LIVERPOOL - Brendan Rodgers has been rewarded for his stellar work as Liverpool manager by signing a new contract that will keep him at Anfield until 2018. He had 12 month plus plus the option of another year remaining on his old terms.

The Reds came within two points of winning a first domestic league title since 1990, while attracting praise for playing an entertaining brand of football.

The club's principal owner John Henry and chairman Tom Werner jointly said in a statement: "Brendan is at the heart of what we are trying to achieve on the pitch. This season has re-affirmed everyone's belief that we can bring football success to Liverpool and we are all committed to working together to achieve that. To have him commit to us for the long term is a great boost for everyone going forward."

Rodgers himself said in the statement: "I am very happy to build on the foundations we have built over the last two years and now we move onto the next phase which I believe will be as exciting, challenging and rewarding. I am honoured every day to lead this team and I thank the fans for their continued support as together we strive to bring success back to Liverpool Football Club."