Linfield have announced that manager David Healy has signed a one-year contract extension, ensuring his continued presence at the club despite recent rumours connecting him to the vacant position at Raith Rovers.
This new agreement secures Healy's role with the Northern Irish team until the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.
Since Ian Murray was dismissed by Raith earlier this month, speculation has been rife over who will take over at the Scottish Championship outfit. Healy was among the frontrunners, however Monday's announcement means the Starks Park board must continue their search elsewhere.
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“I am pleased that the club was prepared to extend my contact at Linfield and I am thankful to the Board for the support they have given me," Healy stated.
"Everyone knows that I am passionate about this club and I am totally focused on achieving further success during the remainder of my contract.”
“We have made a solid start to the season and I am delighted to continue working with this squad of players who share my determination to bring further success to the club.”
Linfield chairman Roy McGivern acknowledged the fact Healy had been targeted for job's away from the club, while expressing his delight that the 45-year-old has chosen to remain at Windsor Park.
He said: “We are delighted that David has committed to the club for a further year and would commend him for the loyalty he has shown to the club.
“We are now totally focused on bringing further success to the club and believe that retaining David’s services as manager is key to achieving that.
“I trust that this will put an end to the recent speculation about David’s future at the club and we now look ahead to our next fixture against Portadown on Friday night with David hopefully leading us to three points to maintain our excellent start to the season.
“The target this season is to bring the Gibson Cup back to Windsor Park and I know that our loyal supporters will fully get behind the manager and the team to help us achieve that aim.”
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