Sunderland manager Gus Poyet has signed a two year extension to his contract at the Stadium of Light, ending speculation that he would leave the north east club to take over at Southampton.
Saints are looking for a new boss after Mauricio Pochettino resigned to take charge at Tottenham Hotspur, and former Spurs midfielder Poyet was heavily linked with the St Mary’s job.
However, after saving the Black Cats from near certain relegation with a miraculous run of results against Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United, the Uruguayan has elected to continue with the Black Cats.
“Stability is absolutely key to long-term and sustained success for any football club,” Poyet told the official club website.
“This new contract gives both the club and me that stability going forward.”
“Now it’s a different challenge for me and the club and I am relishing the next stage with Sunderland,” continued the 46 year-old.
“We achieved so much last season, working together – the club and the fans – and we took many good memories from the season.
“The prospect of creating more of those memories is one which excites me.”
“We are naturally delighted that Gus has committed his long-term future to Sunderland,” said Sunderland sporting director Lee Congerton.
“Our plans are well under way in terms of summer recruitment and we are working hard to bring new faces to the squad ahead of the 2014-15 season.”