Fit-again Mills is the real deal
Anthony Smith • Published 10 Feb 2012 13:00
JOSEPH Mills has vowed to put his injury troubles behind him after signing a new deal with Reading FC.
The 22-year-old defender has been out of action for almost three months with a serious ankle injury.
But he is back to full fitness and pushing for a recall to Brian McDermott's starting XI for the visit of basement boys Coventry City this Saturday (3pm ko).
"The injury has been frustrating," he admitted. "I knew what the Championship was about and I was happy with my performances so the injury cut that short.
"Now I've got to work hard to force my way back in the side. I'm fit, I played a reserves game last week and got 90 minutes under my belt.
"Now it's the manager's decision what happens at the weekend. I've just got to try and force my way into his plans."
Mills, younger brother of ex-Reading skipper Matt, strained ankle ligaments while making a tackle he 'didn't need to make' in a 2-1 home defeat by Cardiff City on November 19.
But he says he is over his problems and is focusing on the future, with a new contract behind him.
Mills joined Royals as a free agent on a 12-month deal after being released by Championship rivals Southampton last summer. But on Tuesday he agreed to extend his stay until summer 2014.
"I'm delighted to have signed the contract," he said. "When I joined I knew I had to make an impression because I only signed until the end of the season. Luckily, I got a good run of games to show people what I'm capable of. I think I've worked had and improved and I think the manager saw that and rewarded me with a new deal."
Mills is one of three players vying for the left-back berth along with current first-choice Andy Griffin and Ian Harte. But the pacey Mills is confident he can reclaim the jersey and add to his 13 league apperances this season.
"I wouldn't have signed for Reading if I thought I couldn't get in the team and couldn't see myself playing for years to come," he declared confidently.
"I sat down with the manager and we spoke about it. I feel I can progress, force my way back into the team and hold down that position.
"It's a good thing if new players come in, it makes the team stronger. I just want to get in that team - and stay there."
Any issue Mills may have had over signing a new contract must have been dispelled when news broke of the impending Reading FC takeover by Russian millionaire Anton Zingarevich.
Though the deal that will see Thames Sports Investment acquire a 51% stake for £25 million will not be concluded until March, Zingarevich backed Brian McDermott in the January transfer market by signing Jason Roberts, Matthew Connolly and Tomasz Cywka.
Royals were also linked with Brighton's Craig Mackail-Smith, Blackburn's Keith Andrews and even made an audacious bid to sign Manchester City left-back Wayne Bridge on loan.
"With the new owner coming in, Reading is a club on the up," insisted Mills. "It was a stable club anyway, now something extra has been added. For me it was an easy decision to make."
But he also revealed: "I don't think there's been a lot of change here since the news broke. Obviously new players coming in has given a lift to everyone else.
"It has also given a bit of a buzz to the surrounding area and the supporters. It shows the level the club is trying to reach.
"In the past the club has had to let some players go but hopefully we can keep hold of our best players under the new owners and also add more to the team and push for the Premier League."
This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 08 Feb 12
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