Royals boss pleased with Shorey bargain

Reading manager Brian McDermott is very pleased to bring Nicky Shorey back to the club, admitting he has wanted to do it for a long time.

The former Reading player signed a free transfer, following his release from West Bromwich Albion. Shorey would have already worked under McDermott during his seven-year spell with the Royals, with his father Steve, who is now head scout at Reading, working closely with McDermott.

Speaking to the Official Reading FC Website, McDermott said: ‘He’s a free transfer, so I looked at the value involved in the deal and what he could bring to us – in the end it was an absolute no-brainer to do it. It gives competition in that position, which is what we felt we needed.’

‘I remember the time when Nick left, four years ago, but he’s a Reading man through and through, he loves Reading. When I spoke to him, he said everything I needed to hear. He was really keen to play, to come back, he had other options too and it’s just a really good signing for us.’

McDermott made a good point about competition when talking about the motives behind the re-signing of Shorey, so do you feel this is adequate competition for Ian Harte? Both have never been the fastest full backs to grace the Madejski turf, are they both ready for Premier League football?

Wiki page: Nicky Shorey