Rodgers rewarded with 'long-term' contract

Liverpool FC have handed manager Brendan Rodgers a new long-term deal at the club after the Northern Irishman led the Reds to a second-placed Premier League finish in 2013/14.

Appointed in June 2012 after helping Swansea City AFC to a successful first season in the English top flight following promotion, the 41-year-old guided the five-time European champions back into the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 2009/10 last season.

"Brendan is at the heart of what we are trying to achieve on the pitch. This season has reaffirmed everyone's belief that we can bring football success to Liverpool and we are all committed to working together to achieve that," said a joint statement from owner John Henry and chairman Tom Werner, though the club did not reveal exact details of the length of the new contract.

"Players and supporters have made it clear how important Brendan is to our success and so to have him commit to us for the long term is a great boost for everyone going forward."

The Merseyside club ended just two points behind champions Manchester City FC, a performance which saw Rodgers take the League Managers Association Manager of the Year Award. "I am both humbled and privileged to be offered the chance to extend my stay at this great club," said the former Watford FC and Reading FC boss. "I am very happy to build on the foundations we have built over the last two years and now we move onto the next phase which I believe will be as exciting, challenging and rewarding."