David Healy: Linfield manager agrees three-year contract extension with Irish Premiership holders

Linfield manager David Healy has agreed a three-year contract extension at Windsor Park.

The new deal will extend the former Northern Ireland and Leeds United striker's reign at the Blues until the end of the 2023-24 season.

Healy was appointed Linfield manager in 2015 and has won four Irish Premiership titles and two Irish Cups.

His side began their league title defence with a 2-0 win over Crusaders at Windsor on Saturday.

"I am delighted to have reached this agreement with the club and I want to thank the board for their faith in me," Healy told the Linfield website.

"I've loved my time here and I want to thank the staff and players who've helped us achieve success during my time here. It really has been a team effort.

"It's good to get this contract agreed now as it leaves us free to focus on the important task ahead, which is to aim to bring further success to this club."

This summer saw Linfield make the switch to a full-time regime, following similar moves made in recent years by fellow Premiership clubs Glentoran and Larne.

Speaking after Saturday's win over the Crues, Healy said he understands the pressures that come with managing the south Belfast club.

"There is always pressure at Linfield, whether we are full-time or part-time - as our club captain said recently, there is a target on our back," he said.

"That doesn't change whether we have won the league or not, when opposition teams play against Linfield they want to beat us probably more so than some of the other teams."