Royals Sign Tabb

Reading have signed midfielder Jay Tabb from Coventry City on a two and a half year contract for an undisclosed fee.

Tabb who can play anywhere in the midfield has previously worked under both Wally Downes and Steve Coppell at Brentford, Coppell showing confidence in the then 17 year old.

The versatile midfielder was last seasons Player of The Year at Coventry City and has impressed over the course of this season.

Tabb whose contract ran out in the summer refused to sign a new one in the summer preferring to keep his options open.

This lead to Coventry having to listen to offers for their former Republic of Ireland U21 international and it is thought the money Reading have offered was too much to turn down.

Reading boss Steve Coppell said to the RFC website: 'He is a player I know well, and I am certain he will supplement our squad as we go into this final third of the season.

Ray Ranson speaking on the Coventry website said : 'I spoke to Jay in the summer during pre-season and told him we would sit down and talk about a new contract once the season started.

'The next time we spoke to him he said he did not want to sign and that he would prefer to keep his options open until the end of the season.

'In turn, that left us with no other option other than seriously considering offers for Jay as there were a few clubs interested in him.

'If we had not been offered appropriate terms by another club, then the deal wouldn't have happened. 'But, considering the fact that we are well over halfway through the season, this offer was too good to turn down for the club

'I would like to take this opportunity to thank Jay because he has been a credit to himself and the football club during his time here.'

Tabb who made 91 starts +(8) appearances for City and scored eleven goals.
He is available for the Royals next game against Wolves at home and has been allocated the number 37 shirt.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.