© EuroFootball.com
This season, the club that made it to the English Premier League extended its contract with its fifth player. The team's captain, Graeme Murty, signed a contract for another two years, committing to stay with the club until the summer of 2008.
The defender's previous contract would have expired at the end of this season, but Reading offered him a new contract to avoid G. Murty becoming a free agent.
The 32-year-old player is the longest-serving member of the team since leaving York City in 1998 and joining Reading. He is happy to wear the club's shirt for the 296th time.
"I'm extremely pleased to have extended my contract," said G. Murty to the club's website. "This is where I wanted to stay. Playing in the English Premier League with a club that has achieved a lot and is growing rapidly. I can't imagine being elsewhere. Also, it's nice to know that the club wanted to keep me as much as I wanted to stay."
"Graeme's loyalty to the club speaks for itself," said club president John Madejski. "He is an extremely popular captain who sets a true example, and I am pleased that his contract has been extended for another two years."
Just a few days ago, Reading goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann and defender Glen Little also tied their future to the royal club, while Icelandic pair Brynjar Gunnarsson and Ivar Ingimarsson extended their contracts for two and one year respectively some time ago.
Currently coached by Steve Coppell, the club has 22 points after 14 matches in the English Premier League and sits in 8th place.
