What Paul Ince and Mark Bowen had to say as Reading FC complete Sam Hutchinson transfer

Reading FC manager Paul Ince says Sam Hutchinson will be a 'real asset' to the squad after the defender put pen to paper on a two-year contract with the club.

The former Sheffield Wednesday player becomes the seventh signing this summer for Ince as he strengthens the squad for the upcoming campaign.

Hutchinson, 32, started his career at Chelsea but only made a handful of appearances for the Blues. He ended up having three spells at Wednesday, while also playing for Nottingham Forest, Vitesse and Pafos.

Following confirmation of his signing, Ince said he was delighted with the move. "Sam is a player who knows this division inside out and, in training with us during the last few weeks, he has shown me and my coaching staff all we needed to see," he said.

"Capable of playing at the back or in midfield, he is a true competitor on the pitch - committed in every challenge, hungry for the ball and, importantly, he is a winner. He has earned this new opportunity and I’m sure he will be a real asset to this group of players.”

Hutchinson had been on trial with Reading over the past few weeks having left Wednesday at the end of last season. He played in the friendles against Benfica, Maidenhead United, West Ham and most recently at AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday night.

Head of football operations Mark Bowen says Hutchinson will be a 'positive influence' on those around him. "Sam has been a model professional since arriving at the club towards the end of last month to train with our first team group," said the Welshman.

"He was quickly identified as a positive influence within the squad and a player we wanted to keep at the club and I am very pleased that we have been able to agree a deal which will see him pull on the blue and