READING FC have secured the services of Shane Long on a one-year deal.
The free agent returns 11 years after an initial six-year spell with the Berkshire club.
Murmurs of a potential return emerged earlier this summer as Long ran down his contract at Southampton.
The Saints announced he had left on Friday, July 1.
The Irishman initially joined Reading from Cork City in 2005, with compatriot Kevin Doyle making the same move.
The club achieved a record 106 Championship points in his first season, with Long adopting a peripheral role.
He went on to make his name as a prolific striker, scoring 54 goals in 203 appearances.
Long netted 21 league goals in his final season with Reading, helping Brian McDermott’s side reach the 2011 play-off finals.
After falling to Swansea at Wembley, Premier League interest intensified and ultimately saw Long leave for West Brom.
Since then, the forward has become a top-flight mainstay for West Brom, Hull and Southampton.
Long also established himself as a fixture in the Republic of Ireland’s national side, amassing 88 appearances.
His 17 goals make him his country’s seventh top goalscorer.
In 2019, Long recorded the fastest goal in Premier League history, scoring after just 7.69 seconds against Watford.
The move will delight Royals fans, many of whom have taken to social media in recent weeks to express their excitement.
Long was unable to feature in the club’s 150th anniversary match, which took place the day before the final day of the Premier League season.
However, the former number nine addressed fans through a video message.
“My first season over here with Reading, we managed to finish the season with 106 points and get promoted to the Premier League. Been through it all, got relegated two years later and the play-off final years down the line,” Long said.
“I have nothing but fond memories of the club, fond memories of the lads, a great set of players over my seven years at the club and we still want [the club] to have success in the future.”
