WOLVES head coach Tony Smith says he is pleased to end rumours about his future after signing a new two-year contract with the club, writes Matt Turner.

The Australian, who joined the club in 2009, has committed himself to The Halliwell Jones Stadium until November, 2018.

Smith’s previous deal was due to expire at the end of the current season and rumours were abound linking him with a move elsewhere.

“A lot of stories get tossed around at this stage when contracts are running out so it’s nice to be able to put a stop to all that,” he said.

“It’s pleasing now to be able to get back to business as usual, getting on with things and looking ahead to the future.

“I’ve been here longer than any other club I’ve been at and I want to be a part of what we’re building at Warrington.

“I’m really excited about the future with the squad we have and I’m delighted to be a part of it.”

The news of Smith’s fresh deal broke at the same time as Roger Draper announced he too had signed extended terms to stay in his role of chief executive.

Draper joined the club in March of last year and Smith has hailed his part in the club’s off-field transformation.

“It’s great that Roger is staying, he and a few other board members that have come in are really helping the club to move forward,” he said.

“We’ve made some great strides off the field and it will help us make strides on it.

“Stability is a key part of most successful businesses and I think it will help the players knowing everything is in hand off the field.”

Smith also expressed his delight with the news of Kurt Gidley’s one-year contract extension and praised the impact he has had since arriving from Newcastle Knights during the off-season.

“Kurt has settled in superbly and really made the club his home very quickly, its great news that he’s signed on again,” he said.“I’m delighted with his commitment to the club, he’s a brilliant professional and he’s really brought a lot to the team.”