MONTREAL -- Speculation on Jim Popps future with the Montreal Alouettes has been put to rest, at least for now. The only general manager the CFL club has had since it returned to Montreal after a 10-year hiatus in 1996 signed a three-year contract extension on Thursday that runs through the 2017 season. There was concern that the 49-year-old, who was in the final year of his contract, was ready to move on. But the Elkin, N.C. native said: "I plan to be here and fulfil my contract." He did not say if his deal includes an out-clause if he is offered an NFL job. He drew interest ahead of last season from the Indianapolis Colts and rumours of a move south have arisen periodically throughout his tenure with the Alouettes. Its assumed Popp would jump at the chance, but he said hed be just as happy to stay in Montreal until he retires. "I cant foresee the future," said the married father of six children, all born in Montreal. "I have to work. "I dont know if Ill ever retire, with six kids. But I love the job, the city and the team, so if it happens that way, youll find a very happy person. I dont dwell on whether (an NFL job) will ever happen. I know Im very fortunate to have a job. Theres really only two pro football leagues and there are 41 jobs. I have one of those." Popp was GM of the defunct Baltimore Stallions for two years, winning a Grey Cup in 1995, before the team moved to Montreal. He is 233-129-1 as a CFL general manager, adding Cups with the Alouettes in 2002, 2009 and 2010. In Montreal, his teams have never missed the playoffs and never won fewer than eight games in a season. But it looked like his stay was coming to an end last winter when owner Robert Wetenhall did not let him keep the head coaching job, left him out of the decision to hire Tom Higgins as coach and did not immediately extend his contract as GM. Popp took over as head coach for the third time in his career when Dan Hawkins was fired only five games into the 2013 season. He is 14-18 in the regular season as a coach. If there was any bitterness about not being allowed to coach, Popp said he is over it. "I have no hard feelings about anything," said Popp, who is also vice-president and director of football operations. "Its business. Its (Wetenhalls) team. "He makes the decisions. It was a real roller-coaster in the off-season, especially for me personally with different things that went on, but I knew the entire time that I might not be the head coach. I also want to make it very clear that my relationship with Tom Higgins is very good." Team president Mark Weightman said Wetenhall did not attend the news conference because he was ill. Weightman hopes the move will end talk of a rift among management. "For us, there wasnt a lot of doubt that it would play out this way," he said. "I understand how perception wasnt always that clear, so to have this done early, if it silences the critics or closes the door on that conversation, great. "We can focus on the season and winning some games. Having Jim secured for many more years is a big part of ensuring the stability of our club." Popp said that talks on his contract extension lasted only a week. "There was never any doubt or worries from my end that those discussions would take place," he said. Aaron Ramsey Wales Jersey . Louis Cardinals a hard-fought victory. The Colorado Rockies intentionally walked Yadier Molina with one out and runners on first and third to load the bases for Kozma. Joe Ledley Jersey . -- Washington Capitals forward Brooks Laich is expected to miss the rest of the regular season after having an operation on a groin muscle. http://www.soccerwalesstore.com/joe-allen-wales-UEFA-EURO-jersey/ . This week they discuss the Philadelphia 76ers, Gregg Popovich, Royal and Ancient Golf Club and Bill Belichick. Gareth Bale Jersey .ca presents its latest weekly power rankings for the 2013-14 Barclays Premier League season. Aaron Ramsey Jersey .C. Lions signed cornerback Dante Marsh to a contract extension on Friay and released receiver Paris Jackson.Manchester Citys Ilkay Gundogan says disrespectful Manchester United would undoubtedly be better with Bastian Schweinsteiger. Schweinsteiger has been left out of Uniteds first-team plans under Jose Mourinho, having been signed by former manager Louis van Gaal, and has even been written off as an asset in the clubs latest published accounts. Ilkay Gundogan says Schweinsteiger is not just some player The 32-year-old World Cup winner has already received the support of former Germany team-mate Lukas Podolski, and now Gundogan, Citys summer signing who played alongside Schweinsteiger for the national team, has also criticised Uniteds handling of the player. Watch NOW TV Watch Sky Sports for just ?￡6.99. No contract. I believe that Manchester United could 100 per cent benefit from a fit Bastian Schweinsteiger, Gundogan told Sport Bild. If everything you hear and read is true, you can consider it disrespectful. Hes not just some player, and also not only 18 or 19. Highlights of the Manchester derby at Old Trafford Mourinhos United side trail Pep Guardiolas City by five points in the Premier League, and suffered a 2-1 defeat to their neighbours in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford earlier this season.dddddddddddd Gundogan has played in Citys last three Premier League games after returning from a serious knee injury and has backed himself to replace Schweinsteiger for Germany following the United midfielders retirement from international football. I trusted myself to do that before [Schweinsteigers retirement], but this has nothing to do with saying his retirement is positive or negative, he said. We should be thankful that we had such a great player. Germany will play the Czech Republic on Saturday in the first of their upcoming World Cup qualifiers, before hosting Northern Ireland on October 11, live on Sky Sports 1. You can watch Englands tour of Bangladesh, plus Premier League football and the Japan Grand Prix on Sky Sports. Upgrade now and enjoy three months at half price! Also See: How Jose has changed United Stones: Rooney key for England Rashford will be a superstar Jose to buy in January? ' ' '