Reading have completed the signing of former Manchester City and Chelsea left-back Wayne Bridge on a free transfer.
The 32-year-old joins the Madejski Stadium outfit on a one-year contract following a season-long loan spell with Brighton and Hove Albion after he fell out of favour at the Etihad Stadium.
Bridge missed out on promotion to the Premier League with Gus Poyet's side, as they were eliminated from the Championship play-offs at the semi-final stage by Crystal Palace.
However, Bridge is hopeful of being able to help Nigel Adkins' side back to the top flight following their relegation last season.
"I'm delighted to be signing for Reading and excited to be joining a team that is going to be looking for promotion next season," Bridge told the club's official website.
"I spoke to the manager and he told me about the direction he wants the team to go in. Everything we talked about was positive - and he was really positive about signing me which means a lot.
"And, from the outside, Reading look like a team who are capable of getting back into the Premier League, a team that works hard for each other. That is something I want to be a part of and I'm really looking forward to next season."
Bridge made 42 starts for Brighton last season, with his performances securing the former England international a place in the Championship Team of the Year for 2012-13.
Reading's director of football Nick Hammond believes Bridge will add some much needed quality to Adkins' squad.
"I'm delighted to have secured this agreement so early in the summer window," he said.
"Both Wayne and his representatives have been very straightforward and professional to deal with and the player will add great experience and quality to our squad."
