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At 33, the veteran is beginning to lose half a yard of pace, despite waning abilities the Goat believes he can improve himself as a player at Reading Football Club.
"I spent a couple of days down here and the gaffer said he can improve and that was the one thing that stuck out for me," admitted Goater.
Scheming duo Physio Jon Fearn and his sidekick Sports Scientist Niall Clarke are quickly becoming renound in the footballing work for their phenomenal training regimes which have enabled Reading players to overpower the opposition.
Access to these professionals seemingly cannot fail to improve anyone as a player. Whatsmore, with Scott Murray and the evergreen John Salako on the wings, it appears there could be much truth in Goater's belief that he can improve. His is a testament which is shared by Alan Pardew.
"You can always improve and we have a structure for individual improvement," remarked Pardew.
"Our Sports Scientist is first class and I'd like to think we do things as well as anyone outside the Premiership. We have players like Steve Brown, John Salako and Adie Williams - Shaun can learn from people with that experience."
Goater, a former Rotherham player, was told by well respected individuals in the world of football, exactly what Royals fans have always insisted, that Reading are a club that are going places.
"I looked at Reading and I spoke to fellow professionals and they said it was a club looking to go in the right direction. I felt it was good for my career so I'm sure I've made the correct decision," added Goater.
It had been hoped that Shaun would play some part in last night's pre-season friendly against Southampton, but sadly he failed to make an appearance. The new number nine will have to wait until next Saturday to make his debut against Ipswich Town, the first game of the new campaign.
Alan Pardew is banking on his new man to put on a show at Portman Road, proposing that history suggests it could be a happy ground for the Goat.
Looking forward to next weekend's appetizing season opener, against a side many have tipped for promotion, Pardew said: "Ipswich is a big game, and he has scored there previously. It may be his time there. We are all looking forward to the new season as I'm sure are all the Reading fans."
With the season just a week away Pardew's summer shopping may not be over. Another defender is expected to be added to the ranks, if not before next Saturday then prior to the transfer deadline at the end of the month. Trialist Marc Edworthy is a prime candidate to sign for the Royals, but many other names have also been linked.
> A Profile Of Shaun Goater - Click HERE