Brighton boss Gus Poyet has signed a new four-year deal that will keep him at the Withdean Stadium until 2014, reports BBC Sport. The 42-year-old took over from Russell Slade as manager in November 2009, leading the Seagulls to 13th place in League One in his first season.

Poyet told the club website: "I'm sure many people in football thought I was using Brighton as a stepping stone.

"That has never been the case. I want to get this club to as high a level as possible and I think we can do this."

Poyet's assistant Mauricio Taricco has also pledged his future to club, signing a similar four-year deal.

The former Tottenham assistant added: "It is very different to be planning with four years ahead of you than if you have one year left on a contract.

"As a manager, this was my ambition, to find a place to stay for the long-term, so I would like to thank the chairman and directors for giving me the possibility of working at this fantastic club for the next four years."

Seagulls' chairman Tony Bloom continued: "When we appointed Gus, we believed he would prove himself to be one of the best up-and-coming managers.

"We are pleased he has already shown that and are naturally delighted to have agreed a new deal with him."