Chelsea Manager ANTONIO CONTE has signed a new two-year deal with the Premier League champions. The new deal "represents improved terms for the Italian, but it not an extension" (LONDON INDEPENDENT, 7/18). ... Serie A side AS Roma player FRANCESCO TOTTI will become a director of the club, after he "finally confirmed his retirement as a player." He had "hinted he could continue his playing career abroad." He released a statement saying that he has a "new role at the club" (BBC, 7/17). ... Infront Sports & Media Exec Dir GÜNTER NETZER retired from all current functions. Infront CEO & President PHILIPPE BLATTER said, "We are genuinely sad to see Günter Netzer leave us for his well-deserved retirement. His contributions, collaboration and insight over the years, as not only a member of Infront's Board and Group Management Committee, but also as a dear friend and champion of Infront, were and always will be highly appreciated" (Infront). ... The Jockey Club appointed WILLIAM WYATT as chair of Newmarket Racecourses. He succeeds JULIAN RICHMOND-WATSON, who stands down after more than eight years as chair. Wyatt is CEO of Caledonia Investments and a trustee of The Rank Foundation charity. Jockey Club Estates announced PETER STANLEY will succeed ANDREW MERRIAM as chair (The Jockey Club). ... Ireland national cricket coach JOHN BRACEWELL will "step down from the role at the end of his current contract in December" after two-and-a-half years in the job. Former New Zealand coach Bracewell, 59, was appointed in April '15 but his side has "struggled in recent times" (BBC, 7/18). ... Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen Manager DEREK MCINNES and assistant TONY DOCHERTY signed contract extensions through '20. McInnes, who turned down the chance to move to Sunderland last month, replaced CRAIG BROWN as coach in '13 and the following year led the club to its first trophy in 19 years by winning the League Cup (BBC, 7/18).
