PLAYER PROFILE

Marcus Hahnemann

Position: Goal

Height: 6'4

Weight: 15st 8lbs

Date of Birth: 1972-06-15 Seattle, Washington, USA

Marcus Hahnemann

Seattle-born goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann signed for Reading on a free transfer from Fulham in August 2002, having previously enjoyed a successful loan period at the Madejski Stadium in the 2001/02 season.

He joined Fulham from the Colardo Rapids in 1999, but only made four appearances in two seasons and so was more than happy when Alan Pardew snapped him up for Reading.

Since his arrival at the Madejski, the American international has made slow and steady progress, eventually taking the number one squad number in the 2003/04 campaign.

Having played every game of the 2004/05 campaign, he made his 100th appearance for the club in August 2005, away at Milwall. It was the start of a highly successful season for the Royals, one which saw them take on the likes of West Brom (whom they beat in the FA Cup) and Arsenal (whom they lost to in the Carling Cup) and culminate in promotion, the Championship title and a points record of 106.

He pays for his own shirts so he can throw them into the crowd at the end of games, and is known for the odd soujourn in the opponent's penalty area when his side are behind in the dying minutes.

He is an important part of the US international set up and was rewarded with a new Reading contract during the 2005/06.

He more than repaid the club for their faith in 2006/07 as he was a rock for them between the sticks.

The consistancy he brings at the back proved vital throughout the season and looks set to do the same in 07/08.