Ian Harte has apparently snubbed the chance to come back to where it all began.

Ian Harte has extended his stay at Premership new boys Reading, much to the disappointment of Leeds and Neil Warnock.

The 34 year old Irish left back made 213 appearances for Leeds between 1996-2004, leaving for Levante as Leeds were relegated from the Premiership. After three years in Spain, he returned for brief spells with Sunderland and then Blackpool but found himself without a club in 2008 after a move to St Mirren fell through. He also had unsuccessful trials with Wolves, Sheffield United and Charlton.

He actually trained with Leeds for a bit, but no offer was forthcoming from ER so he headed up north to Carlisle where he rebuilt his career, scoring an impressive 18 times in 2009/10 which earned him a move to Reading.

He was part of their Championship winning team last season and has opted to stay on in Berkshire rather than return to the side where he made many of his appearances alongside his Uncle Gary Kelly.

It is slightly disappointing even though I struggle to envisage Harte as an old pro when in my minds eye he is a young lad, surging forward and banging in a few decent free-kicks.

His experience and endurability would have been an asset to our big promotion push, which seems less likely as each signing-free day passes. During the "Ridsdale era" how many times did we write him off? Citing lack of pace and general awareness as his major faults. However when Leeds did sign a potential replacement, he always seemed to pull if out of the bag and see off the threat to his place.

Oh well, at 34 you can't blame him choosing guaranteed Premier League football over any sentimental feelings he may have towards us. We wish him well!

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