The rumours were confirmed late yesterday afternoon that Wales full-back Chris Gunter has extended his deal to stay at the Madejski Stadium until the summer of 2018. Gunter had been out of contract this summer but as reported below both the club and player were keen to get a deal done.
Thankfully that deal was done and speaking to the club's website the right-back sounded pretty happy to be sticking around.
"I've had a really good three years and counting here now - I'm pleased that I can look forward to another couple at least and hopefully have some more good memories. I think it's nice for fans and people around that club when you see players that stay for a long length of time."At the weekend it was my 150th start for the club - you take great pride in that. You're a footballer to play games and turn up every Saturday and Tuesday night to play. I'd like to think the club have got some good value out of me, and I've certainly got some good value out of the club as well."
As we reported below, losing Gunter would have left the club without an established right-back so it's good to see the club already nailing down one spot on the starting lineup for next season, although Brian McDermott has spoken about his desire to get another right-back in at the club.
More importantly it's a sign for cautious optimism that the club have been able to get an agreeable deal done with a man in the prime of his career. This will likely be one of the two biggest contracts he'll be able to sign in his career and the fact that we've been able to come to financial terms does hint that there is decent money being invested.
So congrats Chris and here's hoping for another good couple of years in Berkshire.
You can read more of our initial reaction to news of a possible extension below.
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Reading FC may not be losing their one and only specialist right back this summer after all. Talks are ongoing between the club and the Wales defender and Brian McDermott is confident a new deal can be agreed.
Speaking to the Reading Chronicle, the Reading manager said:
Gunts is still speaking to the club, so hopefully that gets tied up as soon as possible.
"I think it’s coming on. He has sat down with the club and had conversations. As soon as it’s done we’ll see him signing it."
Loyal Royals feared they would be losing the stalwart on a free transfer this summer after it emerged Gunter was keen to stay at the Madejski Stadium but talks had not been opened.
Gunter said:
"I want to stay and all the people at the club who make those decisions are aware of those feelings.
"If I was to sign a contract I’d like it to be as long as possible because you want to buy into that club and your future is settled."
That put the fans in a panic as it would leave the club with no specialised right backs in the squad, a similar position they found themselves in when the departures of Federici and Andersen saw the club with no goalkeepers last summer.
Fortunately, that looks to be in the past and we may see Gunter sign a new, long-term contract and tie him to the club for a few more years yet.
Chris Gunter joined Reading from Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2012 and has made 151 appearances for the club so far.
Fellow Wales international Hal Robson-Kanu and Anton Ferdinand are also out of contract this summer, though they may also be offered new deals in the coming weeks.