YANN Kermorgant has shelved his retirement plans to pen a new deal with Reading FC.

The 36-year-old striker had decided to hang up his boots when his current contract expired at the end of this season to launch a career in investment backing.

But last season's 19-goal top scorer has had a sudden change of heart and has committed hit future to the Royals until summer 2019.

Fit-again Kermorgant put pen to paper at Madejski Stadium earlier today to continue a memorable week for the talismanic Frenchman.

The ex-Bournemouth and Charlton forward made his first appearance of the season on Saturday following surgery in the summer when he came off the bench in a 2-0 defeat to Middlesbrough.

He also got 30 minutes under his belt in last night's 3-1 home win against Nottingham Forest and is certain to be in Jaap Stam's squad for the trip to Derby County this Saturday (3pm ko).

Boss Jaap Stam spoke of his delight at Kermorgant's decision to postpone his retirement for at least another year.

“Yann was a very important player for us last season, not only in the goals that he scored but also as a person with the right mentality and the right character," he said.

"He has a massive influence within the squad in how he helped pushed other players to progress and lead by example with his workrate out on the pitch and in demonstrating exactly what it takes to get results as a team.

“Unfortunately he picked up the injury in pre-season so he has been out of action for the last few months, but in what he showed last season he deserved this new deal and everyone is happy he has signed up to stay with us for another year.”

Reading Chronicle:

Yann Kermorgant shakes hands on a new contract with Royals chief executive, Ron Gourlay.

Kermorgant had an groin and hip operation over the summer after sustaining a serious injury during pre-season training.

And Stam explained his decision not to rush Kermorgant back for fear of causing further damage.

“He had an operation, it was a complicated injury, you can’t risk it," added Stam.


"We had to look at the full picture. He needed that time, but he’s here now.

"He came on for 15 minutes against Middlesbrough, 30 minutes against Nottingham Forest and next game maybe he will come on earlier if he is needed.

“But we don’t want to rush things. If he starts and gets tired he may get another injury.”


Kermorgant has scored 22 times in 67 Royals appearances since joining from Bournemouth in January 2016 for around £500,000.

His goals helped fire Royals to third in the Championship table last season before they missed out on promotion after a play-off final defeat to Huddersfield.

And the striker who hails from Brittany is set to stick around at least until the end of next season to the delight of Royals fans.

Chief Executive Ron Gourlay said: “Yann is as hungry for success and eager to achieve. It is fantastic news that we have agreed this contract extension until 2019. I am confident he will continue to be a hugely positive influence and a lynchpin within our first team squad.”

Technical Director Brian Tevreden added: “Not only the goals that he scored, but also the clearances he made, the ground he covered, the attitude and leadership qualities he brought to every game last season – together it tells you how much Yann deserves this new contract."