KARL SHEPPARD HAS joined Coca-Cola Championship side Reading on a free transfer.
The Shamrock Rovers striker played a pivotal role in their successes in the Airtricity Premier Division and Europe since arriving from Galway United in January 2011.
And after travelling to England for a medical earlier this week, the Ireland U21 international has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal according to Reading’s website.
Advertisement
The likes of Blackpool, Cardiff City, Peterborough and Watford had also been tracking the Portmarnock native but the Royals’ strong links in Ireland saw them land the 20-year-old.
Steve Coppell signed Irish international pair Kevin Doyle and Shane Long from Cork City back in 2005 while Stephen Hunt plied his trade with with the Berkshire club before moving on and his brother Noel is still there.
“Karl will add to the squad, he’s not here to replace anybody,” Royals director of football Nick Hammond said in this morning’s The Reading Chronicle.
We’ve been aware of him for a long time and he’s really kicked on this season.
“He had a very good season with Shamrock and gained some European experience with them in the Europa League,” he added.
“He holds the ball up well, he’s an intelligent boy and he has goals in him.”
The player himself tweeted the news this morning before thanking Rovers fans and staff for the incredible year he has had.
New Royal: Sheppard departs Hoops for Reading
KARL SHEPPARD HAS joined Coca-Cola Championship side Reading on a free transfer.
The Shamrock Rovers striker played a pivotal role in their successes in the Airtricity Premier Division and Europe since arriving from Galway United in January 2011.
And after travelling to England for a medical earlier this week, the Ireland U21 international has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal according to Reading’s website.
The likes of Blackpool, Cardiff City, Peterborough and Watford had also been tracking the Portmarnock native but the Royals’ strong links in Ireland saw them land the 20-year-old.
Steve Coppell signed Irish international pair Kevin Doyle and Shane Long from Cork City back in 2005 while Stephen Hunt plied his trade with with the Berkshire club before moving on and his brother Noel is still there.
“Karl will add to the squad, he’s not here to replace anybody,” Royals director of football Nick Hammond said in this morning’s The Reading Chronicle.
“He had a very good season with Shamrock and gained some European experience with them in the Europa League,” he added.
“He holds the ball up well, he’s an intelligent boy and he has goals in him.”
The player himself tweeted the news this morning before thanking Rovers fans and staff for the incredible year he has had.
For more information, visit The Reading Chronicle
Robbie’s return: Villa confirm Keane loan deal
WATCH: Andy Roddick gets snippy when reporters ask about his model wife Brooklyn Decker
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Airtricity League I'm Off Karl Sheppard Shamrock Rovers Reading