Royals swoop for striker Ferdinand!

SIR LES SIGNS FOR THE ROYALS!

Ferdinand, who is the cousin of Manchester United and England defender Rio goes straight into the squad to face League 2 side Swansea City in Saturday's 3rd Round FA Cup clash at the Madejski Stadium.

The 38 year old left Bolton just last week after struggling to settle into his surroundings at Bolton.

Ferdinand said at this afternoon's press conference;

"I always knew it was a developing club. They've come very close on occasions to making it into the Premiership and they're in that position again now. Hopefully I can come here and give the boost that the team needs to take us all the way without going into the play-offs.

"It's flattering to think that at the age of 38 there are still a few clubs interested. I've made my decision now and I'm pleased with that decision. I'm raring to go. It's true that I spoke to Southampton and that's why it took a little bit longer than expected for me to sign here. When I decided not to re-sign for Leicester at the start of the season it was because of the lure of the Premiership, and after I left Bolton by mutual consent there was an opportunity to stay in the Premiership, but I felt that coming here was more appealing."

Reading Manager Steve Coppell spoke about Ferdinand and said;

"Les Ferdinand is a tremendous player, and I hope he will boost our goalscoring capabilities and act as a catalyst for the whole team at this crucial time of the season, as we approach the final 18 league games and the beginning of the FA Cup."

Reading Football Club Chairman John Madejski added;

"I am highly delighted to welcome Les Ferdinand as a Reading player. He is without doubt one of the greatest English strikers of the last decade, and his goalscoring record speaks for itself. He is much more than a goalscorer though, and I am sure his arrival will be a huge benefit to our whole squad.

"The signing once again underlines our ambition to reach the top flight, and the fact that Les has chosen Reading ahead of a number of other options, including Premiership clubs, is a clear illustration of how highly we are now regarded within the game. I am sure Reading fans will give him a very warm welcome at our game with Swansea on Saturday."

Ferdinand is notorious for his ability in the air and his goalscoring record is one of the best in the country in recent years.

At the age of 17, Les made his England debut against San Marino at Wembley in 1993.

Then in July 1995 Ferdinand completed a switch to Premiership giants Newcastle United for £6million. Ferdinand became famous for being part of "that" Newcastle side that did battle with Manchester United for the Premiership title. With David Ginola supplying the ammunition, Ferdinand and his goalscoring partner Fastino Asprilla scored goals for fun. With the arrival of Alan Shearer in the summer of 1996, Ferdinand left Newcastle the following year to join Spurs for £6million.

Ferdinand picked up a Worthington Cup winners medal in 1999 after Spurs beat Leicester. But he was also a loser in 2001 when Blackburn beat Spurs at the Millennium Stadium 2-1. He was the 10,000th Premiership goal against Fulham in 2001 and after receiving a cheque for £10,000, he insisted on donating it to charity.

In the transfer window of January 2003, Glenn Roeder swooped for the services of Ferdinand with the aim of keeping West Ham in the Premiership.

They failed and Ferdinand's next port of call was the Walkers Stadium where, despite scoring 12 goals he was unable to keep the Foxes in the Premiership.

Sam Allerdyce came shouting and despite what seemed a promising start to his career, Ferdinand failed to settle up north and had his contract "mutually terminated".

Despite interest from Premiership clubs which included Southampton, Ferdinand has decided that the challenge of getting Reading promoted is far better than a relegation dog fight and has committed himself until the summer.

With leading goalscorer Dave Kitson out until March, Ferdinand will compete with Nicky Forster, Lloyd Owusu, Dean Morgan and Shaun Goater for a starting spot.

Ferdinand is also famous for scoring the 10,000th Premiership goal against Fulham in 2001.

He was 1 of the first 6 players to be inducted on the Premier League Hall of Fame.

1871Royals welcome Les to Reading Football Club and wishes him every success in achieving Premiership football with the Royals.

Les Ferdinand Fact file

Name: Les Ferdinand

Age: 38 Years Old

Date of Birth: 8th December 1966

Previous Clubs

Bolton Wanderers (Jul 04-Dec 04)

Leicester City (Jun 03-Jun 04)

West Ham United (Jan 03-Jun 03)

Spurs (Aug 97-Jan 03)

Newcastle United (Jun 95-Aug 97)

QPR (Mar 87-June 95)

Besiktas (Loan Move while at QPR)

Brentford (Loan Move while at QPR)

Hayes (Apprentice - Mar 87)