Kansas City, Mo. ? Royals owner David Glass gave general manager Dayton Moore a vote of confidence two weeks ago despite one of the team’s worst seasons in years.

Apparently, he meant it.

Kansas City extended Moore’s contract through the 2014 season on Monday, tacking on three more years after he exercised an option for 2011. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Although it has been a disappointing season, I believe we are heading in the right direction and Dayton is an important part of the process,” Royals president Dan Glass said.

Moore succeeded Allard Baird in May 2006 and has made gradual progress rebuilding the Royals, winning 69 games his first full season as GM, 75 last year. Kansas City went into this season loaded with expectations, picked by some to win its first division title since winning the 1985 World Series.

The year at least started well.

Feeding off the buzz of Zack Greinke’s dominance and the excitement of playing in renovated Kauffman Stadium, the Royals got off to their best start in years, leading the AL Central after the first month of the season.

Things went south in a hurry, though.

Kansas City lost third baseman Alex Gordon to hip surgery in April, center fielder Coco Crisp to shoulder surgery in June and shortstop Mike Aviles, last year’s team MVP, to Tommy John surgery in July. Closer Joakim Soria also spent time on the DL.

Moore’s job was thought to be in jeopardy. Instead, he got an extension.

“I was surprised when it was brought up to me,” he said via conference call. “I always try to keep a positive attitude and be upbeat, but I’ve been hurting over our organization — it’s troubling to see us lose and struggle. But I believe everything we do has to be with the mindset of what is best for the Kansas City Royals today and in the long term.”