BBC SPORT | IPSWICH TOWN | Burley handed five-year deal

Ipswich have rewarded George Burley for his remarkable efforts this season by handing their manager a new long-term contract.

Burley has committed his future to the Portman Road club in a five-year deal.

Ipswich have exceded all expectations this season after winning promotion via the play-offs last term.

Burley factfile

1956 - Born 3 June in Cumnock, Scotland

1972 - Joins Ipswich as an apprentice

1973 - Marks George Best on senior debut for Ipswich against Man Utd

1978 - Helps Ipswich upset the odds and beat Arsenal in the FA Cup final

1985 - Leaves Ipswich after more than 500 games to join Sunderland

1990 - First taste of management as player-coach at Ayr United

1994 - Joins Colchester as player manager

1994 - Returns to Ipswich as manager

1997-99 - Ipswich miss out in play-off semi-finals three years running

2000 - Town miss automatic promotion on final day but finally clinch Premiership place by beating Barnsley in play-offs

2001 - Guides Ipswich to guaranteed Uefa Cup spot and possible Champions League place

They have already guaranteed a Uefa Cup spot and still harbour dreams of Champions League qualification, though that bid suffered a setback when they were beaten at Charlton on Tuesday.

Burley signed a four-year deal with the club last March, but Ipswich's remarkable progress since then has prompted chairman David Sheepshanks to improve the deal.

Sheepshanks says the contract puts Burley "among the top echelons of football managers in England."

Special moment

The Town chairman added: "I doubt that the club can call any more important press conference than announcing a new contract for their manager.

"George has done tremendously well over the past six years and this is due reward and recognition for that.

"We are fourth in the Premiership, still challenging for a Champions League place and in the UEFA Cup for sure, so there is a tremendous amount to celebrate.

"So much of that is down to George."

Ipswich has always been a special club for me

George Burley

Burley joined the club from Colchester in December 1994, when Ipswich were bottom of the Premiership.

He guided them back to the top flight last season after a series of near-misses in the play-offs.

"I couldn't be any happier," Burley declared.

"Ipswich has always been a special club for me.

"I've had a long relationship as player and manager, stretching back over more than 20 years.

Ipswich manager George Burley (left) and chairman David Sheepshanks
Burley looks on as Sheepshanks talks

"When I came back as manager six years ago, I said it was a dream come true. It has certainly proved to be.

"The support of the club and the fans since then has been absolutely fantastic.

"Last year, in taking the club back to the Premiership, was the most special moment of my career as a player or manager.

"This year, it has just got better and better for everyone concerned.

"There is lots still to be done but I am so proud of the way we have performed at the highest level."


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