Hereford have awarded manager Jamie Pitman a permanent two-year contract following his transformation of the npower League Two club's fortunes this season.
The Bulls are close to securing their Football League survival with just four matches remaining, something which appeared a tall order when Pitman was promoted from club physio at the start of October.
"I'm delighted and thrilled to be given the chance to lead the Bulls into the future. This club is in my blood," Pitman told the official website, www.herefordunited.co.uk.
Under Simon Davey's short reign Hereford propped up the bottom tier with just five points and four goals from their opening 10 matches, but Pitman has breathed fresh life into Edgar Street and the club now find themselves 18th with 47 points on the board - six clear of danger.
It is an even more remarkable achievement given their recent three-point deduction, which they plan to appeal, for fielding an ineligible player.
Pitman, 35, a former midfielder who enjoyed two playing spells with Hereford between 1996 and 1998 and was also at the club from 2002-06, was initially appointed as caretaker boss in the wake of Davey's sacking before being handed the reins in December until the end of the season.
Pitman also guided United to the fourth round of the FA Cup for only the eighth time in their history and has twice been nominated for League Two's manager of the month award.
Speaking about Pitman's two-year deal, Hereford's current chairman David Keyte added: "The results of Jamie's hard work are there for all to see. Thanks to him and his team we've had a great turnaround in form this year and he richly deserves the chance to lead us forward."
Source: PA
