Kitson becomes a Potter in £5.5 million deal

Last updated 24 Jul 2008 11:40 0 Comments

ROYALS striker Dave Kitson this evening completed his move to Premiership new boys Stoke City for a £5.5 million fee.

The 28-year-old striker, who scored more than 60 goals in Reading colours after joining the club from Cambridge United, was pulled out of the squad for the midweek friendly at Forest Green Rovers to fuel speculation that a move was imminent.

Reading are understood to have knocked back the Potters' initial bid but the deal finally went through this afternoon, and the club say the money is going into the transfer pot because there was no sell-on clause to Cambridge whern he moved to the Madejski Stadium,

Manager Steve Coppell said, "Kits was one of my first signings and I'd like to thank him for his contribution over the last four and a half years. I am sad to see him leave, but it was his wish to play in the Premier League and Stoke have offered that avenue.

"We wish him the best of luck but his departure will open the door for the players who remain to demand a consistent role in the team."

Royals' Director of Football Nick Hammond added, "Once Steve Coppell had decided that it was in the Club's best interests for the deal to be done, it was my task to generate the maximum income.

"This has been achieved and the money is now available for Steve to strengthen the squad as and when he sees fit."

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This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 01 Jan 70

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