Ashdown rejects new contract

By Mark Sugar
June 3 2004

Out of contract goalkeeper Jamie Ashdown has rejected a new contract,meaning he is set to leave the Royals with Portsmouth favourites to sign him.

Jamie Ashdown has rejected Reading's offer of a new 2 year contract,paving the way for him to sign for Portsmouth.

The out of contract goalkeeper has been in fine form in the last 2 months of the season,with the Royals defence looking much more comftable and reliable.He was required after 1st choice goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann damaged medial knee ligaments in the goaless draw with Stoke City at the Madejski Stadium on the 13th March.

Ashdown was forced to return back to Reading ending his season long loan at 2nd Division outfit Rushden and Diamonds.

But with the Number 1 goalkeeping spot up for grabs,Ashdown's rejection of a new deal suggests Reading Manager Steve Coppell was sticking with the inconsistent Hahnemann,who had an awful season.

Ashdown now looks likely to be the Number 2 at Portsmouth,with former Reading legend Shaka Hislop the number 1.

It's the 2nd time in recent years Reading appear to have lost out to Pompey with Linvoy Primus moving down the south coast in 2000 on a free transfer.

We wish Jamie all the best for the future!