Forster staying put for now


By Matthew Grant
March 23 2005

Nicky Forster looks set to stay with Reading till at least the summer with The Royals confirming they will offer the player a one year extension to his contract.

FORSTER STAYING PUT

Striker Nicky Forster looks set to stay with The Royals till the end of the season at least. The striker who returned to the squad and scored the winning goal at Brighton on Monday had been left out of Steve Coppell's squad since the 2:1 home defeat to Coventry City in the middle of February.

Forster whose contract expires in the summer had looked to be heading out of the Madejski Stadium with a number of clubs chasing the forward for his signature. A move to rivals Wigan Athletic looked likely but any move has looked to now be dead. Sheffield United had also been rumoured to be making a move for the 30 year old.

Although now Reading have said they want to hold onto the player and will offer at least a one year extension to Forster's contract. However this could be increased depending on the impact Forster has till the end of the season.

Director Of Football Nicky Hammond stated, "However, in fairness to the player we have come to a compromise agreement by confirming that he will be offered at least a one-year extension."

Forster himself seen on Sky Sports News only last night saying he wished to stay at the club, stated, "I am pleased to have been told that I will be offered at least another year here. Obviously I would like it to be more then that, but Steve (Coppell) has been fair with me all the way through and I know that I have the chance to earn a longer deal."

Opinions regarding Forster is mixed amongst supporters with the majority of fans agreeing The Royals have yet to see the best of Fozzy this season. The striker has struggled with a stomach injury suffered at the end of last season. Forster's goal at Brighton was his first in the league since September and Reading will be hoping he can go on to score many more this campaign and help earn the team a place in the Play-Off.