Reading FC

Brian McDermott issued a hands-off warning to Premier League suitors chasing Reading’s top-scorer Shane Long after the striker helped sink Burnley 2-1
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McDermott tells West Ham United Long isn't for sale

By Jonny Fordham
January 03, 2011

Brian McDermott issued a hands-off warning to Premier League suitors chasing Reading’s top-scorer Shane Long after the striker helped sink Burnley 2-1.

Long scored either side of Ross Wallace’s opener at Madejski Stadium to hit double figures for the season and lift Royals up the table into eighth place.

The 23-year-old Republic of Ireland striker signed a new deal until the summer of 2012 in November, but West Ham United have reportedly been tracking his progress during the last month.

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“From my perspective it is important to keep the players we have got during this transfer window,” McDermott said.

“As far as I am concerned no-one is for sale. Early on in his career he [Shane] didn't get the credit he deserved. I wasn't concerned what people were saying about him.

“I never had any doubts and nor did the people in our dressing room.”

It is believed that Royals have made an enquiry to bring Swindon Town ace and former Royals trainee Charlie Austin back to Berkshire.

However, the Robins are reluctant to let him go on the cheap and Reading look to have been put off by the steep asking price for the striker who has netted 17 times already this season.

A more likely addition to the squad is on-loan QPR midfielder Mikele Leigertwood after he put in his best shift for Reading against the Clarets.

McDermott added: “Mikele was possibly going to miss out through injury, but he came in and did well, he's done a really good job for us.

“He put himself up to play, he was outstanding, like a number of them and he's a player I want to keep. He's a strong boy, a great character and fits into what we want to do here.”

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Most recent user comments 11 of 11

£2 million for Austin is indeed steep for a League 1 player, regardless of his goals, but I think, on balance, probably worth it. Problem is, if he turns out to be pants at this level, we'd never get the 2 million back.

W G, Reading
26/01/2011 at 13:41

swindon wont let austin go for less than 2million up front according to the swindon advertiser, they dont need to sell as the're no longer cash strapped, and as we all know we don't offer pure cash there is always at least 50% in clauses to make up the fee.

on a more important note, the lad himself has come out and said he doesn't want to move and he is happy where he is. we have more chance of getting cox from wba

ajr111, swindon
05/01/2011 at 01:25

What a surprise if Madejski has been put off by Swindon wanting what the market feels Austin is worth! Why does he seem to think RFC can pick up good players for less than what other clubs are prepared to pay.

He says he wants to sell the club but, despite many other clubs changing hands, still hasn't managed to do so. Meanwhile Hull change hands and end up with a chairman prepared to put decent money where his mouth is and sign strikers at will.

As far as I'm concerned our chairman's talk of premier league ambition carries as much credibility as a Nick Clegg pledge!

HARB
04/01/2011 at 21:02

I actually totally agree with Bushes for once on this (matron!!!!!!!). The sly, underhand tactics employed by West Ham and Brooking to get Pardew were disgraceful.

Anyway, back to topic. I do actually believe the Club that Long - whether right or wrong - won't be sold.

With Doyle, Sig, Shorey etc etc etc previously, the Club always said they didn't *want* to sell BUT finances being the way they were blah blah blah........ and we all knew our assets were in the shop window.

However the downside to all of this is the (hopeful) talk of signing Austin or whoever the favoured striker of the moment is, is pie in the sky.

There will not be any striker signings, or any other signings except MAYBE Mikele L and that's a big maybe depending on salary and how much QPR demand.

Remember we are the most solvent Club in the Country being run like it's in administration

Big P, Reading
04/01/2011 at 18:48

Not quite Robsy, not quite.

Lost all respect for them when they tapped up Pardew, and take genuine joy in their suffering.

Bushes Bernal, Reading
04/01/2011 at 15:37

So Bushes not an out an out West Ham fan I detect lol....

Robsy , Reading
04/01/2011 at 14:00

West Ham tap up merchants at it again.

Maybe they can get that reptile Brooking to grease the wheels a bit more.

Bushes Bernal, Reading
04/01/2011 at 13:09

£1.5m...?? where did that come from? watched him play against charlton and heard the sky commentator mention £2m

DOGZBOLLOX
04/01/2011 at 12:40

Looks like Johnny's got the Coleman’s' disease over the New Year: "Long scored either side of Ross Wallace’s opener...."

HitchinRoyal
04/01/2011 at 12:38

£1.5m for a 24 year old with loads of potential and 17 goals already would be a very good re-investment of the money we got for Gylfi. But Oh no....we want someone on the cheap as normal! what a joke!. The only player that we will sign will be Leigertwood, so dont get too excited people!

Johnny 5
04/01/2011 at 12:21

Oh dear, here we go again, "put off by steep price", for Austin. what do you expect, a proven goalscorer for nothing ?, no investment when we needed it to keep us in the prem, SJM will not pay out for a chance at promotion, we all know he wants to sell the club, so mid table is the best we can ask for. Thanks for the past and everything you have done SJM, but we need a positive future, not just a healthy bank balance and treated like "mushrooms"