New players

So after a week where numerous signings were to herald Readingfc stating their intentions, it has all been a bit of a damp squib.

Players valued at £8m, but so far to add to the acquisition of Wayne Bridge, there is still only the signing of Alex Pearce, and an agreement of interest in Royston Drenthe. So reality is a week that promised much has delivered very little.

The signing of Alex Pearce is an odd one, was this a case that he was built up by others, to inflate his worth, only to fail to deliver at the highest level. He did become a poor player, no doubt last season, but in that he was not alone.

Looking occasionally at the online betting, the Royals are static at 7/2 for promotion, lets see what investment comes this week, rumour is Kebe could be another outgoing player, luxury player who was never used to his full potential.

Urzz

Royston Drenthe

Could the Royals be achieving their second signing, if Royston's Instagram account is to be believed, he has signed a deal, though there has been no official comment from the club itself.

The local press have been saying since the beginning of the week he is about to sign, then there was a minor hitch, but here we are Thursday morning, with no official announcement.

The former Everton and Real Madrid player, is a left winger who also can fill in left back, looking at You Tube he has a bit of a bad boy image, as shown on one clip driving a Ferrari at speed around the streets.

To be honest, it is about time Readingfc got some characters for the fans to latch onto, the football we have seen over the last few years as been a bit sterile and safe. Yes it has had exciting moments but generally the football has been dire over the last eighteen months, possession being a naughty word.

So have we signed Royston, or did he just break in the Madstad, donned a Reading Fc shirt and posed in the stadium to force the deal through.

Our return to the Championship has been welcomed by most fans, it is a safe place where we have proved in the past we can compete, so it may be a bit premature to welcome "Roy of the Royals" but from where I sit, he will bring much needed spark and someone who the fans will take to.

Seeing the fixture list has come out, it is too early to get excited about any games yet, but that will all change come kick off when the season begins at home to Ipswich Town on 3rd August 2013, where Jay Tabb will be welcomed back to the Madstad

HRK = Top 4

Hal Robson Kanu is saying he wants to go to a top four side, well glad to see relegation has not cost the players their sense of humour.

HRK is proven at the top level and internationally, but whilst that is so, it is said with tongue in cheek.

Having watched him come on as sub, he has an unusual style when taking defenders on, almost a bit of a stumbly dribble as if he has little control over the ball. It is effective as a sub, but on the rare occasions he has started, his effectiveness tails off as the game progresses.

No one can knock ambition, we all have dreams, but as much as I may have wanted to play for the Royals or Biscuitmen as they were called when I was a kid, I didn't have the skill to achieve it.

His chances of playing for a top four side, in my honest opinion is a best pie in the sky, he has not even been a full time regular for the Royals being used mainly as a sub.

To be fair though he has nailed his colours to the mast, the ball is in his court, do a Steve Sidwell or Frankie Lampard and make it happen and prove your worth.

But if he stays at Reading he needs to be playing at Reading, not dreaming of what could have been but getting out there and proving his true value, one way would be to make himself the first person on the team sheet, but not going down the same path as Alex Pearce.

Urzz

Gareth McCleary

Skysports are reporting that newly promoted Crystal Palace are interested in signing him.

Following the departure of their star winger Wilfred Zaha, Gareth could be seen as a worthy replacement having just had a spell with the Royals in the Premiership.

First signing; Wayne Bridge

Nigel Adkins makes his first signing, Wayne Bridge. Reportedly on a year deal to fill in at left back.

So barely into the first month of the summer break, the Royals are starting to build for next season, like all new players that ply their trade with the Royals, we say welcome and good to have you on board.

There are a lot of positives in this, he has a wealth of experience, knows this league after his loan spell with Brighton and Hove Albion last season. 

He was reportedly very favoured by Harry Redknapp at Queens Park Rangers, so we will see who won or lost out by his signing for Readingfc.

So the Reading way is not dead, business is done before declaring interest in public, low outlay, but before sounding a little cynical Wayne will help promote the clubs intentions to get back on track with their long term ambitions.

When Wayne and the Royals take to the pitch I will be there in the Lower West, with the wife and our two season tickets.

Urzz