Published: Thursday, 6th November, 2008 17:00
Doyle signs new contract
By Anthony Smith
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Loyal Royal: Kevin Doyle has pledged his future to Reading by signing a new contrract.
KEVIN Doyle has made a clear statement of his intent to help Royals regain their Premier League status by signing a new contract that will keep him at the club until June 2011.
And the Republic of Ireland star hopes that by committing his future to Royals it will put a stop to the widespread speculation claiming he is set to leave in January.
Reports suggest Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill is willing to pay up to £8 million for the 25-year-old striker in the next transfer window, possibly using Marlon Harewood as bait.
And Tottenham and Sunderland have also been linked with Doyle in the past and Reading will still find it difficult to reject a bumper offer for a player who cost a mere £78,000 from Cork City in 2005.
Nevertheless, Doyle has thrashed out a new deal following discussions with Reading director of football Nick Hammond which will almost certainly push up his price tag and may put off rival clubs.
“I’ve had ongoing discussions with Nick Hammond and over the last couple of weeks we have come to an agreement that is right for both me and the club,” said Doyle.
“I have had great support from the chairman and everyone here since I arrived from Ireland three-and-a-half years ago and I take enormous pride in playing for Reading Football Club.
“This sense of achievement, as with all the players and staff, was dented on relegation and I hope that signing this new deal will take away speculation surrounding my future.
“I also hope it allows me to focus totally on achieving my own and the club’s ambition of returning to the Premier League.”
Doyle has been in excellent form this season and he is currently joint top of the Championship scoring charts with 11 goals along with Cardiff’s Ross McCormack.
Hammond stated: “Kevin is a model professional and, more importantly, an outstanding individual.
“He has grown since arriving at Reading to become a top Premier League striker who us now an integral part of the Republic of Ireland team.
“It is fantastic news for us and the supporters. It is a sign of his character that he has committed to helping Reading achieve the task of reclaiming Premier League status as soon as possible.”
And chairman John Madejski believes the news will be warmly welcomed by Royals fans. “We are thrilled Kevin has shown his commitment to our cause by signing this new contract,” he said.
“It is a clear statement of our commitment to reclaiming a place in the Premier League. I’m sure Reading fans will be absolutely delighted with the news.”
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