Paul McShane earned cult hero status in a relegated Albion team by scoring the winner in a derby.
David Stockdale and Liam Rosenior will tell you all about the part he played in helping Hull City to promotion three seasons ago.
Now the former Manchester United centre-back is working wonders in Berkshire by helping Reading to the joint best home defensive record in the Championship so far.
That tally of two goals conceded and four clean sheets in six matches put Royals right in the thick of the promotion race.
And, while a four-goal implosion at Craven Cottage last Saturday has dropped them just out of the top six for now, McShane’s efforts have earned acclaim, not least from former Reading and Wales defender Ady Williams.
The tenth anniversary of McShane’s header to give rock bottom Albion a 1-0 win at high-flying Crystal Palace passed a fortnight ago.
He was just a kid out on loan from Old Trafford back then and Albion were trying, in vain as it turned out, to keep their heads above water in the Championship.
Both have come a long way since then and, while never making the grade with United, McShane, now 29, has had a fine career in the top two divisions and in international football.
Young Paul McShane was player of the year at Albion a decade ago
The flame-haired Irishman has been outstanding at the back for Reading after being brought in as a free agent during the summer and handed a three-year contract plus the captain’s armband.
“It was quite a brave move by Steve Clarke to make him captain straight away,” said Williams, who covers Reading for BBC radio.
“He is one of those defenders who just gets on with it.
“He loves defending. He loves a battle. He’s not one of those who worry about what looks good.
He does the ugly part of defending – heading it and kicking it - and does it well.
“He is a leader of men. Being captain has done him a world of good.”
McShane’s recent defensive partner also has a Sussex connection. Michael Hector was on loan to Horsham for a while and, under veteran manager John Maggs, learnt the hard way at times, being sent off in two successive games.
But, apart from that, it was clear the talent was there.
He signed for Chelsea this summer but was loaned back to Reading for the season.
Williams believes McShane has had a positive influence on the 23-year-old, although the fall out from the 4-2 defeat at Fulham could see Anton Ferdinand brought back into defence today.
“Hector always liked to take a chance,” Williams told The Argus.
“But that has stopped now. He realises their job is to defend.”
They go into it without Aaron Tshibola, who may well have been brought back into midfield had he not suffered an ankle injury after going on as substitute at Fulham.
“I think that’s a big blow,” Williams admitted.
“He has been out of the team but I’d have had him in the side consistently.
“Although he’s a young lad, he’s a loss because he added steel and grit.
Original article
David Stockdale and Liam Rosenior will tell you all about the part he played in helping Hull City to promotion three seasons ago.
Now the former Manchester United centre-back is working wonders in Berkshire by helping Reading to the joint best home defensive record in the Championship so far.
That tally of two goals conceded and four clean sheets in six matches put Royals right in the thick of the promotion race.
And, while a four-goal implosion at Craven Cottage last Saturday has dropped them just out of the top six for now, McShane’s efforts have earned acclaim, not least from former Reading and Wales defender Ady Williams.
The tenth anniversary of McShane’s header to give rock bottom Albion a 1-0 win at high-flying Crystal Palace passed a fortnight ago.
He was just a kid out on loan from Old Trafford back then and Albion were trying, in vain as it turned out, to keep their heads above water in the Championship.
Both have come a long way since then and, while never making the grade with United, McShane, now 29, has had a fine career in the top two divisions and in international football.
Young Paul McShane was player of the year at Albion a decade ago
The flame-haired Irishman has been outstanding at the back for Reading after being brought in as a free agent during the summer and handed a three-year contract plus the captain’s armband.
“It was quite a brave move by Steve Clarke to make him captain straight away,” said Williams, who covers Reading for BBC radio.
“He is one of those defenders who just gets on with it.
“He loves defending. He loves a battle. He’s not one of those who worry about what looks good.
He does the ugly part of defending – heading it and kicking it - and does it well.
“He is a leader of men. Being captain has done him a world of good.”
McShane’s recent defensive partner also has a Sussex connection. Michael Hector was on loan to Horsham for a while and, under veteran manager John Maggs, learnt the hard way at times, being sent off in two successive games.
But, apart from that, it was clear the talent was there.
He signed for Chelsea this summer but was loaned back to Reading for the season.
Williams believes McShane has had a positive influence on the 23-year-old, although the fall out from the 4-2 defeat at Fulham could see Anton Ferdinand brought back into defence today.
“Hector always liked to take a chance,” Williams told The Argus.
“But that has stopped now. He realises their job is to defend.”
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They go into it without Aaron Tshibola, who may well have been brought back into midfield had he not suffered an ankle injury after going on as substitute at Fulham.
“I think that’s a big blow,” Williams admitted.
“He has been out of the team but I’d have had him in the side consistently.
“Although he’s a young lad, he’s a loss because he added steel and grit.
Original article