Ex-Hatter can't wait for instant Luton reunion after joining Reading
Brown snapped up by the Royals on a free transfer
Ex-Luton striker Jacob Brown is looking forward to an instant reunion with his former Hatters’ team-mates after signing for fellow League One side Reading yesterday.
The 28-year-old saw his three year stint at Kenilworth Road ended in the summer, when he wasn’t offered a new deal by manager Jack Wilshere, departing Bedfordshire having scored seven goals in 60 appearances. Two of those strikes came when Town were in the Premier League, as he went on to earn his full debut for Scotland during his time with the club, also on target in a 3-0 success over local rivals Watford when Town were back in the Championship.
Two serious injuries meant he struggled for regular game time though, as he finished last term on loan in the second tier with Portsmouth, making 15 appearances for Pompey, scoring once, as the Fratton Park club avoided relegation. Having been released by the Hatters when his contract expired, Brown was snapped up by Reading, who Luton head to on the opening day of the campaign on Saturday, August 15, with a 12.30pm kick-off, due to the fixture being broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Asked about the contest, and his move to the Madejski Stadium, Brown, speaking to the club’s official website, said: “I think no matter who the game would be against, I’m really looking forward to the first game of the season. It's been a difficult period for me the last couple of seasons, I feel like I’ve worked hard to get myself in this position and I feel really ready to kick on now, build up minutes in pre-season and then kick on.
"I'm really, really excited, buzzing to get it done and be a Reading player. Reading is a massive club, it’s not where anyone wants it to be right now, but I think things are looking up and for me personally, with the stage I am in my career, it seemed like the perfect fit for me to get back to doing what I do with Reading and having a successful season.”
Asked just what he thinks that will be for the Royals, Brown continued: “First and foremost, passion, energy, I'll give 110 per cent in training, matches, everything that I do and hopefully a lot of goals and assists. I prefer playing as a nine, but I can play out wide as well as long as I’m attacking, getting in the box, on the end of crosses, doing what I can. I’ve played over 250 games, played in the Premier League, international football, lots of games in the Championship, played in League One as well, so I’d like to say I’ve got a lot of experience I can bring to the team and I’m looking forward to doing that.”
Royals manager Leam Richardson was thrilled to welcome a player who has also had spells at Barnsley and Stoke City during his career, adding: “We're really pleased to bring Jacob to Reading. He's a player we've admired for a long time because he gives you so much. He's athletic, works incredibly hard for the team, can play in a number of attacking positions and has shown throughout his career that he can score goals at a high level.
"As well as his qualities on the pitch, he's a brilliant character who brings a wealth of experience and will fit into the culture we're building here. He has played at the top flight, has international experience with Scotland and has a real desire to come here and be part of what we're trying to achieve. We're looking forward to working with him. I know he'll give absolutely everything for this football club and I'm sure our supporters will enjoy watching him in a Reading shirt."