Long admits it was hard to leave

West Bromwich Albion striker Shane Long admits it was a hard decision to leave the Royals after spending 6 years there after signing from Cork City for £30,000.

Shane completed his move to Roy Hodgson’s West Bromwich Albion yesterday for a fee around £6.5, although it has been left undisclosed.

Long has been on Republic of Ireland international duty and took the chance today to say his final goodbye’s to his team mates and the staff.

He also took the opportunity to speak to the official RFC site. The 24-year old said: ‘That’s what makes it a bit harder, everyone’s so nice here, they’ve looked after me for the last six years, all the staff and players. It’ll be tough leaving but I’m excited about pastures new at West Brom.’

He paid a particularly big tribute to his former boss Brian McDermott in developing his career and even let Shane stay at his home when he was looking for a place when he first signed for the Royals.

‘Brian has always looked after me. It’s tough to leave him, I owe him a lot as a player and he’s a good friend as well. I can’t thank him enough for not standing in my way and letting me get that move to the Premiership.’

Shane didn’t even rule out coming back to the Madejski one day. ‘It’s been amazing, I had six good years, I think the fans have warmed to me, maybe one day in the future I can come back but for now I’m looking forward to the next four years at West Brom.’