Robson-Kanu pens new Royals deal
Published 5 Jul 2011 19:00
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HAL Robson-Kanu has turned down a move from Reading to sign a new contract.
The 22-year-old winger penned a three year deal today which will keep him at Madejski Stadium until summer 2014.
A string of Championships clubs have enquired about Robson-Kanu in the past few days as he became a free agent when his previous contract ran out at the end of last season.
But the Wales international has now pledged his future to Royals, citing the chance to continue working under boss Brian McDermott as a major reason behind his decision.
"I'm delighted to be here," he declared. "Signing a new contract at a club is a sign that you are doing well and it is great to have been rewarded with a new deal.
"I was in a position to listen to other clubs who were interested in me - and I was flattered by the interest. But I want to play for Brian McDermott, I'm staying for him.
"What he's building here is something special and I want to be a massive part of it. I think this contract shows that I will be, and I can't wait."
Robson-Kanu made his big breakthrough last season, scoring six goals in 35 appearances of which 15 were starts.
The Acton-born winger rose through Reading's Academy ranks to play a key role in McDermott's team last season.
Royals director of football Nick Hammond said: "We are all very pleased that Hal has signed this new contract. He was out of contract this summer and there was a lot of interest in him from elsewhere. But he never once wavered in his commitment to us.
"He is a young player who came through the Academy ranks here at Reading and he made a big breakthrough this year.
"He was in excellent form, especially towards the end of last season, and he's going to play more and more first team games now. He'll be a very important player for us going forward."
Meanwhile, reports suggest Fulham are ready to make a bid for fellow Royals winger Jimmy Kebe.
This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 05 Jul 11
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