First signing announced, more to follow?

It has been a long 314-day wait, but we have finally signed a player – our former striker Simon Cox.

The 27-year old signs from Nottingham Forest on a two-year contract for an undisclosed fee, but is believed to be around the £500k mark. Cox, who was born in Reading, left the club in 2008 for more first team opportunities, where he excelled and made a name at Swindon Town.

He scored 47 goals in 88 games for the Robins, before moving onto West Brom, where he failed to gain a regular spot. This led to a move to Forest, where he made 78 appearances and scored 14 goals. He has also been capped at international level for the Republic of Ireland.

Finally, albeit we knew it was going to happen, we have signed a player! Cox could prove a crucial option up front for us this season and a possible partnership with the Pog looks on the cards. At 27, he should be coming into his prime as a striker, so let’s hope we see it.

This may not even be the only signing we make before this Saturday, as deals for Jamie Mackie and Anton Ferdinand reportedly close. Cox and Mackie should go straight into the squad for Wigan game, but considering Ferdinand hasn’t had a pre-season, probably won’t be.