Reading Football Club News

• Nickname:Royals
• Founded:1871
• Manager:Brian McDermott

• Ground:Madejski Stadium
• Capacity:24,200

Hammond: Shorey will stay

04 Jun 2007 - 11:43:34

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Reading's director of football Nick Hammond has poured scorn of reports linking West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur with possible summer moves for left-back Nicky Shorey.

Hammond insists the new England cap is going nowhere, with Shorey still having another two years left on his current Royals deal.

"It's paper talk and I won't comment on speculation," Hammond told the Reading Evening Post. "I've said before that we have no intention of losing any of our best players.

"I spoke to Nicky about his contract before the England call-up so discussions with him have already started.

"It's a busy time as he's also getting married and he already has two years left on his present deal."

Meanwhile, Hammond believes that Shorey's recent international call will help establish the club as an option for more top-class players.

He added: "I'm delighted for Nicky and this is thoroughly deserved as he's an outstanding player.

"It's also a reflection of the growing recognition this club is getting. Players now know they can come to us and still go on to be an England international.

"That's certainly going to help this club move forward and I'm delighted from that aspect."