Reading FC have re-signed Shane Long from Southampton. The Royals announced, “On Tuesday 7 June 2005, Reading Football Club signed two young, untried and untested, Irish strikers. Unveiled alongside Kevin Doyle at the stadium that day was a polite, unassuming 18-year-old from the quiet village of Gortnahoe in Ireland.
“Reading were taking a chance on the raw talent of Shane Long and it was a calculated gamble that certainly paid off.
“Now, 17 years later, Shane is back in blue and white hoops.
“Long has put pen to paper at Reading Football Club to sign a one-year deal with the Royals. And he will link up with his new teammates to train at Bearwood Park.”
Head of Football Operations of Reading FC, Mark Bowen, said: “When he first arrived at this club, very few fans will have known anything about Shane Long. But now, he needs absolutely no introduction to Royals supporters. A return to the club where it all began for Shane has been rumoured for a number of years. So I am delighted to have made that rumour a reality.”
Royals boss Paul Ince said, “The arrival of Shane is something of a football fairytale for Reading fans. But make no mistake about it – he is coming into the dressing room. Purely on the merits of what he can offer this squad out on the pitch. Experience, energy, leadership, desire and a natural instinct you need to score goals. Shane will be an important addition to the group we are patiently trying to build and grow.”
