In a major boost to the club’s future, St Kilda today confirmed coach Alan Richardson has signed a two-year contract extension.

The new deal - which will see Richardson contracted to the club until at least the end of 2018 - locks in a key foundation for the club’s on and off-field success.

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The 50-year-old is in his second season as senior coach after serving a long apprenticeship at the Western Bulldogs, Richmond, Collingwood, Essendon, Carlton and Port Adelaide.

“I am very pleased to commit to St Kilda’s future. There are exciting things happening right across our club and I am thrilled to be a part of it for at least the next three years,” Richardson said.

“I have high expectations of this playing group and with the backing of a united and supportive board and executive, I am confident we will return to a period of success in the near future.”

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After notching four wins in Richardson’s first season as coach, the Saints have built on that, recording five wins so far this year including inspiring nail-biters against the Western Bulldogs and Melbourne, a comprehensive 110-point win over Essendon and two wins on the road.

The youthful St Kilda team has earned plaudits for its attacking, selfless, aggressive style while Richardson has been praised for his communicative approach to coaching, development of the young group and empowerment of senior players.

St Kilda President Peter Summers said Richardson’s contract extension was another important step for a club that has shown it is heading in the right direction.

“Our supporters and members know we have an excellent senior coach in Alan Richardson and I am sure his emphatic commitment to the club will be very well received by them,” Summers said.

“The past 12 months at St Kilda have been characterised by smart decisions and important milestones and today is another example of that. Among our recent successes has been securing four new corporate partners in Dare Iced Coffee, SEEK, Ladbrokes and the Susan Day Group and making a significant impact in the community through supporting causes including Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision.

Jack Billings and Alan Richardson rejoice after St Kilda's epic comeback against the Bulldogs.

“Football-wise we have seen an exciting crop of young players emerge and our senior players have bought in and are leading the way. Our coaching, recruiting and high performance staff have also proven themselves to be talented and committed.”

St Kilda CEO Matt Finnis said extending Richardson’s contract made good business sense as it aligns with the club’s medium to long-term planning.

“In November 2013, the St Kilda board made a smart decision to appoint Alan as senior coach and, knowing him far better as we do now, we have even more confidence that he is the right man for the job,” Finnis said.

“Alan is not just committed to building an exceptional team, he wants to build an exceptional club. We are very confident in his approach and plans and today’s announcement recognises the importance of this in the club’s longer-term strategy.

“Alan has made such a positive impact on the players, the coaching staff and everyone around the club that there was never any doubt that we wanted to secure him to a longer deal.”