After being part of Readings record Championship season in 2005-6 and helping his team finish 8th in the Premier League the following season, he left the Madejski to play for a Premier League club after they were relegated. But now when Reading have worked their socks off all season long to get promoted, Nicky Shorey and West Brom have had a season to forget and now he joins the Royals on a free transfer carrying a 1 year deal with him. He will replace, the now retired, Chris Armstrong in the left back role.
Shorey spent 7 seasons with Reading, between 2001-2008 and made 267 appearances. During his time with the club he managed to establish himself as a firm fan favourite and many were sad to see him move on when Aston Villa came knocking. His return, however, is an opportunity for the 31-year-old to re-acquaint himself with Reading fans and help establish some kind of lasting legacy. I personally welcome his return and think his experience will come in handy over the course of next season.
[ad_pod id=’DFP-MPU’]
Luckily for Reading, they are making improvements to the squad, already with the sigings of Pobgrebnyak, Guthrie, Sweeney, McCleary and now Shorey because without some of these names with Premier League experience they would be heading down the drain.
Winning the Championship will put pressure on them knowing that they are expected to finish above Southampton and West Ham but I just don’t think they have that attacking style of play to achieve it. Reading still have to be contenders for relegation this season, but with wins from the “teams that don’t actual play football” like Stoke and Aston Villa will help them pull away from the dreaded drop.
The hype is just starting for the new season and I expect there to be lots of upsets mainly from the Royal’s rivals Southampton as they play great football and could beat top teams like Everton. I know they are a good footballing team but they need to where they belong in the league.
The promoted teams impressed in the Premier League last season, and who would bet against them doing the same this time round?
Introducing the neat little app that’ll pay you to view content tailored to your interests:
ThisisFutbol.com are seeking new writers to join the team! If you’re passionate about football, drop us a line at “thisisfutbol.com@snack-media.com” to learn more.
Shorey will be a great improvement to the squad, and hopefully can regain the hearts of Royals fans.
Good article Joe, but coming from a Villa ST for 10 years, you can’t possibly put us in the same ‘long-ball/hoof it’ group as Stoke. The signing of Pobgrebnyak is massive in my opinion, still one of Europe’s quality frontmen.