Brendan Rodgers signed a new long-term contract as Liverpool manager on Monday, a reward for reviving the fortunes of one of Englands biggest clubs during his two years in charge at Anfield. The 41-year-old Northern Irishman has proved a perfect fit at Liverpool since taking over from Kenny Dalglish in the summer of 2012 and steered the team to an unexpected title challenge in the Premier League last season. The Reds came up short, finishing two points behind Manchester City in second place, but secured a return to the Champions League after a four-year absence and earned admiring glances for their vibrant, attacking style of play. It has prompted Liverpools American owners, Fenway Sports Group, to give Rodgers a fresh contract. "We are very fortunate to have a hugely talented individual leading our football performance and in whom we place our trust to deliver the vision we share for Liverpool," principal owner John Henry and chairman Tom Werner said in a Liverpool statement. "Players and supporters have made it clear how important Brendan is to our success and so to have him commit to us for the long term is a great boost for everyone going forward." Exact details of the new contract were not disclosed. Rodgers has impressed in almost every facet of his job, on and away from the pitch. He is extremely popular with fans for his style of football, his tactical awareness, his insistence on giving youth — and English players — a chance and for breathing new life into a club that has suffered in recent years under the weight of financial and ownership problems. He also is well-versed in the clubs storied history, conducting himself perfectly in all the engagements that have come with the 25th anniversary of the Hillsborough Stadium tragedy in which 96 Liverpool fans died during a crush at an FA Cup semifinal. The media-friendly Rodgers, meanwhile, has demonstrated that he has a tougher side to him, earning wide praise for the way he handled Luis Suarez last summer when the teams star striker pushed for a move away from Liverpool. Rodgers was also not afraid to quickly jettison Andy Carroll — Liverpools record signing — because the tall striker did not fit into his plans. Rodgers seems the ideal person to lead Liverpool as it seeks to regain the English league trophy the club last won in 1989, for the 18th time. "I am both humbled and privileged to be offered the chance to extend my stay at this great club," Rodgers said. "I am very happy to build on the foundations we have built over the last two years and now we move onto the next phase which I believe will be as exciting, challenging and rewarding." Custom Minnesota Vikings Jerseys . New York City FC introduced Frank Lampard in Brooklyn on Thursday after signing the 36-year-old former Chelsea midfielder to a two-year contract. Brian ONeill Vikings Jersey . Anaheim Ducks Reassign D Colby Robak to Norfolk Admirals (AHL). - Team Website D Eric Brewer (foot) removed from injured reserve. http://www.officialauthenticvikingsshop.com/authentic-mike-remmers-jersey.html . The league-leading New York Rangers outhit and outmuscled the Maple Leafs during a 3-0 victory on Saturday. Backup goalie Martin Biron stopped all 20 shots he faced to complete a nice workmanlike effort by the visitors. Randy Moss Vikings Jersey . Early in the first period, Stuart pinched in from the blue line, hit Nash and was assessed a minor penalty for elbowing. Nash remained in the game for the rest of the first period, but did not return for the second. Trevor Siemian Jersey . Many of those eyes are in the United States of America, a country that the sport has wanted on its side for some time. On Sunday the football Gods delivered once again, only this time it was time for good old USA to experience as much heartache as joy.HOUSTON -- New Rocket Dwight Howard is healthy and talking about bringing a championship to Houston. "We have an opportunity to do something special if we stay together and stay focused," Howard said Friday on the eve of Houstons training camp. He was slowed last year after off-season back surgery, which played a part in a disappointing and difficult season with the Lakers. The centres signing propelled the James Harden-led Rockets from a young and talented group to immediate contenders. "For me, being healthy, I think its going to bring back a lot of the things that Ive done in the past," Howard said. "Im very excited about it." The Rockets gave him a four-year deal worth about $88 million, a year less and far below the $118 million the Lakers could have offered. But Howard was ready for a fresh start after a tumultuous time in Los Angeles, which included an admission that there were times that he wasnt having fun and what many believed to be a strained relationship with Kobe Bryant. He wasnt interested in talking too much about last season, but acknowledged the difficulties of the year. "It happened," he said. "Its over with. It didnt work out on both sides, so we have to move on." Then he raved about the relationships hes already built with his new teammates and his excitement about playing on such a young, energetic team. "Im in a better place mentally, spiritually and physically," Howard said. Howard, point guard Jeremy Lin and Harden were among several players who spent time in Aspen, Colo. in the off-season working with Houston great Hakeem Olajuwon. Howard and Lin separately relayed a story about a time during the workouts where Lin lobbed a bad and high pass intended for Howard. Lin immediately began to apologize for the errant throw, but there was no need. Howard jumped up to grab it and dunked it with ease. "I was like: Oh, wow. OK, thats good for me," Lin said of that moment. "He makes my job easier." Howard chuckled as he recalled the play. "He was in shock that I actually caught it because he hasnt seen that and its been a while since I was able to do that kind of stuff,&qquot; Howard said.dddddddddddd "So I think my health is coming back. Im getting some of the bounce back in my legs. It takes a while to recover from back surgery." The Rockets reached the playoffs for the first time since 2009 last season and battled back from a 3-0 deficit before being eliminated by the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6. Harden went from being a sixth man with the Thunder to bona fide star in Houston. Hes looking forward to doing even more with the addition of Howard. "We have all the right pieces," Harden said. "We have a lot of talent in that locker room. We have no more excuses. Were just trying build on what we did last season." General manager Daryl Morey believes pairing Howard with Harden gives Houston its best chance to win since the team featured Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming. "We have two top-10 players in the league," Morey said. "They have to continue to prove that, but both of them have played at extremely high levels. In the league youve got to have at least one and its great to have two like we have now playing at an elite level. Then you have guys who can play a role and play it well around them." The Rockets are also looking forward to the possibility of playing Howard and last years starting centre, 7-foot Omer Asik, at the same time. "Our focus as a team is on the defensive end," Howard said. "(Omer and I) have an opportunity to really mess up a lot of teams on the defensive end because of our presence." Houston coach Kevin McHale noted the development of Lin in his first season in Houston. A year removed from "Linsanity" in New York, McHale thinks Lin made great progress in his first full season in the NBA after playing just 64 games combined in his first two seasons. Lin isnt comfortable with being the focal point of a team and enjoys having a lower profile on a team with featuring Howard and Harden. "From a personal standpoint, theres a lot less pressure this season," Lin said. "Ive had such a wide spectrum of literally no expectations to having every expectation. Now its kind of going back down to some lower expectations." 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