Harte delighted with one more chance at Prem

Reading defender Ian Harte is delighted that he has another chance to play in the Premier League, after signing a new deal.

The 34-year old signed a one-year contract extension yesterday, meaning that Harte will get another chance to play in the Premier League. Harte has not played in it since 2008 when he was at Sunderland, but admitted he never thought he would play in the Premier League again, while playing for League One side Carlisle United.

Harte told the official RFC site: ‘I’ve had two of the best years of my career. I’m absolutely delighted to have signed. I’m just really pleased that it’s all sorted and that I can go away and enjoy the summer, and come back raring to go. Now that it’s done, I am thoroughly looking forward to next season.’

‘It’s a dream come true to go back to the Premier League. A few years ago, I was playing at Carlisle, where I thoroughly enjoyed my time. But the gaffer took a punt on me and gave me the opportunity to come to such a fantastic club like Reading. I’m going away on holiday in a few days time and thankfully I was here with the Chairman to sign today.’

Whether the former Leeds player will be a regular starter in the Reading line-up remains to be seen, but the purchase of another left-back is a very likely move from McDermott this summer. Aarhus defender Adam Eckersley was a target to add competition for Harte’s spot, but McDermott said that he is now looking elsewhere.