ADELAIDE United have rewarded coach Aurelio Vidmar with a three-year contract extension after taking the club to the Asian Champions League final.

Overseas clubs had shown increased interest in Vidmar after he took Adelaide to the ACL final, where they lost 5-0 on aggregate to Japanese powerhouse Gamba Osaka.

“It's not about the money, it's about me progressing in the game and learning and trying to get better,” he said.

Vidmar told a media conference on Tuesday the decision to remain at the club was a no-brainer and that he was looking forward to continuing the plans he set in place when he first took on the job.

The 41-year-old former Australia star replaced John Kosmina as Adelaide coach last year.

“We had a pretty poor A-League season last year, we've had a pretty successful time in the ACL albeit in a losing final, and now we need to start hitting the straps and getting ready for an onslaught in the A-League because personally I think as it stands today there will be no sympathy for our club if we don't make the finals,” he said.

Admitted to the Australian football Hall of Fame recently, Vidmar said he still had a lot of work to do and a lot to learn.

United's assistant coach Phil Stubbins has also been handed a three-year contract extension, taking the duo through to the end of the 2011-2012 season.

“Working with Viddie and forging the relationship that we've got now, it is one that has been prosperous, and hopefully down the track it is going to be one that brings more fruit to the club,” Stubbins said.

The Reds' next A-League match is against Sydney FC at Hindmarsh Stadium on Saturday.

Stubbins...the key!! the puppet master!