ANDY CARROLL has signed a contract extension to keep him at Reading FC until 2024.
The Royals forward was due to be out of contract this month after penning a short-term deal in the summer, but has now opted to extend his stay.
Head of football operations Mark Bowen said: “Andy is the consummate professional, on and off the pitch. We were thrilled to be able to bring him back to the club in September and it has been our priority ever since to secure his services for a longer period.
“Andy is clearly enjoying his football at Reading and we are very pleased to have a player of his pedigree fighting in our corner. So I’m delighted that he has agreed to this new deal.”
Carroll originally joined the Royals on a short-term deal in November 2021 which ran until mid-January.
The striker made eight Championship appearances for the club and scored twice.
He netted an excellent solo goal in Reading’s 3-2 away win at Swansea City and also scored the opener in an away loss to Middlesbrough.
He then made the move to West Brom for the remainder of the season before starting his second spell in Berkshire this summer.
Paul Ince said: “AC is the perfect example to follow for any young striker – not simply in the chances he creates or the goals he scores, but the phenomenal work rate he shows in every minute of every game, the dedication he demonstrates on a cold, wet, windy morning in training, the attitude and experience he brings into the dressing role.
“That is his DNA as a footballer. He is a real asset to this football club and I’m so pleased he has agreed to be part of the progress we are trying to make.”