Gazzaev's CSKA reign extended

PFC CSKA Moskva coach Valeri Gazzaev has ended speculation about his future by extending his contract with the club until 2011.

Renewal
Despite his CSKA Moskva team losing their grip on the Russian title this year, Gazzaev has been able to negotiate fresh terms to replace a deal that was due to expire at the close of the 2008 campaign. CSKA won back-to-back titles in 2005 and 2006, before falling off the pace in the Premier-Liga this season, finishing third, eight points behind champions FC Zenit St. Petersburg. "[Valeri] Gazzaev is a very competent coach who proved his quality many times," CSKA president Evgeni Giner said. "The resuts we achieved in recent years speak for themselves."

Glittering reign
Gazzaev took charge of the capital side in 2002 and has helped to secure three league championships and three Russian Cups. Perhaps his crowning glory came in May 2005 when CSKA beat Sporting Clube de Portugal 3-1 to become the first Russian club to lift a European trophy. Gazzaev had made his name when he led unfancied FC Alania Vladikavkaz to their first and only Russian title in 1995. He has also coached FC Dinamo Moskva and Russia's national side.

Out of contention
CSKA can no longer reach the UEFA Champions League knockout rounds after collecting just one point from their opening four matches. They could still pip PSV Eindhoven to third position in Group G, though, to earn a UEFA Cup berth.