Duberry Does Deal

Reading made one final transfer swoop on deadline day, sealing the Stoke City defender Michael Duberry.

The Stoke captain had a clause inserted in his Stoke contract meaning if a Premiership club came in for him he could leave for a certain fee.

The figure that Reading have paid is as of yet undisclosed, just like the other transfers the Royals have made in this window, but aan estimate is made at somewhere between 500 and 800K.

Duberry, famed for his part in the Chelsea side that won the Cup Winners Cup, was not shown much interest from Stoke to renew his fast expiring contract and so the player took a gamble to join this years Premiership surprise package.

Duberry has been given a one and a half year contract that will run out in the summer of 2008.

Chairman John Madejski described the addition of Duberry as welcome depicting Duberry as "a high calibre performer who has been in excellent form this season and will add experience to our squad."

And Director of Football, Nicky Hammond added: 'Michael is a very experienced centre-half who has played at the highest level, including nearly 150 Premiership appearances and a European final.

'This season he has captained a Stoke team which has the best defensive record in the Championship, and we think this is a very sensible signing which gives us additional quality as we enter the final stages of the season.'

Stoke have already replaced their captain bringing in Charlton`s Jonathan Fortune on a loan deal till the end of the season.

Stoke`s manager, Tony Pulis commented on Duberry`s departure:

"We as a football club are all sorry to see Michael leave."

"I would like to thank him for services to Stoke City and wish him and his famly all the best for the future."

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