Southampton boss signs new deal

Ralph Hasenhüttl has signed a new four-year deal at Southampton, the club has confirmed. 

Hasenhüttl succeeded Mark Hughes as Saints boss in December 2018 and has become a firm favourite among supporters and they club have rewarded his efforts as head coach with a lenghty contract. 

"Southampton Football Club is delighted to announce that Ralph Hasenhüttl has signed a new four-year contract at St Mary’s," a statement read on the club's official website. 

"The deal sees Hasenhüttl and the club further strengthen their commitment to each other, and to the long-term vision that has been developed for the first team and the wider football project. 

"Alongside Ralph, Richard Kitzbichler has also extended his contract as First Team Assistant Coach, and will continue to work alongside the existing first team staff of Craig Fleming, Dave Watson, Kelvin Davis, Andrew Sparkes and Alek Gross." 

On his new deal, Hasenhüttl said: "This, for me, was a simple decision. Simple because of the relationship that I have built with the club, the players and the fans, and also because of the relationship they have built with me too. 

"I said when I arrived at the club that we were at the beginning of a long journey, and also a journey that would bring emotion and hopefully enjoyment. We have already had some moments where we could celebrate together, and some that have been emotional and also challenging. 

"The way we have handled this together as a group of people has been incredible for me, and I believe we now have strong foundations here that can allow us to take the next steps in our progress as a team. 

"For me, this is an important step in the journey. My players, our staff, and of course the supporters must understand my commitment to this club and to what we are trying to build together. 

"We value the same philosophies, and this is a big part of why I want to stay here, and I hope we can share in some very successful moments moving forward." 

Saints currently find themselves in 14th in the Premier League table, seven points above the drop zone, ahead of the resumption of the season this month.