Contract extension gives Reds some stability

LONDON: The news that Rafael Benitez has agreed a new deal that will keep him at Liverpool until at least 2014 could not have been better timed for the club.

Uncertainty has stalked the 18-time English league champions for the past few seasons with rifts between co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, confusion over the proposed new stadium and above all the future of the manager Benitez.

His decision to commit his future to Liverpool could have a calming effect on a city desperate for the club to once again dominate English club soccer.