‘How poor’, ‘Fair play’ – These Reading fans have split opinions as former defender secures transfer

Plenty of Reading fans have reacted after former defender Paul McShane completed a move to League One following his Royals release in the summer.

The 33-year-old signed a short-term contract until January and will be available for selection for this weekend’s clash with Accrington Stanley.

McShane brings a wealth of experience with him to Spotland having played for the likes of West Brom, Sunderland and Hull City, as well as picking up 33 caps for the Republic of Ireland national side.

We're delighted to announce the signing of Republic of Ireland international Paul McShane 🇮🇪

The defender has joined on a short-term contract until January ✍️

Welcome to the Club, Paul! 🤝

👉 https://t.co/bP81phcPJr #RAFC pic.twitter.com/lLBXhITT67

— Rochdale AFC (@officiallydale) October 10, 2019

He made the move to the Madejski Stadium on a free transfer back in the summer of 2015 after being released by Hull, going on to make 103 appearances over the next three seasons.

However, his career rather fizzled out after making just five appearances in the whole of last season as he battled various injuries.

The reaction to his new deal has been a mixed one.

Some fans were happy for him and his new side, whereas others saw it as an opportunity to mock…

Lost a yard of pace but is an extremely organised central defender, positionally was good with us I thought in our playoff season. Was downhill slightly after that – think he should be able to compete in L1 still personally. Move obviously being up north probably helps too

— The Biscuit Analytic (@BiscuitAnalytic) October 10, 2019

Good defender was our captain. He will be great in League 1.

— Tim Patten (@TimRobinPatten) October 10, 2019

Great signing for you 👍

— Will RFC 💙⚪️🇵🇹 (@willsumner09) October 10, 2019

All the best P Mac 👍💙⚽

— Keegan W-B 1989 (@keeganmark25) October 10, 2019

Shows how poor he’d become that this is the best deal he could get #ReadingFC https://t.co/ZVXgDEm8ZP

— LordCKS (@LordCKS) October 10, 2019

@dunkley1980 shame @AscotUnitedFC couldn't match the offer 😅, at least we tried.. good luck @pmacca15 #baller

— Dan Masters (@Dmasters1) October 10, 2019

Crikey, fair play to him for stepping down to that level. Great signing for them! #readingfc https://t.co/gZKdLj8UVp

— Jacob Potter (@pott95) October 10, 2019