A FORMER Reading FC academy starlet wasted no time in securing a new club after he was told he would not be awarded a new deal at Madejski Stadium.

Craig Tanner's Royals contract was due to expire at the end of the month.

And despite a successful loan spell at Plymouth Argyle last season, the attacking midfielder did not quite to enough to force his way into manager Jaap Stam's plans.

But Tanner quickly put himself on the market and signed a two-year deal with the 'Well.

Speaking to the club's website, Tanner asserted: “I’m delighted to have joined, having good talks about the club with Stephen Robinson and Martin Foyle. It’s a good day for me.

“I have a really positive feeling about the club and feel they are really building for the future.”

Tanner rose up through Royals' stellar academy system and scored on his debut against Newport County.

He featured for the first-team under former boss Nigel Adkins but was subsequently loaned out to AFC Wimbledon and Plymouth Argyle.

The Camberly-born midfielder made five appearances for the Royals in total, scoring once.

He was among a list of youngsters to be released from the club this season, which also includes Aaron Kuhl, Stuart Moore and Sean Long.

Speaking about his new aquisition, Motherwell boss Stephen Robinson added: "Craig is a good signing for us and gives us something different again.

“He can unlock doors, playing in little pockets across the front three, left side/right side or in behind the striker.

“He is a really good signing for the club.”