FORMER Ipswich Town team-mates Tony Mowbray and Mark Venus have signed new contracts with West Bromwich Albion.Manager Mowbray has committed his future to the club until June 2011 while Venus, his assistant at The Hawthornes, has signed a new 12-month rolling deal.

FORMER Ipswich Town team-mates Tony Mowbray and Mark Venus have signed new contracts with West Bromwich Albion.

Manager Mowbray has committed his future to the club until June 2011 while Venus, his assistant at The Hawthornes, has signed a new 12-month rolling deal.

After guiding the Baggies to the Coca-Cola Championship play-off final last season, the pair who joined from Hibernian in October 2006, have steered the Midlands club to the second automatic promotion place this season.

"We're delighted both Tony and Mark have signed their new contracts," said chairman Jeremy Peace.

"The new deals are just reward for their efforts over the past 16 months.

"We believe Tony is one of the brightest managerial prospects around and we're really pleased to have secured his services for a further three and a half years.

"It's been no surprise to us that Tony's name has been linked with jobs at a higher level.

"It's up to us to make sure we keep him focused and motivated, which we've moved to do by offering him this contract and giving him the platform to bring success here.”