Now, he's guaranteed to be a part of it.

"I think we're heading in a very good direction," Miley said. "When we reap the benefits, I want to be part of it. I feel like I'm going to be."

The Reds announced Monday they had extended Miley's contract through the 2006 season with a club option for 2007.

Miley was given a one-year deal with a club option for 2005 when he was named permanent manager Dec. 4, 2003. The club announced Sept. 6 that Miley and his staff would be back for 2005.

Monday's move guarantees Miley one additional year, but it's about more than just tenure. It says general manager Dan O'Brien is behind Miley.

"It's very important that we have continuity," O'Brien said. "And obviously, I think Dave in the season and a half that he has been a manager has demonstrated clearly his ability to provide necessary leadership for this ballclub going forward."

O'Brien was given a three-year contract when he was named GM Oct. 7, 2003. Hiring the new manager was his first duty.

Miley was the front runner since he had taken over for the fired Bob Boone July 28. But a full search was conducted.

Miley was O'Brien's second choice behind Pittsburgh player development director Brian Graham. But club owner Carl Lindner overruled O'Brien.

When Miley got only a one-year contract, 2004 was seen as a make-or-break year for him.

"During the recent organizational meetings, Dave and I had an opportunity to talk at length," O'Brien said. "Not only about where we are in the short term, but, just as importantly, where we're headed long term."

O'Brien's confident Miley can take the club down the right path.

Upper management thinks so, too.

"We're happy with the direction the club is heading in," chief operating officer John Allen said. "I was at the first three days of the organizational meetings. I was impressed with the level of communication throughout the organization. It was a real pleasure to see."

The Reds finished 76-86 this season - a seven-game improvement over last year. They were in the race at the All-Star break with a 47-41 record. Baseball America named Miley National League manager of the year for the first half.

Injuries - Ken Griffey Jr. was essentially lost for the year July 11 - caught up in the second half.

"We came out of the gate and did a lot of things right," Miley said. "If you look back on it, it started (going bad) in the Oakland series and Cleveland series (in June). We went 0-7 on the road trip and got beat up pretty bad. We may have gotten off track. Over 162 games, you've got to continue to do it. Focus is a big thing. That's something we're going to stress."

Miley met with each player in the last week of the season and gave them an offseason plan.

"With the contract, they know they better get into gear or we may go in a different direction," Miley said.

All the coaches - pitching coach Don Gullett, bullpen coach Tom Hume, hitting coach Chris Chambliss, bench coach Jerry Narron, third base coach Mark Berry, first base coach Randy Whisler and bullpen catcher Mike Stefanski - will be back for 2005.

If Miley serves the entire contract, including the option year, he will be the club's longest tenured manager since Pete Rose from 1984-89.

Miley just completed his 25th year in the Reds organization. He spent 14 years managing in the minors before getting promoted last year.

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