Hammond: Pearce deal is crucial for club

Director of Football Nicky Hammond was pleased to secure defender Alex Pearce to a new deal deal, saying it was important for the club.

The previous few months have been uncertain in the terms of Pearce’s future, with a refusal to sign a contract down to a wage dispute between the two parties. However, the 24-year old put pen-to-paper on Thursday on a two-year contract, tying the academy graduate down for another two years at the Madejski Stadium.

Speaking to the Official Reading FC website, Hammond said: “This is a massively important signing for the club. I am absolutely delighted that Alex has signed this contract. It has obviously taken a period of time but he has been 100% professional and totally focused on Reading throughout that period.’

‘He is a leader and a winner, and that is going to be crucial for us as we go into the new campaign. He has been there and done it before. He has a vast amount of experience for a player who is only 24 years old, and his best years are still ahead of him.’

Interesting quotes from Hammond, as if Pearce was considered a crucial player, then surely we would have had him on a new contract months ago? I agree it is good that we have secured a player that has been here from a very young age, but was Pearce’s heart really in it after all? The next two years will be interesting.

Wiki page: Alex Pearce