READING FC fan and former striker Simon Cox hailed Royals’ transfer activity after the club secured the signatures of John O’Shea and David Meyler.

Veteran defender O’Shea won five Premier League titles and one Champions League, while Meyler has experienced two promotions from the Championship to the Premier League with Hull City and Sunderland.

Supporters were critical about Paul Clement's two signings, but Southend United striker Cox, who played 69 games across two spells at Reading, hailed the new blood.

Cox, who hails from Reading stated: “Reading with two good signings in two days in my opinion.

“John brings a wealth of experience and knowledge at the back to add to what they already have and David brings legs and determination in midfield.”

O’Shea has penned a one-year deal at Madejski Stadium with the option of stepping into coaching afterwards.

A deal was struck with the Royals by the club's former winger, Stephen Hunt, now an agent for a host of players including O'Shea.


Meyler, meanwhile, was handed a two-year contract with the option of a third, should the club choose to activate it.

Defender O’Shea, 37, suffered back-to-back relegations with Sunderland into League One, but stressed he is keen to make an impact at Madejski Stadium.

Republic of Ireland international Meyler meanwhile, who signed on a free transfer from Nigel Adkins’ Hull, revealed his ambition to fire Reading back to the Premier League.

He said: “I’m delighted and I am looking forward to the challenge ahead.

"I was looking for ambition and I spoke to the manager – he lined that out for me and I want to get this club promoted.

“We spoke about the way he wants to play, what he wants to do and where he thinks this club should be.

"The focus is to get back to the Premier League and that’s what I’m here to do."