Monday 2 June 2014 07:24, UK
Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder has signed a five-year contract extension with the Aviva Premiership club.
The 48-year-old has extended his stay at Franklin’s Gardens after guiding Saints to the Premiership and Amlin Challenge Cup double this season.
The former Sale and England Saxons coach, who took charge in 2007, said his long-term deal reflected anticipated room for improvement despite the extra-time victory over Saracens in the Premiership play-off final on Saturday.
"This is a superb club and a brilliant job," Mallinder said.
I'm more motivated now than when I first came here. The challenges are huge.
"There are not many positions like this in world rugby and I've loved every minute of being here.
"We've had a few ups and downs, but generally we've been on the up since being in the first division that first year.
"We're getting better and better - not just as a team and a squad, but as a club, and it's something I want to be a part of.
"I'm more motivated now than when I first came here. The challenges are huge.
"There are plenty of ambitious clubs in the Aviva Premiership and we want to be better than them."
Northampton chief executive Allan Robson said: "The last seven years have been massively exciting for everyone associated with the Saints, and I've got no doubt that the next five will see us go from strength to strength.
"Jim has firmly established himself as the best director of rugby in the Aviva Premiership - not just in putting together one of the most exciting and talented first teams, but in how he has shaped the entire playing department to ensure that there is a legacy of success that will last for years to come.
"Professional sport demands immediate results and success, however there also has to be a balance between focusing on the short term and building a sustainable club.
"Jim has achieved this, reaching nine finals and winning more trophies than any of his predecessors, but he has put the pieces in place to also produce some of the most talented young players in the country through our academy system and bring in world-class quality, too.
"It is an exciting mix, and we are delighted that Jim is staying on as director of rugby."
