Alongside his trusted staff of Paul Bastock and Joe Simpson, Culverhouse steered the Pilgrims away from the real danger of relegation last season – and he has since overseen the transition to a hybrid training model during the current campaign, with United well-positioned to secure a play-off place.

Reflecting on the new contract, United chairman David Newton said: "We are delighted that agreement has been reached to extend Ian's contract for a further season.

"Ian joined the club at a difficult time last season and steadied the ship. This season, we have moved to the new hybrid training model, which was a big step for the club. The change resulted in a virtually new squad being assembled for the current campaign, and which has taken time to settle in.

"Injuries have not helped, but we are now in good shape to push on for a play-off position.

"An open and honest discussion took place, where both parties agreed that all our focus must remain on promotion to the National League, and it was felt that we are now making good progress in that respect.

"The U23 model has not quite worked as planned this season, as a number of the U23 players were called into the first team ahead of where we expected, to cover for injuries.

"We now have a robust plan to get back on track with our plan for the U23s and develop it further moving towards next season.

"We look forward to continuing to work with Ian and his staff, and we will continue to support them as much as we possibly can."

PIC: Nikolay Hristov.