New Reading goalkeeper Joe Lumley is "delighted" to be on loan in Berkshire for the 2022/23 campaign after the deal was confirmed on Sunday.
Formerly of QPR, the 27-year-old played 39 matches for the Boro last season as they reached the FA Cup quarter final and finished seventh in the Championship.
READ MORE: Reading FC sign Middlesbrough Joe Lumley on season-long loan
Met with a mixed response from Royals fans, the Harlow-born shot stopper can't wait to get started.
Speaking to the club media after finalising the move, he said: "I’m delighted to join. Growing up watching and playing against Reading, it’s a massive club to come and join, hopefully we can achieve some good stuff this season.
"Straight away I jumped at the chance. It’s a chance to play another season in a top league and see what we can achieve.
"Everything about this club I’ve heard great things about. I know a few of the lads, I played with Josh Laurent in my youth team and still speak to him quite a lot- he said great things, so it’s a big opportunity for me to go on and play 46 games in the Championship."
DEAL DONE ✅📝
— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) June 19, 2022
We are pleased to announce that 27-year-old goalkeeper Joe Lumley has put pen to paper on a season-long loan move from @Boro 🥅
Welcome to Reading, Joe! 🤝
Playing in both matches against Reading, a win for Veljko Paunovic at the SCL Stadium and a last-minute defeat at the Riverside, Lumley admits that things could've been very different in the game in Berkshire.
"It’s always a tough game, going to the Madejski [SCL Stadium]," he started. "Playing for Middlesbrough last year against Reading they were both really tough games. In the away game for Middlesbrough I should’ve scored last minute, but I’m glad I didn’t, now I’ve joined Reading."
Arriving just days before the beginning of pre-season, the first signing of the summer is raring to go ahead of what looks to be a challenging season ahead.
"Football is crazy. You’re at one place one year and the next you’re somewhere else but it’s all part of your career and I love a new challenge. As one door closes another opens so I’m raring to go, meet the lads, work hard in pre-season and be ready," he concluded.
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