Berlin, April 23 (IANS): Former youth football coach Martin Schmidt has signed a first division contract until June 2018, German club FSV Mainz has confirmed.

Mainz and Schmidt agreed on a long-term cooperation as Schmidt put pen to paper on a three-year deal on Wednesday after replacing Kasper Hjulmand due to poor performances in February, reports Xinhua.

"Martin Schmidt took the team over in a difficult situation. However, he gave the team an important impulse to improve our prospects for the end of the season. He knows and loves the club for now almost five years, during which a mutual confidence has grown. Extending the contract with him was the next logical step," Mainz manager Christian Heidel said.

Schmidt led Mainz to the 11th place of the standings, seven points adrift of the relegation zone. Under his guidance the club reaped three wins, three draws and two defeats.

"I am really delighted to enjoy the clubs confidence by obtaining a contract extension," Schmidt said.

Mainz encounter fifth-placed Schalke at the curtain raiser of the 30th round of Bundesliga on Friday.