Sweeney joins Premier League side Reading

Bray's now former 17 year old centre back has joined the N-Power Championship winners and now Premier League club for an undisclosed fee. Sweeney was today meeting his new team mates at Reading FC's Hogwood training ground.

Sweeney made his break through into Bray's first team squad this season after playing for Bray's under 19 side last season, where he was the u19 captain. Sweeney has been capped at various age levels for Ireland and has also had the honour of being captain of his county at under age level.

Although the fee is undisclosed I am told that it is a very good deal for both the player and for Bray Wanderers.

Bray Wanderers director of football Pat Devlin said , "We are sorry to lose Pierce as he has been a very consistent performer since he joined us and he has worked extremely hard since the start of the season. But this is a fantastic opportunity for a young player and everybody in Bray Wanderers wishes him the very best".

Speaking on www.readingfc.co.uk , Reading Director of Football Nick Hammond said, "At the age of 17 Pierce is a young player with great potential, and one that we've identified and watched over a long period of time.
"The recruitment of young talent is massively important for us going forward, and after doing well in men's football in the League of Ireland he will now come into our development group."

Pierce himself also added, "I'm absolutely delighted to be signing for Reading. It is a big dream of mine and the best moment of my career so far" said Pierce. "There are a good few Irish connections here, including Brian McDermott, which helped to attract me to the club. There are plenty of players who have come from the League of Ireland and made the step up at this club, breaking into the first team, so it's something I want to aim for".

Everyone at Bray Wanderers and Wanderers Weekly wishes Pierce all the best of luck and we hope to see him visit the Carlisle Grounds in the near future.