/ 4 May 2006

Hughes to stay with Blackburn until 2009

Blackburn manager Mark Hughes has agreed to a new contract that will keep him at the northern English Premiership club until at least 2009.

Hughes has worked wonders at Ewood Park, steering the club away from relegation last season after accepting the job in September 2004 and taking them into the Uefa Cup this time around.

Rovers chief executive John Williams told the club’s official website: ”Mark ticks all the boxes for us. He is well liked by the playing staff and very popular with our fans.

”His record speaks volumes. I am delighted with this development; it is excellent news for the club.”

Hughes added: ”I am excited by what is happening with Rovers and am very happy to pledge my future to the club. We have enjoyed a great season and I am looking forward to being part of the club’s success going forward.”

Hughes’s only previous appointment was as Wales coach, between 1999 and 2004.

Rovers secured their Uefa Cup berth by beating Premiership champions Chelsea 1-0 earlier this week, while Hughes also led them to victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford in the early part of the season. — Sapa-AFP