Star winger commits future to Reading

Reading Football Club are thrilled to announce that 27-year-old wingerhas today put pen to paper on a new contract with the Royals.One of the most exciting talents within the Royals’ ranks, Garath signed a new deal with Co-Chairman Sir John Madejski this afternoon, keeping him at Madejski Stadium until the summer of 2017 with the option of a further year.“I’m over the moon. I’ve been wanting to sign a new deal for a while now, so it feels good to get it done. I’m looking forward to going home and celebrating with the family now,” Garath said.“This is a family club. Everyone has been brilliant during my time here so far, from the management, the coaches, the players, the staff and the fans. My family and I are settled here and I know I’ll improve as a player while I’m at Reading, so all those things combined made the decision an easy one.“From being signed as a professional for £25,000 from Bromley only six years ago, to playing in the Premier League with Reading – it has been a surreal journey. And having been given this opportunity, it’s one I’m clutching hold of with two hands and something I’m not going to let go.”A much-admired member of our first team squad, McCleary has established himself as an important part of the Royals squad ever since he signed from Nottingham Forest in May 2012.The Jamaican international has been a regular in blue and white hoops in the two seasons he has been at the club, scoring nine goals in 56(+24) appearances, many of which saw him impress on the Premier League stage.The last of that tally of nine goals came on the final day of last season, McCleary’s spectacular volley against Burnley at Madejski Stadium rightly earning the club’s ‘Goal of the Season’ accolade in 2013-14.A back injury has delayed his start to the 2014-15 season, but with more than 200 career appearances to his name, his experience is sure to prove invaluable to Nigel Adkins’ squad when his recovery is complete.Director of Football Nick Hammond said, “This is a really important signing for us and I’m delighted that such an exciting and highly sought-after player has committed his future to the club.“Garath has been out with a back injury for a number of months now, but when he gets back to full fitness it will be like a new signing for this squad of players. He is a player who can make a real difference and I’m so pleased that he’s signed this new deal.”Since the arrival of fresh investment in the form of new owners at the club, the Royals managed to make a total of five new signings late in the summer, bringing in Simon Cox, Jamie Mackie, Anton Ferdinand, Oliver Norwood and Glenn Murray. News of this new contract for Garath McCleary is sure to be met with similar enthusiasm by Reading supporters as a fans’ favourite commits his future to the club.