Flushing, NY -- (Sports Network) - Jerry Manuel has agreed to a two-year contract with a club option for 2011 to become the official manager of the New York Mets.

Manuel took over the Mets on an interim basis when Willie Randolph was relieved of his managerial duties after a 34-35 start to the 2008 campaign.

New York finished out of the postseason despite a 3 1/2 game lead in the National League East with 17 games left to play. But the club nevertheless compiled a 55-38 record with Manuel at the helm.

The 54-year-old spent six seasons as the manager of the Chicago White Sox from 1998-2003, going 500-471 with one American League Central title and AL Manager of the Year award to his credit (both in 2000).