Contract Extension Confirmed For Paul McShane

Well, Brian Tevreden and Ron Gourlay are men on a mission today aren’t they? Just half an hour after announcing a new deal for Jordan Obita, Reading have confirmed that captain Paul McShane has also agreed a contract extension which will see him stay at the club until 2019.

Having signed on a free transfer from Hull City in the summer of 2015, the 31-year-old has made 75 appearances for the Royals and scored four goals. Of course as a defender his biggest strengths come at the other end of the pitch, and his no-nonsense style, tough tackling and commitment to the cause have made him a fans’ favourite in Berkshire.

Capped 33 times by the Republic of Ireland and now in his 13th consecutive campaign in the top two tiers of English football, McShane’s experience is key in Jaap Stam’s squad with a promotion push once again the aim this season.

On the skipper’s new deal, Jaap told the official club website:

“Macca entered the last year of his contract this season and it is important to ensure your experienced players remain part of your squad and help the club move forward.

“His mentality was so important to the team as a whole, as was his role in helping us play the ball out from the back – and I’m very pleased he has agreed to remain a key part of this squad and what we want to achieve at Reading.”

Ron Gourlay spoke of the need to tie down key players this summer:

“Aside from the seven summer signings we have made this summer, it has been our firm intention to secure the futures of key first team personnel – players who earned us so much success last season and whom we believe are integral in helping us achieve more in the future. Paul has been an outstanding captain for the club and we are delighted he has agreed to lead us into battle until 2019.”

Finally, Brian Tevreden said:

“Anyone who watched Reading last season will have seen how important the leadership qualities of Macca are when a calm, experienced head is needed in the blood and thunder of Championship football. So it was very important to offer him this contract extension and keep him at the club for another two years to come.”