STEVE GIBSON has described how the supporters’ affection helped persuade Aitor Karanka to commit to a new four-year contract as Middlesbrough head coach.

Karanka had 12 months remaining on his previous terms and had been linked with a variety of clubs following a successful first season at the Riverside, which ended in a play-off final defeat at Wembley to Norwich City.

Gibson has rewarded the Spaniard with a long-term deal and has promised to back him on the transfer front in a bid to get Boro back into the Premier League ahead of a seventh season outside of the top tier.

And Karanka, lifted by the backing he has received from the fans, has pledged his future to the club by penning the terms ahead of tomorrow’s opening fixture in the Championship at Preston.

Gibson said: “Aitor is very happy here, his family is happy here and he is putting down roots. He made a big decision to come here to another country and out of his comfort zone and has been overwhelmed by the welcome he has had from supporters and from the people across the area. He has been touched.

“He understands the important role the team plays in the area and the passion people feel for Middlesbrough Football Club – and he shares that.”

Gibson felt it was vital for the club’s development that Karanka stayed on for the long term as Middlesbrough aim for promotion to the Premier League.

Gibson said: “This is a massive statement of the commitment Aitor has to this club. For me this is probably the most important signing we will make this summer.

“We know that there has been interest in Aitor over the past year or so from clubs both here and abroad and rightly so because he is a very, very good manager.

“When that speculation has arisen he has always been quick to say that he is happy here and working in the best place. Signing this new four year deal underlines that quite clearly. It gives us a lot of stability going in to the new season in the coming years.”

Karanka was linked with the vacancies at Aston Villa, Newcastle and Sunderland before those Premier League clubs all turned elsewhere to make new appointments.

The former Real Madrid No 2 is now actively trying to strengthen his striking options, although has so far been unable to persuade Blackburn or Crystal Palace to part with Jordan Rhodes or Dwight Gayle respectively.

He took on the job in November 2013 when he accepted the challenge of managing in England, following Tony Mowbray at the Riverside. Last season Middlesbrough threatened on plenty of occasions to finish in an automatic promotion place only top fall short and lose at Wembley to the Canaries.