The rumour that has been running for years has finally been confirmed, as free agent Shane Long has returned to Reading FC to sign a one year contract. The rumour gathered pace over the last month after it was confirmed that
Southampton would not be renewing his contract, with rumours virtually every day that the deal was done. However, finally the rumour is definitely true with the club revealing Long back in Reading colours with pictures at
the Oracle and the training ground. It's fair to say that the career of Reading's former player of the season, who spent some epic years at Reading, has been tailing off in recent seasons but there's plenty of reason to
expect he will have plenty to offer in the Championship.
Shane Long signed for Reading originally back in 2005, a massive 17 years ago now, as an unknown player from Cork City. His first goal for the club came on New Years Eve in only his second appearance, coming off the bench with twenty minutes to play to grab the equaliser with just two minutes left on the clock. The first Reading goal of that game was scored by Kevin Doyle.
Long went on to score 4 goals that season in limited opportunities mostly from the bench, including two goals off the bench in our 5-0 demolition of Derby. The next season with Reading in the Premier League, Long found himself frequently off the bench to replace either Leroy Lita or Kevin Doyle until he started to earn a place in the starting eleven later in the season. With 4 goals that season and 3 in the following 2007/2008 season in the Premier League, Long was recognised as a hugely creative force up front as a supplier rather than scorer.
That pattern continued until the 2010/2011 season when Long made a huge breakthrough, smashing in a massive 28 goals over the season as Reading finished the season with play-off final defeat. His incredible form earned him player of the season and a 6.5 million pound move to West Bromwich Albion to return to Premier League Football. Regular goals for club and country kept coming, which led to a 7 million pound move to Hull City in January 2014, and then just seven months later a 10 million pound transfer to Southampton. Long continued to make a big contribution for the Saints until, after seven years at the club, gradually dropping out of favour and getting less match time. Most of his appearances for Southampton were off the bench, especially in the last few seasons. Even with limited opportunities Long left Southampton with 37 further career goals.
Welcome back Shane!
The rumour that has been running for years has finally been confirmed, as free agent Shane Long has returned to Reading FC to sign a one year contract. The rumour gathered pace over the last month after it was confirmed that
Southampton would not be renewing his contract, with rumours virtually every day that the deal was done. However, finally the rumour is definitely true with the club revealing Long back in Reading colours with pictures at
the Oracle and the training ground. It's fair to say that the career of Reading's former player of the season, who spent some epic years at Reading, has been tailing off in recent seasons but there's plenty of reason to
expect he will have plenty to offer in the Championship.
<br/><br/>
Shane Long signed for Reading originally back in 2005, a massive 17 years ago now, as an unknown player from Cork City. His first goal for the club came on New Years Eve in only his second appearance, coming off the bench with twenty minutes to play to grab the equaliser with just two minutes left on the clock. The first Reading goal of that game was scored by Kevin Doyle.
Long went on to score 4 goals that season in limited opportunities mostly from the bench, including two goals off the bench in our 5-0 demolition of Derby. The next season with Reading in the Premier League, Long found himself frequently off the bench to replace either Leroy Lita or Kevin Doyle until he started to earn a place in the starting eleven later in the season. With 4 goals that season and 3 in the following 2007/2008 season in the Premier League, Long was recognised as a hugely creative force up front as a supplier rather than scorer.
<br/><br/>
That pattern continued until the 2010/2011 season when Long made a huge breakthrough, smashing in a massive 28 goals over the season as Reading finished the season with play-off final defeat. His incredible form earned him player of the season and a 6.5 million pound move to West Bromwich Albion to return to Premier League Football. Regular goals for club and country kept coming, which led to a 7 million pound move to Hull City in January 2014, and then just seven months later a 10 million pound transfer to Southampton. Long continued to make a big contribution for the Saints until, after seven years at the club, gradually dropping out of favour and getting less match time. Most of his appearances for Southampton were off the bench, especially in the last few seasons. Even with limited opportunities Long left Southampton with 37 further career goals.
<br/><br/>
Welcome back Shane!
