Lagerbäck to lead Iceland's EURO qualifying bid

Lars Lagerbäck will guide Iceland through UEFA EURO 2016 qualifying after signing a two-year contract extension on Monday.

Lagerbäck, who was appointed in October 2011, steered Iceland to the FIFA World Cup play-offs where they suffered a 2-0 aggregate defeat by Croatia this month. That result marked the end of an era in one sense, talismanic forward Eidur Gudjohnsen announcing his retirement, yet Lagerbäck will remain in charge as the team look to reach the UEFA European Championship in France. Lagerbäck's assistant Heimir Hallgrímsson also agreed a new deal and will succeed Lagerbäck for 2018 World Cup qualifying.

"I expect to quit after this contract but would like to finish by making it to the EURO finals, even though we are in a difficult group since we will most likely be in the fifth pot of seeds," said Lagerbäck. Hallgrímsson added: "He has made me feel like we took this decision together. It is good to make a plan for four years and we have a good foundation to build on."

Football Association of Iceland (KSÍ) president Geir Thorsteinsson said: "I think it has never been easier for the KSÍ board to sign a coach. Lars Lagerbäck and Heimir Hallgrímson have support from the Icelandic public, the supporters and of course the players."