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Mark Hughes close to signing new three-year deal at Stoke
STOKE manager Mark Hughes has confirmed he is close to signing a new three-year deal.
The Welshman has established himself at the Britannia Stadium after arriving two years ago despite fan protests.
Now Hughes' achievements have been rewarded by chairman Peter Coates.
"We are very close," said the ex-Blackburn, Manchester City, Fulham, QPR and Wales boss.
We are very close
"There is a will on both sides to agree to take the journey a bit more forward into the future.
"I see no reason why anything will get in the way of that.
"I'm very happy here, I appreciated the opportunity to come here and like to think I've repaid that.
"It's not signed yet but hopefully it is case of dotting the i's and crossing the t's."
Stoke have no fresh injuries but skipper Ryan Shawcross will be out for some time after being ordered to rest a back injury at home.
"We hope Shawcross' injury won't be with him for a long time," said Hughes.
"It got to the point where it could not continue and it has not settled down.
"Procedures have helped and it is a lot better. But he needs a bit more time to be fit and ready to go.
"There's no point rushing him back."
