Terry Butcher extends contract as Inverness CT manager

Butcher and Malpas have been at Caledonian Stadium since 2009

Inverness Caledonian Thistle manager Terry Butcher has agreed a two-year contract extension with the Scottish Premier League club.

His new deal - assistant Maurice Malpas has also agreed to extend his stay - means he is contracted at Caledonian Stadium until summer 2014.

The pair were due to be out of contract next summer.

Executive chairman Kenny Cameron said: "Terry and Maurice have done an excellent job for this club."

Cameron was delighted that the pair had accepted the contract offers to prevent any speculation about their futures despite the side currently sitting bottom of the table.

"It is important to have continuity at a club like ours and this extension will allow the management duo to plan for the future while signalling to the playing staff that Terry and Maurice are committed to the club going forward," he told his club website.

"Our present league position did not come in to the directors' thoughts.

"It is important to take a longer-term approach and we want Terry and Maurice to be a key part of this club's ongoing journey.

"We recognise the quality input of the management team and we have faith in their ability to further drive forward the club in playing terms."

Butcher and Malpas joined Caley Thistle in January 2009 and, although the side were relegated that summer, they steered the club to the First Division championship the following season.

Last season, Inverness finished seventh in the SPL - the club's joint highest finish and Butcher says he and his assistant were happy to stay.

"Maurice and I have become extremely attached to this club, and so many fine people in it, and we're very pleased to sign the contract extensions," he said.

"We enjoy living and working in the Highlands and we relish the spirit and support of what is very much a community club.

"Caley Thistle have won the admiration of many in Scottish football for their ambition and achievement with limited resources.

"This season, we've had the worst injury crisis I've ever seen at any club in my entire career, but everyone has stepped up to the mark and has shown tremendous strength and character."