Riders ink GM Eric Tillman through 2010

Saskatchewan Roughriders general manager Eric Tillman was rewarded Tuesday with a contract extension through 2010.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

"I'm very grateful for this expression of confidence," Tillman said in a statement.

"Saskatchewan is such a special place. When you're given an opportunity to do something which matters so much, to so many people, you are truly blessed and I certainly am."

Tillman, 50, replaced Roy Shivers as GM in August 2006, signing a three-year deal and building the Roughriders into a Grey Cup champion last season.

He also trimmed $600,000 from the team's payroll.

"Strong guidance is key to achieving excellence and Eric has demonstrated outstanding leadership," Roughriders president Jim Hopson said.

The Roughriders posted a 12-6 record last season and prevailed 26-24 over the Calgary Stampeders in the West Division semifinal, 26-17 over the B.C. Lions in the West final and 23-19 over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Grey Cup at Toronto.

It marked the third championship in franchise history (1966, 1989, 2007).

Saskatchewan has impressed this season too, sitting atop the CFL standings with a 3-0 record. 

The Roughriders opened defence of their Grey Cup title with a 34-13 triumph over the Edmonton Eskimos, followed by a 26-16 victory over the Lions and a 33-28 win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.