadership, for everyone to move into the new season with a renewed focus and energy alongside the continued and valuable support of our fans.”
