Hahnemann Delighted To Be Back

Last updated : 14 August 2002 By Rob Cooper
Marcus Hahnemann
Marcus Hahnemann
American goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann revealed that Reading is the club he wanted to join.

There had been rumours that he was set to snub a move to Reading and opt for Luton or Rochdale instead but according to the 30-year-old shotstopper there was only one club that he wanted to play for.

Hahnemann told readingfc.co.uk: "When it became apparent that I could come here I really wanted to do it, I knew that from the time I had here last season.

"I got along with the players, the manager and the staff, the stadium here is excellent, this is where I wanted to come."

Reading's first summer signing hasn't come here to play in the reserves - he wants to claim Phil Whitehead's number one jersey. He continued: "Phil has been here for a few years, he has played a lot of games.

"I spoke to the manager and he said that it's Phil's spot and it's up to me to get the shirt off him, through training, through everything. I want to play, as everybody wants to play. That is the whole reason why we do this, it's to play games."

Meanwhile, chairman John Madejski added: "I'm delighted to welcome Marcus to Reading Football Club. He is very aware of the goals we want to achieve this season.

"Marcus went to a university and has got a degree in Physical Education. Today footballers are not just footballers but athletes and I think coming in with those credentials is absolutely terrific."