Feds pens new deal

Sportsdesk • Published 3 Aug 2012 16:30 0 Comments

See also:

ADAM Federici has ended speculation about his future by penning a new contract.

The Reading keeper was set to become a free agent in 12 months time, but has now signed a deal until summer 2015.

And the 27-year-old says it is the reward of years of 'blood sweat and tears,' as he prepares to enter the Premier League season as Royals' first-choice stopper.

The Australia international stated: "It's absolutely great to have signed this new contract. I've been here a long time, I've put in a lot of blood, sweat and tears so it wouldn't have been right to do anything other than sign again."

And with wealthy Russian owner Anton Zingarevich now at the helm, Federici added: "The club has got great backing, there's a really good feel around the place.

"The club is only going in one direction and that's upwards."

Federici joined Royals in 2004 and was forced to sleep on team-mates sofas as he battled to win a long-term deal.

He then became understudy to former Reading keeper Marcus Hahnemann and succeeded the American when he left the Madejski Stadium in 2009.

Federici has now made 166 first-team appearances scoring once goal, and manager Brian McDermott stated: "I am really pleased to have secured Adam for another three years.

"I have known him for a number of years now, it seems like time has flown and he has constantly been developing into a top class goalkeeper.

"He is a lesson to young pros about what is required to get to the top of your game.

"His workrate, diligence and desire are second to none and we're delighted he's chosen to commit to us again."

Royals director of football Nick Hammond declared: "This is a very, very important signing for us.

"Adam was the best goalkeeper in the Championship last year and I think he will prove to be one of the best in the Premier League as well.

"He is a magnificent example to young players of what can be achieved when hard work and dedication are allied with talent.

"We are all delighted that he has signed."

Federici is set to start for Royals tomorrow in their pre-season friendly at AFC Bournemouth (3pm ko).

New signings Pavel Pogrebnyak, Danny Guthrie, Nicky Shorey, Garath McCleary and Adrian Mariappa are also likely to feature in a strong Reading team.

However, Jimmy Kebe, Kem Karacan, Jason Roberts and Chris Gunter are all sidelined with injuries.

McDermott said: "Bournemouth have always been a side that have played good football, I really like the club.

"Hopefully the sun shines as well so we get a few fans to come and watch us play."

There are around 1800 tickets available to Reading fans on the day at Dean Court. Prices are £10 adults and £5 concessions.

** JASON Roberts is poised to sign a new contract until summer 2014.

Royals midfielder jem Karacan is also believed to be on the verge of agreeing a new, long-term deal. **

This article appeared in Local Berkshire 03 Aug 12

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our Sport archives.

Follow @rdgchronicle