Kitson Follows In Boss’ Footsteps

Royals striker Dave Kitson has followed Steve Coppell`s lead by agreeing to a new three-year deal at the Madejski Stadium, and vowed to be a hit in the Premiership after his club demonstrated their faith.

The 27-year-old put pen-to-paper on his new contract on Tuesday afternoon following negotiations, and will now be an integral part of the Reading squad until 2010.

Reading Director of Football, Nicky Hammond, claimed that securing the future of Kitson is ‘an extremely important signing for the club`, despite the fact that he has been absent for the majority of the club`s maiden Premiership season due to a knee injury he suffered on the opening day of the season after notching the club`s first ever top-flight goal.

Hammond said, ‘This is an extremely important signing for us because we have no doubt that Dave Kitson is fully capable of scoring goals at the highest level, which is a very valuable commodity and one that is difficult to find.

‘We are confident that Dave will show those qualities over the remainder of this campaign and going into next season.’

As a result of his bit-part role in the club`s finest hour, Kitson, who has scored twice in the FA Cup since his return to action against both Birmingham City and Manchester United respectively, is looking to repay Reading`s faith by quickly adding to his impressive tally of 49 goals in 105 appearances for the Berkshire side.

“Not playing for six months was hard enough to take anyway”, Kitson explained.

‘From the club’s point of view it’s very difficult. Do they go and buy a new striker or do they stick with it?

‘To give me a new contract after playing only a handful of games is fantastic on the club’s part and I’m very grateful for that – and three years as well.

‘I just want to get out there and do the best I possibly can and start scoring all those goals again.’