Watford head coach Valerien Ismael has signed an extended contract, the Hornets have confirmed.

The Frenchman has been in discussions over a new deal for a few weeks and has now put pen to paper.

The club have stated the details of the contract “remain broadly the same”, but he is now tied to the Hornets for a longer period of time.

“The owner, the board and all of the senior management team have enjoyed getting to know and understanding Valérien and his methods,” said Sporting Director Cristiano Giaretta.

“It’s true we haven’t achieved the points we would like yet, but it’s the work and the progress we can see that gives us great confidence.”

He added: “It’s like others have said this season; you can feel and sense that we are changing here and there is a positive atmosphere everywhere.

“We have told the first-team players and staff who have reacted positively, so now we all must focus on our work – the match at Sunderland tomorrow night.”