Raziak and McAnuff join Royals’ strikeforce

Reading have today announced the signings of centre-forward Gregorz Raziak from Southampton and attacking midfielder Jobi McAnuff from Watford.

The news comes just two days after Reading`s farcical attempt to capture the services of Watford striker Tommy Smith was dissolved in mysterious circumstances.

VitalReading joined scores of other members of the national press on Tuesday in believing that the transfer had indeed gone through despite Portsmouth`s known interest in the player. But, after the forward failed to appear at a press conference that had been already been called, journalists` dictophones were left idle and cameras on tripods stood by with nothing to capture.

The mystery surrounding Smith`s proposed deal appeared less likely to be solved after the Royals lost to Barnsley 2-1 at home that evening, giving manager Brendan Rodgers other pressing matters to contend with.

But a sudden swoop for the duo of Raziak and McAnuff constitutes a committed pledge to ensure that Reading supporters will see their side compete in the top half of the league this season. Rodgers knows both these players relatively well, having overseen them when manager of Watford, and he will hoping to call on them to reverse the worrying lack of goals that has hampered Reading`s early-season form.

The club have decided to keep each player`s transfer fee undisclosed, and they will both be available for selection ahead of the Royals` trip to Barnsley this weekend.

McAnuff takes the number 11 shirt left vacant by Stephen Hunt, while Raziak will put on the number 23 shirt.