Sunderland boss Peter Reid tonight committed himself to the club until 2005 after finally signing a new four-year contract.
The Black Cats go into the final game of the season at Everton on May 19th still hoping they can qualify for European competition for the first timein 28 years.
That is a measure of how far the 44-year-old has taken them since he arrived in March 1995 to inherit a struggling First Division outfit.
"Peter has provided the vital ingredient that Sunderland has not known for decades - continuity," said chairman Bob Murray.
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"He has proved that he is a top established Premier League manager and I truly believe this club is his destiny," he said.
-PA