By Paul Sculthorpe Great Britain star and BBC Sport Online columnist

Ian Millward's decision to sign a five-year contract is yet another massive boost for St Helens.

It was great news to find out he had turned down the chance to become coach of Wests Tigers.

But to hear that he has pledged his long-term future to the club has given everyone a big shot in the arm, including myself.

He gets the best out of players and that's what I need in a coach.

I want to keep on improving and I think I can do that under Ian.

I think a big factor in his decision to stay is the fact that we have got a young squad, one that perhaps has its best years ahead of it.

The club is certainly looking to the future by signing up all its younger players on long-term deals.

Paul Wellens, Martin Gleeson, Tony Stewart and Tim Jonkers have all signed new contracts, which is great news for the club.

Another player who looks like committing his future to the club is Sean Long.

He has 18 months left to run on his current contract and the club are already talking to him now.

I've got two more years to go before my contract ends, but I'm always open to talks.

If they want to tie me up on a long-term deal, I'll be ready to listen.

It was a shock to learn that Sonny Nickle will be leaving us at the end of the season.