Stoke seal record striker swoop

Kitson glad to be back in Premier League after signing three-year deal

Last updated: 18th July 2008

Dave Kitson Reading Premier League Football Derby County

Kitson: Excited to be at Stoke

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Stoke City have smashed their transfer record to sign Dave Kitson from Reading in a £5.5million deal.

Kitson has agreed a three-year contract at the Britannia Stadium to become the Potters' first signing of the summer.

He had been keen to stay in the Premier League following Reading's relegation last season and is relishing the chance to play for Stoke.

Very excited

"I'm delighted to be here and I am very excited about the challenge," he told the club's official website.

"I am 28 and I need to be in the Premier League. I have worked hard to get here with both Cambridge and Reading, so when the opportunity arose I wanted to get the deal done.

"I came down, had a look around the club and I knew this was where I wanted to be."

The Potters' previous transfer record stood at £1.2million and manager Tony Pulis is hoping Kitson's enthusiasm rubs off on the rest of his squad.

Infectious

Pulis said: "His enthusiasm was infectious to be honest with you.

"He is a larger than life character and is desperate for you to do well, and he is willing to give as much help as he can to help you improve.

"I just warmed to him straight away. He is an honest bloke and seems to be a great lad, and that made it an easy decision to come here."

Kitson scored 60 goals in 147 appearances during his Reading career after joining the club from Cambridge United in December 2003.