Swansea City have announced that head coach Francesco Guidolin will stay at the club after signing a new two-year contract.
An early departure for the Swansea manager had been widely expected, despite Guidolin guiding the team to safety after arriving on a short-term contract in January.
However, the club confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that Guidolin will remain in charge of the first-team for another two seasons after being rewarded with a new deal.
BREAKING: Francesco Guidolin has agreed a new two-year contract with @SwansOfficial - https://t.co/yNVxEYbu6d pic.twitter.com/OSR1ev7b9l
- Swansea City AFC (@SwansOfficial) May 11, 2016
"Francesco fully deserves the chance to continue his good work into the new campaign," Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins said. "He was prepared to come into the club at such a difficult time and put himself in a pressure situation with the club fighting for survival,
"He has achieved the goal of securing top-flight football for this club with plenty to spare and has earned the right to start afresh next season. It's going to be another challenge for everyone, but we are looking forward to seeing how far he can take this squad of players over a full season.
"We are confident that he can carry on the good work at the end of this season into the new campaign."
Guidolin missed a number of matches after being hospitalised with a serious chest infection in March. However, the Italian has comfortably guided the Swans up to the safety of mid-table with a string of impressive performances, culminating in last weekend's 4-1 hammering of West Ham at Upton Park.
"There has obviously been a lot of speculation over recent weeks about a possible change of manager, but the board has been impressed with the way he has quietly gone about the job of improving performances and results since January," Jenkins added.
"Francesco and his staff have also gained valuable experience of working with the current group of players and Premier League football. That should stand everyone in good stead as we prepare for the new season ahead.
"It's a chance for him to prepare the players throughout preseason and fully instil his way of working on the group after a hectic and crucial few months.''
Guidolin's support staff have also been offered new contracts by the Welsh club.