Moyes signs new deal

Everton manager David Moyes has signed a new contract which will keep him at the club until 2009.

The 41-year-old Scot has steered the Toffees to third place in the Barclays Premiership table despite last season's narrow escape from relegation and the summer sale of star striker Wayne Rooney to Manchester United.

Moyes succeeded Walter Smith at Goodison Park in March 2002 after leaving Preston.

Moyes welcomed the new deal, saying: "I am ever so pleased. The opportunity to sign a second contract at Everton doesn't come around very often, whoever you are.

"I am delighted and extremely humbled to receive it because I realise that a big part in me getting this is because the players have performed well.

"I also feel that we have made progress in the past two and a half, three years and I now see a much better future for Everton. That is making me think that i's certainly the right place for me to put my name to."

Everton chairman Bill Kenwright has been desperate for Moyes, whose initial contract at the club ran out at the end of next season, to sign a new deal.

He said: "I am thrilled that David has decided to pledge his future to Everton and am absolutely certain that Evertonians all over the world will be similarly excited.

"Since his arrival at Goodison Park, David has proved himself to be one of the most gifted young managers of his generation."