BREAKING NEWS - Royals land Connolly from QPR
Published 31 Jan 2012 11:45
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Swoop: Reading manager Brian McDermott makes his fourth January signing with the capture of Matt Connolly.
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Matt Connolly signs for Reading
READING have bolstered their defence with the signing of Matt Connolly from Queens Park Rangers.
The 24-year-old versatile defender joins on loan until the end of the season.
The ex-Arsenal trainee becomes the fourth player to join Royals this January transfer window after Jason Roberts, Tomasz Cywka and Karl Sheppard.
And boss Brian McDermott says is working hard to conclude another deal before tonight's 11pm deadline.
Reading are rumoured to be fighting for the services of Roberts' former Blackburn Rovers team-mate Keith Andrews, amid reports suggesting out-of-favour Irish international has handed in a transfer request.
"We've signed Matt Connolly from QPR," said McDermott. "He can play anywhere across the back four and we think this is a really good signing.
"He's played seven games in the Premier League this season and he played 30 odd games with Kaspars Gorkss at QPR last season.
"I remember him as a youngster at Arsenal and Bournemouth when he played right-back and left-back. He's only 24 so he's just the job."
McDermott also revealed he just missed out on a number of other targets who look destined to move to the top flight.
It is though he was keen on Birmingham City defender Liam Ridgwell, but he opted to join West Brom. Watford defender Adrian Mariappa was another possible target but he looks destined for either Newcastle United or Wigan.
Peterborough's Ryan Bennett also fits the bill, but he appears to be on the verge of a move to Swansea City.
When asked if there could be more new signings today, McDermott added: "I don't know. It may possibly be it, but I never say never.
"We tried to sign a couple of others and missed out on a couple who went to the Premier League instead of to us. It's unfortunate but there you go."
More to follow...
This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 31 Jan 12
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