Reading's Ingimarsson Signs

Ivar Ingimarsson has signed a new two year contract that will tie him to Reading until the summer of 2008. His current deal was due to end next summer meaning he could have left on a Bosman deal.

The 28 year old Iceland international, who says his best football is still ahead of him, joined Reading from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2003, becoming Steve Coppell's first signing for the club.

Chairman John Madejski said: 'I'm absolutely delighted. He has been a real stalwart for Reading and a cornerstone of our team since he signed. We are sure he will play a key role as we continue our push for promotion into the Premiership.'

Ingimarsson told the club's official website: 'I think it's a good contract for both me and the club and I'm delighted to have extended my contract here. I'm very pleased. I've said all along, since we started talking about contracts in the summer, that Reading was the place I wanted to be and now I've put pen to paper and it's done. I'm 28 now and normally the best football years of a player come between the ages of 28 and 31, especially for centre-backs, so I'm very hopeful that the best is yet to come and I'll be working hard to make that come true,'

Adding: 'I like to know what the future holds for me and it's not just me that I'm thinking of when signing this contract. My wife and family are really settled and enjoy living here so that certainly comes into the equation.'

Meanwhile, The Royals also expect to give 18 year old utility player Simon Cox his first professional contract next week.

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