CARROLL JOINS READING ON SHORT TERM DEAL
The experienced striker joins the squad at the Select Car Leasing Stadium having been released from his contract at Newcastle United at the end of last season.
He joins on a short term deal with the Royals that will last until mid-January.
The 32-year-old has had two spells with his hometown club Newcastle, scoring 32 goals in 107 appearances.
His first spell with Newcastle won him a big-money move to Liverpool in 2011, when the Merseyside club splashed out £35million to sign the striker.
He netted six times in 42 games for the Reds in a move that ultimately didn’t work out, which led to his
sale to West Ham United, where he spent the next seven seasons of his career.
Carroll also has two international goals to his name in nine caps for
England
The Royals have chosen to look to the free agents market to bolster their squad amid their current injury crisis.
Veljko Paunovic’s team have been hampered by injuries to several key firstteam players throughout the campaign, having as many as 12 players injured at one time.
Among the players on the sidelines include forwards Lucas Joao, Yakou Meite, Femi Azeez, Junior Hoilett and Jahmari Clarke.
That leaves just George Puscas as the only fit senior striker at the club, who is currently on a 21 game goal drought.
Royals boss Veljko Paunovic said, “This is a deal which we have been working on for some time and are confident it is the right move for both player and club.
“Andy is looking for a new challenge in his career and we need a player with his quality and vast experience.
“So this is a great match and I’m really looking forward to working with Andy over the next couple of months.”
Royals Chief
Executive Dayong Pang said, “With long-term injuries to two of our key goalscorers, our strength in depth in attack has understandably been limited all season, so I am very pleased that Andy has agreed to join us.
“With a proven eye for goal, I am sure he will offer our first team squad something different as we approach another busy period of Championship football.”
Carroll has been assigned the number nine shirt in the squad.