This is the stuff that dreams are made of, says Garath McCleary

FORMER Bromley winger Garath McCleary says he has made a dream move to Barclaycard Premier League side Reading.



McCleary has signed a three-year deal with newly-promoted side Reading a day after his 25^th birthday, after turning down a new contract after four years with Nottingham Forest.

“It’s amazing to be at a club like Reading, being a local boy, this is a fantastic opportunity for me,” said Oxford born McCleary, when speaking to Reading’s official website www.readingfc.co.uk.  

He added: “When I first heard of the interest from Reading it was brilliant.  The manager is great, he likes to play with wingers so for me it was a no brainer.

“I think it was four and a half years I was at Bromley and just before that I was at Slough Town, so this is the stuff that dreams are made of.

“I can’t wait to get this Reading shirt on and prove what I can do.”

Reading are managed by former Slough Town boss Brian McDermott.

McCleary’s highlight of last season came when he scored four goals in Nottingham Forest’s 7-3 win over Leeds United at Elland Road in March.

McCleary follows defender Chris Smalling into the Premier League after impressing in Kent football.

Smalling played Ryman Premier League football with Maidstone United, before signing for Fulham and now plays for giants Manchester United.

Meanwhile, former Cray Wanderers and Bromley winger Sam Wood, 25, has been released by League One outfit Brentford after four years at Griffin Park.  He finished the season on loan at Rotherham United.

Wood won the Kent League title twice (2003 and 2004) for Ian Jenkins’ side and helped Bromley to Ryman Premier League play-off glory in May 2007.

Quotes courtesy of Reading’s website: www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~2774414,00.html