Mark Hughes signs three-year Southampton contract

Southampton were one point and one place above the relegation zone when Hughes was hired to replace Mauricio Pellegrino in March.

Under his leadership Saints won just twice in the Premier League but the second of those victories was a crucial win at Swansea City which helped relegate the Welsh club.

Hughes also took the team to the FA Cup semi-finals where they were beaten by eventual winners Chelsea.

He has now committed to a three-year contract whilst his assistant Mark Bowen and coach Eddie Niedzwiecki have also signed new deals.

Hughes told the club's website: “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.

“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.”