Poyet seals contract extension at Sunderland

Gus Poyet

has disappointed Southampton by agreeing an

improved two-year contract with Sunderland, intended to keep him on Wearside until at least 2016.

Although the Uruguayan told Sunderland owner Ellis Short that he wanted to stay put three weeks ago, certain details had still to be finalised. And nothing was formalised until a meeting with the board yesterday.

There had been concerns among fans that Poyet, whose old, one-year deal contained an exit clause which, until the end of this month, would have enabled a club to poach him without paying compensation, might be tempted by a move south.

Position of strength Instead the manager responsible for Sunderland’s remarkable escape from relegation has negotiated an agreement that is understood to extend his sphere of influence to assorted areas, including the academy.

Poyet is also believed to have received assurances over the summer transfer budget and parameters of his working relationship with Lee Congerton, Sunderland’s director of football. He appears to have gained increased control.

After succeeding Paolo Di Canio and inheriting a seemingly hopeless cause in October, Poyet averted relegation but led Sunderland to the League Cup final. Along the way he realised the club's potential which, even when struggling, regularly attracted attendances over 40,000.

Committed to club “I am delighted to extend my stay with Sunderland AFC, after an unbelievable season and our famous great escape,” he said. “Stability is key to long-term and sustained success

. . . and this new contract gives both the club and me that stability.

“Now it’s a different challenge for me and the club and I am relishing the next stage with Sunderland. We achieved so much last season and we took many good memories from the season. The prospect of creating more of those memories is one which excites me and now I cannot wait for the next chapter in my career and the history of Sunderland AFC.” Guardian Service