Royals sign Michail Antonio

Reading Football Club have completed the signing of Michail Antonio from Ryman Premier League side Tooting & Mitcham United.

The Royals have paid an undisclosed fee for the 18-year-old, who has signed a contract until the summer of 2010.

Antonio played half an hour for our reserves and helped the Royals' second string secure a 4-0 win over Brighton with an appearance on the right side of midfield earlier this month.
Considered an exciting prospect, Antonio caught the eye with four goals in six games for the non-league Terrors this season and will wear squad number 28.

Director of Football Nick Hammond said: "He's never really had any professional involvement with a club, so we're hoping that working with Michail on a day-to-day basis will help him quickly improve as a footballer.

"This is a great opportunity for him to thrive in a professional footballing environment and we wish him the best of luck at Reading."

United Chairman Steve Adkins added, " We are delighted to see Michail get this opportunity, and we believe Reading is just right club for him. This move reflects the ongoing good relations between our clubs."

The Royals are able to sign Michail outside the transfer window because it does not apply to clubs in Tooting's tier of English football, which is one below the Conference South.