Reading Football Club

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

• Ground:Madejski Stadium
• Capacity:24200

Hunt pens Royals extension

04 Feb 2009 - 09:27:22

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Reading winger Stephen Hunt has pledged his long-term future to the Championship club by signing a new contract running until the summer of 2012.

The 27-year-old Republic of Ireland international had been linked with a move away from the Madejski Stadium during the January transfer window, amid talk of bids from Spurs and Wigan Athletic.

Hunt told his club's official website: "I've always said that I'm very happy here and signing this contract shows my commitment.

"I'm determined to have a big impact in the next three months and help get this club promoted.

"The next seven or eight games are very important, we need to get as many points on board as possible by the end of March to put us in a strong position for the run-in."

Royals director of football Nick Hammond added: "I've been speaking to Stephen regularly throughout the transfer window and we are delighted to agree this new contract.

"He is a key member of our squad and we look forward to him playing a central role in our push for promotion back to the Premier League in the next few months."

Hunt joined Reading in the summer of 2005 from Brentford and has scored 20 goals in 156 appearances for the Berkshire club to date.