READING SIGN BROWN

Last updated : 19 December 2002 By Rob Cooper
Steve Brown (right) came up against Michael Owen (left) whilst in action during his ten year spell at Charlton
Steve Brown (right) came up against Michael Owen (left) whilst in action during his ten year spell at Charlton
The 30-year-old will wear the number twenty-nine shirt, vacated by Matthew Upson. He goes straight into the matchday squad for tomorrow's game at Nottingham Forest but is unlikely to feature.

Alan Pardew is understood to have been a long term admirer of the veteran and has been heavily linked with a move for Brown since the Royals promotion to Division One last April.

It is not the first time Pardew has linked-up with Brown. The duo were team-mates at the Valley during the early 1990s.

Commenting on the deal, that will see Brown stay with the Royals until the end of the 2004-5 season, Pardew told readingfc.co.uk: "It's been well reported that I've been after Steve Brown for a long time and there are good reasons for that, I'm very pleased to bring him to this club.

"If the Reading fans are wondering what type of player he is then the highest compliment I can pay him is that he is our new Parky. He covers a number of roles but centre-back is probably his best position.

"I feel that throughout his time at Charlton he has never been given the confidence to become a top player, which can sometimes happen to players who have come through the youth ranks. Let me assure you that he will be given that confidence here, and I think he'll prove what a good player he is."

Steve Brown
Steve Brown
Chairman John Madejski is confident that the signing of Brown can help the Royals to make a promotion push as they go into the new year.

The former Auto Trader owner commented "I'm delighted to welcome Steve Brown to Reading Football Club. He is an extremely experienced player who will play a major role in our push for Premiership football."

The signing of Brown will inevitably leave people to question whether John Mackie has a future at the club. The 26-year-old will face a long suspension should the FA decide to charge him for an alleged racist incident involving Sheffield United striker Carl Asaba.

Steve Brown has spent his entire career with the Addicks and in 2000-01 celebrated his testimonial year. Having racked up almost 300 first team appearances he certainly has experience on his side.

Reading fans however are less than satisfied with the signing and have suggested that by signing a Premiership has-been they are a club lacking ambition to make Premier League football a reality.