Shorey highlights fans as motive in Royal return

New Reading signing Nicky Shorey has openly admitted that the fans were crucial in his decision to return to the Madejski Stadium.

The 31-year old penned a one-year deal at the Madejski Stadium on Tuesday, following his release from West Bromwich Albion in June. Shorey had a superb six seasons with the Royals, making 267 appearances, as he witnessed two promotions during his tenure. However, the former Leyton Orient defender left in 2008 for Aston Villa, but hinted at a possible return back to Berkshire later in his career.

Speaking to the Official Reading FC website, Shorey said: ‘I’ve always had great support from the Reading fans and I feel a little bit like I owe them a great deal and a lot of my career really. They’ve supported me so well, and it was disappointing the way things went in the last season I was here, but at that time it was time for me to move on. It feels like a new challenge now and hopefully I’ll be able to repay them.’

‘This club is run right and you’ve got good people working here. I was delighted when they got promoted last year. To be honest, I didn’t have one thought that I might be coming here again but it’s nice to be a part of it. It’s such a good place and a good town and everyone gets behind the team so it’s a nice feeling around the club. I had great times here and it’s a new challenge now.’

Shorey has highlighted the fans as a massive reason for his return to the Madejski, despite admitting he had offers from elsewhere. However, do Reading fans feel the same way? Is the former England international going to recreate the same heroics he proved six or seven years ago? Only time will tell whether Shorey can still cope with the demands of the Premier League.

Wiki page: Nicky Shorey