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Pavel Pogrebnyak Leaves Reading FC

In what comes as a bit of a shocking move, Russian forward Pavel Pogrebnyak has left Reading after three years at the Madejski Stadium.

By Wimb
Tony Marshall/Getty Images

The news was confirmed this afternoon that Pogrebnyak has left Reading to join Russian side Dynamo Moscow on a three-year deal. No news on the fee though it's presumably a free transfer given Pogrebnyak was by his own account on 'not small wages' in Berkshire.

The big Russian had joined Reading on a free transfer in the summer of 2012, being one of new owner Anton Zingarevich's first marquee signings after the club had secured promotion to the Premier League.

While a goal against European Champions Chelsea followed in just his second game, Pogrebnyak would soon find himself struggling in a team that went winless until November and ultimately ended the season with just five league goals.

It seemed as if he'd leave the Madejski following the club's relegation but with his wages an unappealing prospect, Pav stayed on and provided a decent if not spectacular haul of 19 Championship goals in his final two seasons with us.

While some others on big wages like Danny Guthrie and Royston Drenthe seemed to be creating problems at the club, Pav at least gave it his all on the pitch and while he represented an awful investment financially, the Russian at least gave it a go in some trying circumstances.

Speaking on the move, Steve Clarke told the club's website.

"In the second half of last season Pavel was a key player in my team and made a vital contribution. His work rate and commitment to Reading FC were a big plus for me. Now he has the opportunity of a great move back to Russia, I can only thank him for his efforts and wish him well for the future."

While in a tweet sent from Dynamo's twitter, Pog was said to have thanked Reading fans for their support during three years in Berkshire.

Pogrebnyak's departure will certainly free up some funds for Steve Clarke but with Simon Cox and Orlando Sa the only fit and recognised senior strikers left on the books, signing a new striker now becomes even more important.

So it's goodbye to our 'Big F'ing Russian' and we here at The Tilehurst End wish him all the best.

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