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Reading have today announced the signing of Andrew Taylor on a loan deal from Wigan Athletic. The left-back comes to Berkshire on a season-long arrangement, stepping back up a division following the Latics' relegation last season. Here's what he had to say about the move...
AT: "As soon as I was aware that there was interest from Reading, I jumped at the chance." http://t.co/MQQL94jRE0 pic.twitter.com/4OZWQADJ4L
— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) August 5, 2015
AT: "It's a chance to be back in the Championship with a big club that should be pushing for the Premier League." http://t.co/MQQL94jRE0
— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) August 5, 2015
On the face of it, this is a very sensible signing for the Royals. At 29, Taylor will provide the squad with significant Championship experience, having been a regular for Cardiff City. Indeed, he was a key part of the Bluebirds' title-winning/relegation-earning side of 2011-14, and appeared in the League Cup Final defeat to Liverpool.
From Reading's point of view, this kind of backup was always needed. With Jordan Obita the only senior left back at the club (unless you include Shane Griffin, which you probably shouldn't), Taylor's arrival plugs an annoying gap. Of course, it's yet to be seen whether or not Taylor can live up to the high standards of Jure Travner. We can but hope.
The view from our friends at Wigan blog Pie Eater's Footie wasn't overly positive...
Andrew Taylor was a player from the Uwe Rosler legacy and like many players signed from our former manager he never really hit the heights promised. Sign on a free transfer to plug the hole in the left side of our defence, he often ended up causing more problems than he stopped. Eventually due to a combination of injury and that poor form he was dropped from the team and replaced with free signing Gaten Bong after the January window.
Taylor was expected to be part of Gary Caldwell's plans for this year, however the signing of Reece James from Manchester United sealed Taylor's fate. Now one of clubs highest earners and unlikely to be a regular starter the club looked to offload the player.
What have Reading signed? From a Wigan point of view yet another player who didn't live up to their potential last season, and unfortunately won't be missed by the fans.
So what do you think of this news? Is it a crafty signing or a waste of money? Leave us your thoughts in the comments section below, or ignore it entirely. It's entirely up to you.