The post-Christmas period has been a fraught one for new director of rugby Kingsley Jones in terms of squad retention and has seen the Welshman having to work overtime to try and persuade captain Juan Lobbe and star Kiwi Luke McAlister to stick around.
But while Jones waits for a definitive answer from the influential duo, former Leeds star Bell has provided a further welcome slice of good news following on from Richard Wigglesworth's year-long contract extension.
"I'm really pleased to have agreed another two-year contract and have signed until June 2011," the 26-year-old revealed.
"I had a good chat with Kingsley once it was announced that he was taking over from Philippe Saint-Andre and I'm really looking forward to where we can take the squad.
"It's very good that we've tried to keep the core of the squad together. I've really enjoyed my time in the North West since moving to Sale and I really want to be part of helping take the club forward so I'm very pleased to have sorted out the new deal."
Instrumental
Ironically, Bell has made a big impact in recent weeks by playing in an unfamiliar position on the wing and was instrumental in helping set-up both Sale's tries during their 24-17 defeat at the hands of leaders Gloucester at the weekend.
And with Sale back on home turf this Friday when they entertain a seemingly-doomed Bristol side, the former England Under-21 star says it's vital the third-placed Sharks get back to winning ways as they seek to cement their grip on a top four play-off place.
"Everyone knows it's the business end of the season now and it's a question of trying to pick up points all the time from here on in," Bell added.
"All the players were bitterly disappointed at losing to Gloucester and we will really target the Bristol game as we need a big win to get us back on track.
"The old days of winning at home and seeing what happened away are long gone. We've got nine games left now and we fully expect nine wins."
In spite of their defeat at Kingsholm, Sale at least came away with the consolation of a losing bonus point after an invigorating first-half display that provided further notice of a subtle shift in style under Jones' charge.
"We have played well in the last couple of weeks and have tried to throw the ball around where possible and that's just a continuation of what started under Philippe," he added.
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