Aybaba awarded new deal

Coach Samet Aybaba has signed a one-year contract extension after leading Trabzonspor into Europe.

One more year
The 47-year-old's deal was due to expire in the summer, but the Trabzonspor board have persuaded him to stay for one more year after the club's triumph in the Turkish Cup guaranteed them a place in next season's UEFA Cup.

'We value continuity'
"We are happy to continue with our coach Samet Aybaba who played a significant part in the success of our club this year," said Trabzonspor vice-president Erol Tuna. "This decision of the board shows that we value continuity."

More work
Aybaba was pleased with the work done so far at the club, but was already looking forward. "We want to work more seriously and improve further," he said. "First we have to make some transfers, then we can decide what targets to set ourselves."

Excellent job
The coach led his relatively young Trabzonspor side to a 3-1 win against Gençlerbirligi SK in the Turkish Cup final, and has also lifted them into the higher reaches of the Turkish league.

European position
At the moment, they lie fifth in the table ahead of the weekend game against MKE Ankaragücü, who are just two points behind them. Should Trabzonspor finish in third, fourth or fifth place in the table - the places which usually lead to a place in the UEFA Cup - the team in sixth will also qualify for the competition.