Bielefeld repays Middendorp

BIELEFELD – Arminia Bielefeld yesterday rewarded coach Ernst Middendorp for keeping the club in the Bundesliga next season by extending his contract by one year until 2009.

The 48-year-old saved the club from relegation after arriving in March on a deal which initially ran until June 2008. After his arrival Bielefeld won five of their nine final games lifting them from second from bottom to 12th place.Middendorp already coached Bielefeld from 1988-1990 and 1994-1998.His aim was to keep them in the top flight for a fifth consecutive year, a record for the outfit from central Germany.* Meanwhile, former England skipper Bryan Robson was confirmed as manager of relegated Sheffield United, taking over from Neil Warnock.Previously in charge of Middlesbrough, West Brom and Bradford, Robson will have as assistant manager Brian Kidd who moves up from a coaching role at the Yorkshire club.Nampa-AFPAfter his arrival Bielefeld won five of their nine final games lifting them from second from bottom to 12th place.Middendorp already coached Bielefeld from 1988-1990 and 1994-1998.His aim was to keep them in the top flight for a fifth consecutive year, a record for the outfit from central Germany.* Meanwhile, former England skipper Bryan Robson was confirmed as manager of relegated Sheffield United, taking over from Neil Warnock.Previously in charge of Middlesbrough, West Brom and Bradford, Robson will have as assistant manager Brian Kidd who moves up from a coaching role at the Yorkshire club.Nampa-AFP