Reading FC

Danny Guthrie puts pen to paper on his three-year deal with Reading FC alongside chairman Sir John Madejski and manager Brian McDermott
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Reading FC give Danny Guthrie chance to shine in Premier League

By Jonny Fordham
July 05, 2012

Moving to Madejski Stadium from St James’ Park could be the making of Danny Guthrie.

The midfielder is the perfect age, has the perfect pedigree and possesses the perfect temperament to succeed at a club like Reading eager to impress in the Premier League.

Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United are three world-class clubs at which the 25-year-old has learned his trade and he begins to enter the peak years of his career in the Premier League.

At Newcastle, it could be said that he was the fall guy and paid the price of being dropped due to the arrival of players with bigger reputations.

Despite his form under Alan Pardew, Guthrie was never going to hold down a place ahead of Yohan Cabaye or Cheik Tiote.

At Reading he will be given the chance to fulfil his potential and be that orthodox box-to-box, goal-scoring midfielder the side has lacked since the days of Steve Sidwell.

Guthrie will fight it out for a place in central midfield alongside Mikele Leigertwood and Jem Karacan – two players who cemented a formidable partnership last season.

“We’re absolutely delighted to have him,” beamed McDermott, who flew to Dubai with director of football Nick Hammond and interrupted Guthrie’s honeymoon to show their intent to land the Liverpool trainee.

“He’s got good experience. He’s at a good age at 25, he has the ability to pass the ball and good energy so he’s what Reading’s all about – a hungry player.

“He did great with Newcastle winning the Championship playing something like 43 games.

“He also played a number of games for a team that did very well last season.

“We’re looking to help the group that we’ve got and add value and players that we think will be good for us for a number of years – not just next season.

“Any players we sign now will be players we think will add to a squad which has done very well for a long period of time.”

Hammond also echoed McDermott’s sentiments.

“Danny is a player we have admired for a long time and we have been aware of him since he first broke into the Premier League at Bolton,” he said.

“He has great experience at this level, most recently for a massive club in Newcastle playing in front of big crowds on a regular basis.

“He is a good age, but still has a lot more to come with the best years of his career ahead of him.”

Although Guthrie was limited to starts under former Royals boss Pardew for the Magpies last season, the hard-working midfielder comes with his blessing.

“Alan spoke really well of Danny,” continued McDermott.

“He didn’t really want him to leave, but circumstances said otherwise.

“Danny had options to go to other Premier League clubs so we’re very happy to get him.

“There’s good competition for players and everyone wants that – the fans, the staff and the players. We’re going to have that this year, and I for one can’t wait to get back to training.”

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Most recent user comments 12 of 12

reading 1987 i am not complaining about the way the club conducts its business just pointing out the fact that we do our business in the right way ie not through the press. The reason i called this unfortunate is because we do our transfer dealings in the correct manner people seem to assume that we are lacking in ambition because we are not plasterd all over the back pages of various national papers. I myself prefer this as with the guthrie deal its nice to be surprised when we hear what mcd and hammond have been workin on

rfc221
06/07/2012 at 12:35

Are there seriously people putting the club's ambition into question already?

Look at who we've signed! A player Forest (who had a storming couple of months similar to ours at the end of the season) voted as their "Player of the season" for absolutely nothing.

A player good enough to attract/play for the likes of United, Liverpool and Newcastle who sadly became the fall guy at a club who seemed to play with a new manager every season. The same guy looking to attract Roy's attention no less.

And a striker of international quality who currently holds the PL record for most goals scored in the shortest amount of appearences.

Have these same people forgotten this time last year we were signing strikers from non-league sides and others whith not such convincing form in the Irish league? Our quality of signings has turned on it's head, for the better I'd say and STILL the moaners moan. It is Friday guys at least be happy for that right?

Hopeful Hoops, Reading
06/07/2012 at 09:06

Tilehurst Ender you not got a clue! How can you say on the cheap, these are quality players out of contract, seems you would be happy just hear some big transfer fees pr do you want us to give money to their former clubs to please you.

And RFC221 how can you knock the Reading way of dealing with transfers (the correct way) showing respect to other clubs and management teams and not coming out in the press and trying to turn a players head like big mouth Harry........some people need to get real

Reading1987
06/07/2012 at 08:54

What some people need to realise is that there are various levels of "FREE" signings Those that are over the hill and no longer required by their previous clubs. Those that have reached the end of their current contract and for some reason believe they have a better chance at a new / higher level club, So far I believe Reading have signed 3 from the second group all worthwhile signings

A. XYZ
06/07/2012 at 08:20

Lester, I'm not saying the signing we have made are bad, but the fact remains ALL are free transfers and we are again doing on the cheap!

As for what players I'd buy:

Junior Hoilett, Matias Suarez & maybe Jordon Rhodes.

Tilehurst Ender, Spencers wood
06/07/2012 at 07:12

to be fair you hardley ever hear anything about reading in the press then all of a sudden were parading new playas around ala guthrie didnt hear a thing until deal was sorted so i have fith that we have a number of tagets but unfortunatley as is the (Reading way) wont hear anything until deals are done and dusted

rfc221
05/07/2012 at 17:44

We need at least another 5 players of a good quality to cover positions for injury and suspensions. Reading are playing their cards very close on who they are trying to sign or they are struggling to sign players.

cav007, Caversham
05/07/2012 at 16:45

Once again Tilehurst Ender gets it wrong. So Guthrie & Pob aren't good signings? Tell us who you'd have us buy?

Lester Crinklesack
05/07/2012 at 14:56

4th from bottom - he we come!!!!

I don't see us finishing any higher due to the lack of ambition / lack of signing!

Tilehurst Ender, Spencers wood
05/07/2012 at 13:37

We've signed two midfielders - probably have 7 or 8 others.

Do i anticipate we're going one step further than Spain and play 0-10-0!

come on lads
05/07/2012 at 13:24

wouldent call him a creative midfielder good solid centre mid yes but not expecting him to chip in with many goals could do with someone who like to play in the hole although not really sure were suited for that just yet

rfc221
05/07/2012 at 12:53

Another potentially great acquisition by BMcD and NH. We have lacked a creative midfielder for some time and whilst it was not critical to our success in the Champ it certainly will be in the Prem Lg.