No New Signings On Transfer Deadline Day

01 February 2013
By Hob Nob Anyone?

Transfer deadline day came and went - and it was a quiet day at Reading FC despite plenty of speculation from both club and fans that a signing would still be made. The January transfer window closed with the club themselves pumping out propoganda about waiting to complete a big transfer. Allegedly, Anton Zingarevich was hanging around to help out on a deal and manager Brian McDermott was staying late waiting for a phone call.

The club are now claiming that they put in three increasing bids for former Royals player, and now at Spurs, Gylfi Sigurdsson. Reading claim that a bid of around ten million was eventually turned down as they attempted to bring the player back. Call me cynical, and perhaps bids really were made, but I can't help think there was precisely zero chance of this happening. It simply feels like a late move to appease the fans. If the ten million pound deal didn't come off then there's ten million spare in the back to pay for free season ticket renewals for all at the start of the new season, right?

The day itself might have been a big anti-climax but January itself should still be seen as successful for Reading in the transfer market. A few fringe players left on loan, to hopefully get some useful experience, and we added some excellent signings into the team. Kelly and Akpan have already shown they are very useful players and big things are expected from Nick Blackman who comes highly recommended after banging in goals in League One. The year also started with the arrival of Daniel Carrico who may not be up to full fitness just yet.

Reading's Janaury transfer activity:

IN:

• Stephen Kelly - Fulham
• Hope Akpan - Crawley Town
• Nick Blackman - Sheffield United
• Daniel Carrico - Sporting Lisbon

OUT:

• Gozie Ugwu - Plymouth - Loan
• Dominic Samuel - Colchester United - Loan
• Jordan Obita - Oldham - Loan
• Michael Hector - Cheltenham - Loan

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