Brief story whipped by on Sky Sports News about Reading signing a 3-year deal with some keeper that had been on loan from Arsenal (?) Did I get this right? Is this trouble for Hahnemann or just a backup? Anybody know any details?
Reading are so sure of Marcus and his abilities his previous back up, Jamie Ashdown moved on and is an EPL starter for Portsmouth.That says quite a bit when your back up is EPL quality and he even he can't claim your spot. Marc's job is secure, period, even if they move up.
Well, that's not strictly the case; Ashdown's contract came to an end. He was offered a new one, but declined to sign it as we wouldn't guarantee him first team football. Since he's now first choice there I can't say he made a mistake, as he probably would be warming the bench were he still at Reading. The Arsenal keeper we're signing is Graham Stack, who has been on loan at Reading all season with an understanding that he would sign permanently in the window provided his court case ended well (it did, and I'm not going into details - google is your friend). He's played three games so far, all in the Carling Cup, and though he doesn't look a bad keeper he's not likely to dislodge Marcus any time soon.
I can't imagine touching the lineup on a team that's gone 25 league matches without defeat. I'm sure it's probably just cover, and I look to the future (Marcus is no spring chick).
Stack has been brought in as back up, pure and simple. I really can't see him taking the number 1 spot from MH, not anytime soon.
Ok, so we only worry about small priced, obvious backup material young/new players taking over Marcus' position...... just making sure.