Carlton Palmer delivers verdict on recent “brilliant addition” at Reading | OneFootball

Reading have bolstered their attacking options for the new Championship campaign with the addition of Shane Long, 11 years after leaving the club the first time around.

The 35-year-old, who has gone on to play nearly 350 Premier League games and over 140 second-tier matches, will be eager to get the new campaign underway back in the Championship.

With Reading restricted in what they can do in the summer transfer window, Ince will be hoping to continue using the free market to great effect.

Carlton Palmer spoke to Football League World regarding Long’s move back to the Select Car Leasing Stadium and said: “Yeah, I think it’s a good signing for Paul Ince.

“He’s going back to a club which he left 11 years ago, so there’s a feel-good factor about that. I believe he’s great in the dressing room. You’ve seen when he plays, he works tirelessly for the team.

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“The question will be, at 35, how fit is Shane Long? How many games can he play? The Championship is unforgiving.

“If he can stay fit, I think he’s going to be a brilliant addition to the club.”

The verdict

A great character to have around in the dressing room, during a time when the club are going to need to have leaders, Long should be an excellent addition.

Still possessing lots of desire and ability on the pitch too, the Irishman has every chance of succeeding in Berkshire, should he be able to keep fit.

Long is someone who will cause problems with his movement in the Championship next season, with the experience forward someone who can get in behind defences, whilst he also has the intelligence to drop deeper and link the play, varying his attacking output.

Adding valuable experience and a player who still knows where the back of the net is, this is a great move for all involved.