News and Views
Ali Al Habsi Extends Contract
05 January 2017
By Hob Nob Anyone?
Ali Al Habsi has been rewarded with his continually consistent performances with a contract extension to keep him at Reading until the summer of 2019. Al Habsi was due to be out of contract in the summer after two years with the club, but the new deal secures the services of Reading's first choice goalkeeper. There were plenty of question marks over, and critical nicknames for, Al Habsi when he arrived as seemingly second choice goalkeeper to Bond who signed at the same time. However Al Habsi more than silenced his critics by becoming Reading's main goalkeeper and deservedly winning the fans vote for player of the season last term.
Al Habsi is currently very much in the running to claim the player of the season award for a second consecutive season. He is currently second, behind Liam Moore, in the Hob Nob Anyone? man of the match voting for the season so far. Al Habsi has been named as man of the match six times so far this season on this website - more than any other player. His best performances came in the early part of the season where there was no doubt his performances earned vital points as the Royals steadied the ship and started their climb up the table.
Talking about Al Habsi committing to a new contract with Reading, Jaap Stam was full of praise for the 35 year old: "As we all know, Ali is a great goalkeeper - a fine shot stopper with good reactions who even at this stage in his career is still improving his game and becoming better and better as a player"
Wigan paid Bolton a four million pound transfer fee in 2011 for the services of Al Habsi and he went on to make well over 100 appearances before signing for Reading after four seasons at Wigan. Al Habsi has made 65 appearances for the Royals since signing - and now looks set for plenty more.
Discussion On This Story:
RoyalBlue
Meanwhile, back on planet earth, only the unhinged amongst us will not be thanking their lucky stars that last years player of the season has agreed to stay.
No one has come close to this guy since Marcus.
As an all round keeper who would have been much more suited to our build from the back style, Federici did. McCarthy was also an excellent keeper but suffered a similar weakness to AAH when it came to passing and kicking a football.
That having been said, pleased to see AAH commit albeit that he may well be the reserve keeper next year, particularly if we were to get promoted.
Incidentally, I think there sadly may be reasons (not of his doing/making), other than his footballing ability, that prevent Bond from fulfilling his full potential.
Woodcote Royal
Meanwhile, back on planet earth, only the unhinged amongst us will not be thanking their lucky stars that last years player of the season has agreed to stay.
No one has come close to this guy since Marcus.
As an all round keeper who would have been much more suited to our build from the back style, Federici did
That's where I stopped reading.
There was nothing "all round" about Fcukup Fed's game. His greatest talent was producing Hollywood saves for the camera. When the chips were down, Skippy was all too often found wanting. Looks like he's highly valued at Bournemouth these days
Hendo
As an all round keeper who would have been much more suited to our build from the back style, Federici did
That's where I stopped reading.
There was nothing "all round" about Fcukup Fed's game. His greatest talent was producing Hollywood saves for the camera. When the chips were down, Skippy was all too often found wanting. Looks like he's highly valued at Bournemouth these days
And that is where I stopped reading.
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