[Mighty T.A.L.]

Billy Davies has signed a contract extension to stay as Derby County manager until 2010.

The Scot took charge at Pride Park last summer after leaving Preston North End, and guided the club to promotion to the Premier League.

The play-off win over West Brom ended Derby's five-year exile from the top flight and Davies has been rewarded with a new deal.

After that game he had admitted he could not guarantee he would stay at the helm, but those fears have now been banished.

Derby started the new Premier League season with an encouraging 2-2 draw at home to Portsmouth on Saturday, with Andy Todd heading home a late equaliser.

Davies, who had to watch that match from the stands due to a touchline ban, takes his team to Manchester City on Wednesday.

Skysports