Superman Sonko Seals Shock Stoke Switch

Reading defender Ibrahima Sonko his the latest of Reading's relagatees to jump ship.

Sonko who played a massive part in Reading's relegation after some absolutely disastrous displays including giving away several penalties in successive weeks and being sent off within five minutes at home to Portsmouth, will now be able to put successive relegations on his CV after Stoke officially gave up on survival.

Sonko had scored three goals in three games for the Royals this season, not bad for a defender. He had also given away a penalty and been sent off, indeed, not good for a defender.

The Senagalese defender will always be remembered for his heroics in Reading's promotion winning campaign but after picking up an injury he never fully recovered and wasn't able to adapt to the higher standard of the Premier League.

Stoke have now contributed £7.5m to the John Madejski fund, £5.5m for an injury prone former Sainsbury worker and £2m for an absolute liability who will do his best to get them relegated.

Sonko's departure will be good news for Alex Pearce, who has emerged as a real talent and will look to force his way into Steve Coppell's plans now. Pearce could even play against Palace today, although he will have to battle it out with Andre Bikey who is now available after returning from the Olympics.

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