Greg Halford's a few days into his Reading career and we've had our first chance to catch up with the man who now holds the title of the Royals' most expensive signing - ever. The club won't disclose the fee they paid to Colchester United for the utility man's services, but it's Colchester's record sale, beating the £2.25m they received for Lomana Lua-Lua from Newcastle. That automatically makes Halford Reading's record buy, but the 22-year-old insists it won't faze him. "The price tag doesn't bring pressure with it for me," he told BBC Berkshire. "I tend not to think about it. I've always wanted to play in the Premiership and that's what I've worked hard for." 'I'm a realist' | "I want to get into the first team as quickly as I can but I'm a realist and I'm in no rush." | | Greg Halford |
Halford had several top flight clubs fighting for his signature, but says the team ethic at Reading won him over. "I've heard such good things about the club from ex-players like former captain Phil Parkinson. It's well run, there's no superstars and everyone works hard as a team. "Steve Coppell's brought the club a long way. They were fantastic in the Championship last year and to have 37 points on the board with 12 games left can only be good news. "I want to get into the first team as quickly as I can but I'm a realist and I'm in no rush. I just want to get some experience first then work my way into the team." Getting settled
 | | Greg in his Colchester days |
Halford says he can play anywhere on the park - although he prefers right back - and says he's been known to "score the odd goal". But off the pitch his immediate priority is moving to Berkshire and getting to know his new home town. "I'll go and have a look round today and eventually I'll move here - I want to get settled as soon as possible but buying a house takes such a long time." |