BLACKBURN Rovers manager Mark Hughes has committed his long-term future to the club by agreeing a new three year deal.

After weeks of talks, the Welshman has agreed to sign a brand new contract, which will keep him tied to Rovers until the summer of 2009.

Chairman John Williams made the announcement at the club's player of the year dinner last night as we predicted would happen in yesterday's paper.

And the news is major coup for the club, coming just 24 hours after Hughes capped his first full season at Rovers by leading the club back into Europe following a three year absence.

A delighted Williams said: "I'm delighted to say Mark Hughes has confirmed he will be extending his contract and staying with us until at least 2009, which is excellent news for the club."

Hughes has worked a minor miracle since he succeeded Graeme Souness in the manager's hot-seat at Blackburn 18 months ago.

When he first took charge the club was deep in relegation trouble, but he quickly put his stamp on the team and guided Rovers to a position of safety with a month of the campaign remaining, eventually finishing 15th, nine points above the dropzone.

That then gave Hughes the platform he needed to mount an assault on Europe in his second season with the club and, after a remarkable campaign in which Rovers defeated Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United (twice), they achieved their goal thanks to a magnificent victory over the champions on Tuesday night.

On top of that, Rovers have also enjoyed great cup success under the former Wales manager, reaching two semi-finals in the space of the last 12 months.

Last season, Rovers got the semi-finals of the FA Cup before they were beaten by Arsenal at the Millennium Stadium; a feat they also matched this term in the Carling Cup, eventually losing over two legs to United.

Not surprisingly, those achievements have resulted in Hughes being linked with a number of top Premiership posts, including the vacant manager's job at Newcastle United.

But Hughes has always stated he's happy at Blackburn, a point he has now proved by committing his long-term future to the club.

The bumper new deal is also a reward for what he's achieved in such a short space of time and it will put Hughes among the Premiership's highest paid managers.

Midfielder Robbie Savage said of the Rovers boss: "Everybody knows how crucial Mark has been to our success, and he's probably the reason why Craig Bellamy and I are here.

"If he can attract some more players in the summer, then we can go on a stage further."

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