Michael Duberry became Reading's final signing of the January 2007 transfer window, joining from Stoke for an undisclosed fee on deadline day. The 31-year-old defender's signed a contract keeping him at the Madejski Stadium til the summer of 2008.
 | | Duberry was Stoke's captain |
It'll mean Duberry steps back up to the Premiership - he's played in the top flight for Chelsea and Leeds - having helped Stoke to a superb defensive record so far in the Championship. "The whole package of Reading football club attracted me here," he told us. "I'm confident I can bring something to the table. I'm going to be myself and not do anything different, that's what's got me here and that's how I'll make my mark as a player." 'It's down to me' | "Stoke's been good to me but it's all about Michael Duberry the Reading player now." | | Michael Duberry |
As part of that package, Duberry says the manager was an influential factor. "Steve Coppell being here helped in my decision. You're not going to go to a manager who you've heard bad reports about, and I haven't heard anything bad about him. Reading's newest signing is happy to fight for Coppell's attention when it comes to first team places. "You see the Premiership table and see Reading are doing well, and when we played against them last year they were a good unit.
 | | Looking ahead to success with Reading? |
"The side won on Tuesday and not many managers change winning teams, so it's down to myself now. "Stoke's been good to me and I'm leaving the club in a good position, so I'm pleased with that. "It's helped me to get to where I am now but it's all about Michael Duberry the Reading player now." | 