Discussion On This Story:
Sir Dodger Royal
» 24 Jul 2004 09:26
According to Dodger's media chums Palace are about to offer £2million for Steve Sidwell. Having missed out on Cahill and not getting much joy with the Hammers after bidding £2.5mill for Carrick they now consider Sidwell would jump at the chance of Premiership football. No doubt the Madman would be interested in getting some dosh back and Powell would join Reading as a make weight part of the deal. It doesn't sound good for the Royals but negotiations are to start over the weekend. Stay webwise with Dodger. The man is backkkkkkkkkkkkkk
Badger Finger
» 24 Jul 2004 09:39
So the contract he signed two weeks ago doesn't do anything then?
WestCoast Life
» 24 Jul 2004 09:39
Shouldn't this be in the 'Unfounded Rumours' section ?
Sir Dodger Royal
» 24 Jul 2004 10:05
Contracts safeguard the player. They mean nothing for the Club but obviously help when agreeing transfer fees. If a player wants to go then it happens plus for all we know he may have a clause in the contract regarding any enquiry from a Premiership club. Real Facts. Real World. You know it makes senseeeeeeeeeeee
yappy
» 24 Jul 2004 10:13
no chance of him leaving, especially to Palace
Cemy Junction Expat
» 24 Jul 2004 10:15
You have to admit that events over the long term have given Dodgers' pronouncements a fair amount of credibility. I for one will be paying more attention to the old goat's insights this season, irrepressible wind-up merchant he may be at times. But on this one Dodge I'd add a third option: "Don't know until your alarming rumour is confirmed" If it's true we'll know soon enough ....
Colin Cheeselog
» 24 Jul 2004 11:13
That certainly is a shock revalation Roger me old pal, we know something is a possibility, what an eye opener. How's Chris getting on these days Roger?
Spike
» 24 Jul 2004 12:27
So Carrick doesn't get his move from West Ham to the premiership because West Ham refiuse the offer yet Dodger thinks Sidwell would jump at the chance despite having just committed his future to the club ? Of course contracts mean players don't move at will, if JM says no way to this 'alleged' approach that is it. SDR has not been right in thepast and little suggests he is close this time. Coppell would rightly see it is a complete betrayal if his prize asset was let go just as he has his squad set.
Forbury Lion
» 24 Jul 2004 12:46
If West Ham can stop Carrick leaving then then it may definatley be possible for Reading to stop Sidwell leaving. Hope that's cleared things up.
Roger Costello
» 24 Jul 2004 12:48
No one signs a new contract and then walks out on Reading, do they ??
Just 2-0
» 24 Jul 2004 13:04
Could be a good move all round, if the deal is right and Coppell gets the money for players, we have a strong midfield, and to lose Sidwell would not be the end of the world. As is always said, everyone has his price, and why would we want to stop a player movinfg to the Prem, there may even be a clause allowing him to talk to Prem clubs, so long as we get a certain fee. I believe West Ham are the other Prem club interested.
Woodcote Royal
» 24 Jul 2004 13:06
It will be no great surprise if Palace make an approach for Sidwell. It goes with the territory when building a side good enough to get to the Prem. However, on this occasion I don't think we'll have too much to worry about. Even if RFC were tempted by the offer (and I don't think they will be at this time of the season) I think Sidwell would turn it down for the same reason that, I imagine, made Cahill plump for Everton. I have to say that I wish Palace well in their quest to avoid relegation. I mean no disrespect by saying that because we will have the same up hill struggle WHEN :wink: our chance arrives. Sidders always comes across as a smart guy, and I think the time to worry is when a well established Premiership side comes in with a solid offer. In the meantime, I believe we can take his signing of a 3 year contract to mean that, he intends to remain here for this season at least. I can't see him being tempted by one season's Prem footy at Palace when he has a good chance of the same with us and/or a move to a much bigger club at the end of the season.
Legend
» 24 Jul 2004 13:10
Your best mate.
M Brook
» 24 Jul 2004 13:20
Sidders always comes across as a smart guy, and I think the time to worry is when a well established Premiership side comes in with a solid offer. Spot on - Sidwell's not gonna be tempted by the prospect of one soul-destroying season at the bottom of the Prem getting whipped every week. No disrespect, but any realistic Eagles fan knows in his heart of hearts that Palace will be the weakest team to have played in the top flight for many years - probably since Swindle Down.
