Pardew Dreaming Of The Promised Land Following Goat Capture

Shaun Goater

With Shaun Goater now on board, Pardew believes his side can have another serious go at promotion to the Premiership.

The Royals made an unexpected stab at a place in the promised land last season but eveentually lost out in the Play-Offs to a well organised Wolves side.

But with two new signings on board Pardew is confident that Reading can give it another really good go.

"We need fortune to fall our way and if that happens we have as good a chance as anyone," he commented.

Chairman John Madejski believes Goater can ensure bumper crowds at the Madejski Stadium, and Pardew's opinions are no different. The Royals boss believes the player's personality on and off the field will ensure he will be nothing other than a hit.

"I know the fans are going to take to him - I think it's very important for a football club to have a status figure, cult hero, call it what you like, and I think Shaun can fill that role.

"Our search for a striker has not just been about the player's ability, its been about their personality and character, and Shaun was always going to fit into that, because he's a gentleman and a perfect pro."

Pardew's got his Goat

In recent days as the transfer drew ever closer fans grew paranoid that the deal would go the way of the failed attempt to land David Connolly. Rumours were rife that a whole host of Division One clubs were looking to complete a dramatic smash and grab raid for the Goat's signature.

Wigan, Sunderland, Burnley, Cardiff, Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest had all been linked with a move for Goater. Pardew revealed that there was some substance behind the speculation linking the Goat with a move to another First Division side. He revealed that two other clubs were in negotiations with the Bermudan.

Pardew admitted: "There were two other First Division clubs who had talks with him."

One of those clubs is believed to have been Wigan Athletic. The Latics reported yesterday that they had had a bid for an unnamed Premiership striker accepted.

However, Pardew was just delighted to get his Goat. "It's a psychological blow for them - and every other team in the Division. With all the great players we have, like Forster, Shorey, Hahnemann you would think we have a very good chance (of promotion)."

Meanwhile, the squad will be put through their paces again today when Pards takes his side to non-league Walton & Hersham for their final pre-season friendly. A mixture of first team and reserve team players are expected to play, as at Didcot Town in midweek. But there will be no place in the team for Bermudan forward Goater.

The veteran pro is expected to spend the weekend working on his fitness so that he is ready for the first game of the new season next weekend away at Ipswich.