Reading FC

Ian Harte is poised to sign a contract extension at Reading FC after being named in the Championship Team of the Year for the second season running
advertisement

Ian Harte set for new Reading FC deal

By Jonny Fordham
April 25, 2012

Ian Harte is poised to sign a contract extension at Reading after being named in the Championship Team of the Year for the second season running.

Surprisingly, the 34-year-old left-back was the only Royals player to be named in the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) best XI, despite Brian McDermott’s side winning the Championship with one game to go.

Harte, who has played 33 times this season and weighed in with four goals and 10 assists, is set to put pen to paper on a 12-month extension.

“I spoke to the gaffer last week and he wants me to stay, which I’m delighted about,” Harte told the Reading Post. “Hopefully it will be resolved in the next few days, there shouldn’t be any issues.”

Harte has now been included in a PFA team for the third year in a row and the fourth time in total.

He was named in the League One team two years ago after netting 18 times for Carlisle United.

Then following his £75,000 switch to Reading he was selected for a superb debut season with the club during which he scored 11 goals.

“It’s absolutely fantastic to have my fellow professionals vote me the best left-back in the Championship,” he continued.

“I’m absolutely delighted. We didn’t start the season too brightly, I then found myself out of the squad and had to fight to get back in.

“Since I have come back in the team have kicked on and we have gone on a tremendous run and kept a lot of clean sheets.

“We’ve got the best record in the league and have won the league.

“It’s a bit of a disgrace (for only one Reading player to be in the best XI), but I’m chuffed to be in it. The most important thing is that we all have Championship medals.”

And Harte, who will pick up his first ever league champions medal the day after Royals’ final game of the season at Birmingham City on Saturday (12.30pm kick-off), said this moment would go down as the pinnacle of his career.

He added: “This is my first medal as well and at 34 years old, I’m absolutely delighted.

“This is the best feeling ever and best moment in my playing career, – even better than World Cups and Champions League semi-finals.

“I’ve always wanted to look back and show the kids something I’ve won. We want to finish the season on a high now at Birmingham.

“All the fans will be there in a party atmosphere and we want to finish well.”

| View Comments (12)

« Previous Story | Next Story »

We are no longer accepting comments on this article.

Most recent user comments 12 of 12

In a team so young and having not tasted top flight football, even if it turns out that Harte doesn't play all the games, his experience at that level will be priceless! So many teams seemed determined to target him as our weak spot in defence this past season. At a higher level it'll prove a naive tactic once again or we could see a few more goals like Swansea scored at Wembley. Having said that it would give us a great opportunity to exploit our counter-attacking play.

Hopeful Hoops, Reading
26/04/2012 at 15:45

Thoroughly deserved award, he's been fantastic to watch. The opposition goalie knows what's coming, but can't do much about it! Great reader of the game, and his experience will be invaluable in the Premiership.

Uncle Buck, Reading
25/04/2012 at 17:49

Contract is well deserved. He is a very good to great championship level player. It will be interesting next year in the permiership though. On that note I am very glad he will be with us next season.

An American Royal, Long Island, NY
25/04/2012 at 17:15

He deserves the contract because he has been superb. His ability to score from free kicks could come in very handy in the Prem.

Royals1871
25/04/2012 at 15:24

Will be happy if he stays, for the reasons already stated.

Bushes Bernal
25/04/2012 at 14:30

Really Terrific nreat news, but why don`t more players practice "dead ball" kicks, Perhaps Ian will teach some of our yonger players how to do it.

Baron, Tilehurst
25/04/2012 at 12:16

More than makes up for lack of pace with overall ability to read the game - and having watched him recently I think he's actually faster now than he was when he joined us. He was up against speedy players at the Palace game and not at fault for either goal, nor did he seem to struggle.

Well deserved and very welcome news!

Blue Peter, Sonning
25/04/2012 at 11:59

Brilliant news, Looking forward to seeing some more 30yrd free kicks hitting the back of the net next season!

UUUURRRRZZZZ!!!!

love buddha, Berkshire
25/04/2012 at 10:49

£75,000 looks now like an absolute steal from Carlisle...even back when he was a Leeds player, argubly the most under-rated player in a very good leeds side, and DEFINITELY one of the most under-rated in the divison at that time...his dead-ball ability fantastic

WELL DESERVED!!!