Life is pretty good for Stoke City fans these days — the Potters currently 10th in the Premier League, six points clear of 11th, with eight games to play — as well as second-year Stoke manager Mark Hughes, who on Friday it was announced has signed a long-term contract extension through the 2018-19 season.
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Hughes took over at the Britannia Stadium in during the summer of 2013, following the departure of Tony Pulis. Since Hughes became manager, the Potters have gone 32-30-18 and are set for their first top-10 finish during the Premier League era. Stoke also find themselves just a single point out of eighth place, level on points with West Ham United and trailing Swansea City.
“This season has been more difficult than last season due to circumstances, like injuries to key players, but we’ve still been very competitive,” Hughes said in a statement on Stoke’s website. “And I believe we can do even better next season with a little bit more investment. Let’s see how far we can go.”
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“Hopefully the fact I’ve signed a new contract will give continuity to the club and, more importantly, the players because it helps them when they work with someone for a prolonged spell.”