READING FC chief executive Ron Gourlay is confident summer signing Sam Baldock will help fire Royals to the right end of the Championship this season, writes Amy Butcher.

Royals finished in 20th place last season and their strikers managed just 11 league goals between them across the campaign.

Paul Clement has already added Marc McNulty to his squad from Coventry City but said he was keen to bring in a second forward.

Yesterday (Monday), Reading announced 29-year-old Baldock had joined the club on a three-year deal.

And Gourlay believes Baldock will be key to turning Royals' fortunes around.

He said: "Sam is a striker who has proven pedigree in scoring goals.

"I am looking forward to seeing him score more goals as a Royal.

"I’m delighted he has chosen to sign for Reading Football Club.” 

Baldock played a key role in the Seagulls' promotion from the Championship in 2016/2017 while Royals had to settle for a third-place finish before being dumped out of the play-off final on penalties.

The former Bristol City forward fell out of favour last season and has been at the top of Royals' recruitment list for the majority of the summer.

Brian Tevreden, director of football, added: "Sam is a player we have been interested in since the transfer window opened so I am very pleased we have been able to bring a striker of his calibre into hour squad.

"Goals are vital to any team and, in Sam, we have added a player who thrives on finding the back of the net and a striker who is hungry for more success."