Shorey Signs For Villa

Following a medical, as reported earlier, England international Nicky Shorey has signed for Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee believed to be in the region of £4million.

Shorey has signed a three-year deal with Villa and will link up with former team-mate Steve Sidwell.

A host of clubs including Sunderland and Portsmouth had been battling for Shorey’s signature, but the ex-Leyton Orient man chose Villa.

Royals boss Steve Coppell has expressed his desire to bring in a replacement for Shorey and a deal could be done tomorrow, no word yet on who the replacement will be.

Whoever does replace Shorey has some big boots to fill following the full backs seven year stint at the Royals, where he made nearly 300 appearances.

His final season with the Royals was a poor one with his mind obviously on a move. Despite leaving on a slightly sour note, Shorey has cemented his place in Reading history, not only as part of the record breaking Championship winning team, but as the finest left back Reading have ever had.

We at Vital Reading wish Nicky all the best in the future and hope that he gets the warm reception he deserves if and when he returns to the Madejski Stadium.

Good luck Nicky and goodbye.