Royal Rother
» 24 Jul 2004 13:26
Don't bank on it. They have a fantastic manager.
fruits
» 24 Jul 2004 14:14
I am not sure about the fantastic manager, he did all right at Oldham, did really well at Palace, but how will he be if they lose 5-6 consecutive matches which they will. Plenty of "fantastic" managers have been found out in the Premiership.
Candu
» 24 Jul 2004 14:49
I'd have been disappointed if they didn't inquire. I have admiration for how Palace are handling this promotion. Expect more of this as Sidwell's reputation is growing. Personally I think pardew is playing up for the fans and Palace will sweeten the deal for Carrick to 3M and he will be off. He is on high wages and money is tight in Hammerland. Let's be honest, Carrick is a lightweight but creative luxury. Sidwell is the kind of player Palace need if they are going to battle.
Sunny D
» 25 Jul 2004 11:32
Just to get back to the topic in hand of Sidwell. was he not born and bred in Croyden, and a Palace fan as a kid ?? I might be wrong, but I seem to remember that from one of his matchday program interviews. I dont think he will go, and I know we have seen similar types of rumours with Shorey and West Ham, but it does make you wonder whether he would think about it if SC told him about the enquiry.
Legend
» 25 Jul 2004 12:55
Indeed you are correct.
Sir Dodger Royal
» 25 Jul 2004 15:56
From what I hear the enquiry was testing Reading's resolve in keeping Sidwell. At this stage the Royals have not said *** off we are not interested. Watch this space. Real Facts from the Main Mannnnnnnnn
Spike
» 25 Jul 2004 16:57
I'd say it's clear that RFC aren't bothered about keeping Sidwell, nor is he that keen to stay. That 3 year deal was just a front to hide the truth... Lucky we have SDR to keep us PROPERLY informed !!
Billy Whitehurst's lob
» 26 Jul 2004 09:48
This is probably just the usual attention seeking crap from Dodger and I can't say I believe Sidwell's about to go anywhere (that said I didn't believe Pardew would join West Ham either). If Sidwell were to go the timing would be awful with the season 2 weeks away. However, if we were to lose him for £2Mil + I think it could actually boost our chances of going up, provided that the fee was added to Coppell's transfer budget and spent wisely. £2 Mil would buy 2 or 3 very good players for this league.
'lista
» 26 Jul 2004 09:53
I would prefer to keep Sidwell, but if he went at the right price it wouldn't be a disaster. Can't see him wanting to sign for Palace, but you never know. As Billy said, I didn't think Pardew would go to West Ham........
higher
» 26 Jul 2004 09:54
Stick a zero on the end and Abramovich can have him :)
Bournemouth Royal
» 26 Jul 2004 09:58
I am just as concerned that Pompey are now short in central midfield with Faye not being transferred because of a knee problem,The Russian having gone back to Chelsea and Hammond being at the Wycombe v Pompey friendly.
Anonymous
» 26 Jul 2004 18:13
Steve Sidwell isn't going anywhere. He is an honest lad and would never commit himself to the new 3 year deal if he actually wanted out!
Spike
» 26 Jul 2004 20:09
There may have been no 'out' on offer when he signed.
A properly dealt with deal would not be dishonest. it would be very disappointing though.
The source of this is what makes it so unlikely though !
Interesting that non of SDR's Media chums have thought it a strong enough story to print. Coul dit be the nearest they get to the 'Media' is A level Media studies at Basingtsoke Tech ?
Kitson#12
» 26 Jul 2004 20:36
No matter how insightfulful Dodger might be, i dont see any chance of Sidwell leaving just weeks after signing a contract and verbally saying to the fans that he wants to play in the premiership but with Reading
Alan Titchmarsh
» 27 Jul 2004 07:22
Go Away Dodger
Gordons Cumming
» 27 Jul 2004 14:25
Exactly Dodger? Do you get off on spreading these rumours or something?
Some sort of "Transfer Rumour Fetish"? :shock:
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