21-year-old goalkeeper Ben Hamer signed a new two-year contract earlier this week, and he spoke at length to the Club's official website about his deal.

Ben a two-year contract and Nick Hammond has said how delighted he is to have you committed to us.
Yes, I'm obviously pleased. I've been laying the foundations out on loan in the last few years, going about my business and establishing myself as a number one goalkeeper in the lower leagues. I think I've done realy well this season, now I want to come back and stake a claim.

You've been a Reading player a long time, but you've not actually been seen here too much what with Crawley for one season and then Brentford in the last two years.
I've been here since I was 15, in the last three years like I said I've been going out and laying foundations so I've been a bit non-existent here! But I am really looking forward to coming back, I have matured a hell of a lot. We have a great group of goalkeepers at this club and the challenge is one I am looking forward to. Hopefully in the next two years I can be part of the first team.

Nick Hammond has said that now you're competing for the number one spot, that is available to you.
Well there aren't a lot of young goalkeepers out in the Championship, but the ones who have played have shown they are capable, and that's what I am striving for this year. I want to make the spot mine but obviously we have Fed and another two young goalkeepers [Andersen and McCarthy.]  It will be a hard task but I'm ready for the challenge and will give it a good go.

You've played something like 110 games which in fact makes you the most experienced goalkeeper at Reading.
Yes, I've been out establishing myself in the Football League as a good young keeper. I'm looking forward to working with the new manager, it's a fresh start for everyone. All the young lads have a great chance to show what they can bring and there's no reason I can't do same.

How much were you able to work with Brendan early in your career when he was here?
He brought me in as a scholar when I left school but it was only three months later that he went to Chelsea, which was a great chance for him. I liked him as a coach then and now he is back I am looking forward to working with him again, as I'm sure all the young lads are too.

This is a new chance for everyone...
Definitely. A lot of young lads have a good chance to stake a claim which can only be good. He will bring a nice approach in terms of his style of football, it will be different, there's a new staff and we've all got chance to reprove ourselves.

Finally, it seems a silly question to a goalkeeper, but how would you describe yourself as a player?
I see myself as a counter-attacking keeper, I like to come for crosses and take pressure off the back four. I am direct with my distribution, it's one of the strong parts of my game. Hopefully in pre-season I can show that to the manager and supporters, then bring it to the season itself.