Bristol City manager Gary Johnson says he is looking forward to continuing his successful partnership with Keith Millen for the next five years.

Assistant boss Millen has signed a new contract, bringing him in line with Johnson, who agreed a five-year deal at the start of the season.

Millen's contract extension means the Robins now boast long-term stability at the top end of their management structure. One of Johnson's first decisions when taking over at Ashton Gate in September 2005 was to promote former Academy boss Millen to assist him and he today described his sidekick as "the perfect number two".

He revealed: "Keith has been given an extended deal on my reccommendation and I couldn't be happier.

"I think ours is a fantastic partnership and he's someone I want working beside me for the next five years. On that premise, the chairman (Steve Lansdown) was happy to offer him the same length of contract."

Johnson believes Millen is an unsung hero and the Londoner conceded: "Keith doesn't get the credit he deserves sometimes. I understand that, because it was the same for me when I was No 2 to John Beck at Cambridge.

"He's a teriffic coach, puts heart and soul into the club and is a very loyal lad. I think people now appreciate how well we work together."

He added: "It's good to know you are dealing with people who are going to be here for a long time and, in this day and age, five years is a very long contract."

Chairman Lansdown is adamant a settled management team is a prerequisite to progress on the pitch.

He said: "I was delighted when Gary Johnson decided to commit the next five years to this football club.

"He and Keith work so well together, it made sense to give them the same length of contract.

"That kind of stability at the top is crucial to what we are trying to achieve here. Gary and Keith have worked wonders in a short time and it's good to know they will both be here during what promises to be an exciting few years for the club."