London, June 2 (IANS): Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has signed a new four-year contract with the club which will keep him at St. Mary's until 2024.

"This, for me, was a simple decision. Simple because of the relationship that I have built with the club, the players and the fans, and also because of the relationship they have built with me too," Hasenhuttl said in an official statement.

"The way we have handled this together as a group of people has been incredible for me, and I believe we now have strong foundations here that can allow us to take the next steps in our progress as a team," he added.

Alongside Ralph, Richard Kitzbichler has also extended his contract as first team assistant coach, and will continue to work alongside the existing first team staff of Craig Fleming, Dave Watson, Kelvin Davis, Andrew Sparkes and Alek Gross.

Southampton's Chief Executive Officer Martin Semmens said: "There has never been any question in my mind that Ralph is the right man to lead our club, and I look forward to working in partnership with him over the next four years.

"I know there is no one who will work harder to bring success back for our fans."

Southampton sit at the 14th place ahead of the Premier League's resumption scheduled for June 17.