SAINTS have appointed Mark Hughes as permanent manager on a three-year contract, rewarding the experienced Welshman for leading the club to Premier League safety.

Having been initially handed a short-term contract to save the club from relegation, the 54-year-old pulled together a struggling team, leading them to 17th in the top-flight with late wins against Bournemouth and Swansea.

As such, Saints wasted no time after survival in entering talks with Hughes over a long-term contract for him and his assistants, Mark Bowen and Eddie Niedzwiecki.

Discussions went smoothly and the final touches of the deal were put in place this week, although were slightly delayed in the end due to post-season breaks.

But, Saints have now announced Hughes as boss and the man himself is delighted.

He said: “Mark, Eddie and I are thrilled to have signed long-term contracts with the club. It was the only option we considered, having spent the last eight weeks with the club.

“Now it is vital that we take the unbelievable support we received from the fans during the last few games into next season. The staff and the players will work hard every day to deliver the success this club deserves, and with everyone pulling together we will achieve our goals.”

A club statement added: "Mark and his team had a massive impact from the first day on the players, staff and fans alike, and was able to pull together everyone involved with the club to deliver the results needed.

"It is important now, under Mark’s leadership, for everyone to move into the new season with a renewed focus and energy alongside the continued and valuable support of our fans."

Assistant manager Bowen and first team coach Niedzwiecki have also signed long-term contracts.