Brighton & Hove Albion have rewarded manager Chris Hughton for his positive work on the south coast with a new contract.
Under the 57-year-old's guidance, the Seagulls only missed out on promotion to the Premier League earlier this month on goal difference, before then losing out in the semi-finals of the playoffs to Sheffield Wednesday.
Despite those disappointments, the Championship club have moved to tie their boss down on a deal that runs until 2020.
"Chris thoroughly deserves this new contract after such an outstanding season. He has done an exceptional job since he took over as manager on New Year's Eve 2014," chairman Tony Bloom said in a statement.
"He secured our safety in his first five months in charge, and has instigated an outstanding turnaround in our fortunes on the pitch.
"He has overseen the building of a squad of which we are immensely proud, and one which has delivered a season to remember for our fans. He also has led the club off the pitch too, at important and difficult times, and we are very proud to have him as manager of Brighton & Hove Albion.
"There is no doubt he is one of the best and most skilful managers in the country and we are delighted to be going into next season with Chris at the helm and leading our club, as we aim to go one step further and realise our ultimate aim of reaching the Premier League."
The former Republic of Ireland international was recently named the LMA Championship Manager of the Year.
Liam Apicella
