Dale have today confirmed the signing of former Hull City and Reading defender Paul McShane.
With injuries plaguing the squad, plus international call-ups ruling Luke Matheson and Rhys Norrington-Davies out of this weekend's home fixture against Accrington Stanley, Brian Barry-Murphy has moved to bring in the 33 year old on a short-term deal until January.
Although a centre-back by trade, he is capable of filling in as a full-back on either side and brings a wealth of experience to a young squad having earned 33 international caps for the Republic of Ireland over a ten year period.
McShane started his career with Manchester United, never making a first-team appearance for the Red Devils but spending time out on loan at Walsall and Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Wicklow-born defender then enjoyed spells with West Bromwich Albion, Sunderland and Hull City before joining Reading in 2015 and being named captain in the same summer.
Having made over 100 appearances in all competitions for the Royals, he was released in May after four years at the Madejski Stadium.
Here's what the Reading fans on Twitter had to say following his release from the Berkshire club this summer:
Good to see both McShane and Harriott getting released. McShane was great in first 2 seasons but is now past his best, while Harriott has been ruined by injuries. Releasing both of them shows ambition to bring in quality. Hopefully just the start of the clear out. #readingfc– Harrison Mitchell (@harrison1871rfc) May 8, 2019
Writing's been on the wall for McShane for more than two years now. Remember watching the away game vs Burton in our play-off season when he came back and just looked so far off the pace - never really recovered from that injury. #readingfc– Matthew Williamson (@Photomattic) May 8, 2019
If only McShane could’ve finished his career with us slightly better, a true warrior over the past few years, all the best @pmacca15 #readingfc– Reading Talk (@RoyalReading106) May 8, 2019
Paul McShane for Reading:
103 games
28 clean sheets
4 goals
4 years as captain
Cheers, skipper 💙 #readingfc pic.twitter.com/jTn1ds5HXd– Talk Reading (@TalkReading) May 8, 2019
McShane was a rock for us in his first season. The fella was crazy enough to stand up to Danny Williams.
Massive shame injuries destroyed his subsequent seasons
All the best Macca 👊🽠#readingfc– Andrew Savory (@adsavory) May 8, 2019
Paul McShane added some experience and stability to #ReadingFC rocky defence when he arrived. Looked just the player we'd long needed. Sadly though, always felt he was Captain via reputation than example and it never felt the same after he clashed with Danny Williams at Boro.– Blue & White Jester (@bw_jester_rfc) May 8, 2019
Paul McShane was fantastic at the back in the 2016/17 season and captained the side the side to a play-off final. There’s been ups and downs, but you could never fault his commitment at the toughest of times.
Good luck in the future, @pmacca15 🙌 #readingfc pic.twitter.com/VZIbZWshmE– Talk Reading (@TalkReading) May 8, 2019