BRETT Ratten will coach Carlton for the next two years after the club's board voted to award him a contract extension on Tuesday night.
Ratten's tenure at Visy Park has been the subject of speculation throughout the season, but the coach's ability to engineer improved performances on the field and an elimination final win after two failed attempts was enough to convince the Blues' board.
"At tonight's routine monthly meeting, the board of the Carlton Football Club ratified the decision to reappoint Brett Ratten as the senior coach for a further two years," club president Stephen Kernahan said in a statement released on Tuesday night.
"Prior to the season the club and Brett agreed that a decision on his future would not be made until Carlton's season was completed and tonight's scheduled meeting came just days after our semi-final loss [to West Coast].
"We have continued to provide feedback to Brett throughout the season and tonight's decision will enable the club to finalise discussions with Brett and his manager to formally reappoint Brett as the senior coach."
Ratten played 255 games for Carlton, including the 1995 premiership, and took over from Denis Pagan as senior coach with six games remaining in the 2007 season. He has coached the club to 49 wins, 48 losses and a draw.
