Royals Sign Brooker

Last updated : 02 July 2004 By Rob Cooper
Paul Brooker
Paul Brooker
Reading have beaten off competition from Brighton to sign Leicester winger Paul Brooker on a free transfer.

Steve Coppell stepped in to end the winger's year of woe at the Walkers Stadium.

The 27-year-old, who made eleven appearances whilst on loan at the Madejski Stadium last season, has signed a two-year deal having successfully completed a medical. He will wear squad number 18.

Brooker, who earlier this week was heavily linked with a move back to Brighton, one of his former clubs, becomes Reading's second signing of the day. Brentford defender Ibrahima Sonko also penned a two year contract with the Royals following his medical this morning. Sonko will wear squad number six.

Hammersmith born Brooker is expected to be used by Coppell predominantly on the left-wing where he will fill the position vacated by John Salako who recently left the club on a free transfer. However, manager Steve Coppell explained that the midfielder could occasionally be handed Glen Little's place on the right flank.

"We have options on the flanks now - even though Paul is right-footed he's played most of his football on the left-hand side, and he can provide competition to Glen Little for the right wing as well," said Coppell, speaking to the official site.

Brooker could make his 'second' Reading debut against Brighton on August 7th at the Madejski Stadium.

The Seagulls following faithful could give the 27-year-old a difficult game given that he used to play for the South Coast club and that he rejected their overtures when they this week attempted to re-sign him.

Meanwhile, Steve Coppell admits the Royals could still make further signings this summer, even though they have already brought in three players. Reading have only twenty-six players on their books and six of those have only very limited first team experience.

Ideally, Coppell will add to his squad still further, but only if the right players are available.

"The fact we've made these signings doesn't exclude us from bringing in more players in the next few weeks."

"We've now signed two wingers and a defender, and we've got a competitive squad with cover in nearly all positions. But if we can supplement that again, we will," the Reading manager concluded.