Reading have completed the deadline day loan move of Derby County striker Chris Martin.
Royals have been on the look-out for a new forward all month and have finally got their man.
Martin, 29, is a Scotland international and has made 25 appearances, many from the bench, for the Rams this season. He has only managed one goal which ironically came in defeat to Reading in November.
“It’s taken a little bit longer than we first planned but everything is sorted today,” he said.
“Reading is a very good team full of extremely good players. At the moment it’s a false position for the club to be in I think personally, looking from the outside.
“I know that the boys have got the quality to be much higher up the table and to have produced better results so hopefully that’s something we can do moving forward.
“I’ve been relatively successful at this level and hopefully I can contribute to some successful days and some wins and we can start looking up in the table rather than behind us.”
He added: “I had a few options so it was about trying to assess the best option for me.
“I felt like with the quality of the lads here and the pedigree of the manager was a big pull for me to come here.
“I’ve seen how the team works with him as the manager. I think everyone knows about him as a player and I’ve seen how his team works with and I’ve heard some very positive stuff.
“I can’t wait to begin working with him. He’s got a real clear philosophy. He likes to play very good football, an attacking brand and hopefully I can come in and contribute to that.”
And director of football Brian Tevreden says Royals had to battle for his signature.
“There was considerable interest in Chris’ signature during this window and I am pleased he has chosen to join us,” he said.
“A striker who has a fine reputation as a proven goalscorer at this level, Chris will be a valuable addition to our dressing room during the final three months of the campaign.”
And manager Jaap Stam added: “With the large number of games still to play this season, it was important to strengthen the attacking options available to us with a player who can add to what we already have within the squad.
“In Chris Martin, we have a striker who has proven his goalscoring ability at the clubs he has played for in the past and hopefully he can give us an extra impetus going forward and score goals for us.”
The news follows the departure of Roy Beerens earlier today, who has joined Vitesse Arnhem on a permanent deal.
