There were more than a few eyebrows raised when Wolverhampton Wanderers were able to take advantage of Reading releasing high-profile goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann.
Indeed, the
Royals released a string of first team players, including full back
Graeme Murty, defender
Michael Duberry and striker
Leroy Lita.
American international
Hahnemann had the opportunity to return to the States, but the lure of another crack at the Premier League was too good to turn down and he agreed a one-year deal with newly-promoted
Wolves.
The 37-year-old, who spent nearly seven years with the Royals, spoke exclusively to Givemefootball’s Mark Shail to discuss how he is settling in at Molineux.
Q: How are you enjoying your time at Wolves?
A: It’s been really good so far. I spent seven years at Reading but it was nice to have the chance to come to a big club like Wolves. They have always been one of Reading’s biggest rivals in the past and I actually did quite well against them in the games that I played.
Q: It's a big step-up to the Premier League though, isn't it?
A: It’s a huge step, but we have had a couple of decent results and hopefully we will be able to build on that. In fact, with a bit more luck, we could have picked up a few more points, but it is still very early days.
Q: Wayne Hennessey currently has the No.1 jersey, are you waiting for your chance in the first team?
A: We have a lot of good goalkeepers at the club and
Wayne Hennessey has got the jersey right now, but I’m just like any other player – I want to play. It’s a question of working hard in training and taking my chance when it comes along.
Q: Were you surprised to leave Reading in the summer?
A: Yes I was, in fact I think a lot of the players who were released were surprised. But a lot of it came down to money in that it was probably a financial decision, because the club were looking to get the bigger earners off the wage bill.
Q: You started your career in the USA, what is the state of American soccer right now?
A: It’s pretty good. My home town, Seattle, for example, have just got a team together again and it’s a club I played for between 1994 and 1996.
For them to get a side in the MLS is a big thing for the city and they are attracting crowds of 32,000 for every game. They actually won the equivalent of the FA Cup last season and things are looking good for them.
Q: Would you like to play in the States again?
A: I have always said that I would like to return to the USA and end my career there – when that will be I don’t know. But right now I’m just concentrating on doing as well as I can for Wolves.
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