FC Pune City complete signings of former Premier League players Shorey and Simonsen

After the signing of Costa Rican star striker Yendrick Ruiz, Indian Super League club FC Pune City has shown more of its intent by quickly wrapping up deals for Nicky Shorey — the flying left back who was with Portsmouth FC last season — and goalkeeper Steve Simonsen, who until last year was plying his trade with Rangers FC. Englishman Shorey is known for his pace and set piece ability and has played for a number of Premier League clubs including Reading, West Bromwich Albion, Aston Villa (and Porstmouth). He was voted by Reading fans in their best-ever eleven. [caption id=“attachment_2355036” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Englishman Shorey is known for his pace and set piece ability and has played for a number of Premier League clubs including Reading. AFP[/caption] “I am excited to be playing in India, I have tried to follow a few matches of last season and I am really looking forward to playing in the ISL. Signing with FC Pune City is really exciting as I’d get to play under David Platt who has so much of experience to share. I am hoping to bring my experience on field and helping the team win the title,” Shorey said in a press release. Shot stopper Simonsen has played more than 150 times for Stoke City and spent the last two years at Rangers as the team created history by going the entire 2013-14 season undefeated – clinching the Scottish League One championship on the way. “I am extremely honored to be playing for FC Pune City, I heard a lot about the ISL from friends who played last season and I’m looking forward to being part of the FC Pune City journey and hoping to bring in my experience to win games and hearts together,” says Steve Simonsen. Pune manager David Platt said: “Signing Nicky and Steve is very pleasing. Nicky has a huge amount of experience and has great composure on the ball and doesn’t panic off it. He will be a very valuable member of the squad. As well as Steve’s ability the thing I have admired the most was his keenness to come. As soon as the draft was over we started to speak and for both parties it became a quick and an easy decision. Both players will bring a lot of knowledge with them which will help the domestic players we have.” “I am keen to meet and welcome these talented stars of international football. We are delighted to have them as part of our squad and I’m sure that with the signing of Nicky, Steve & Yendrick, our team we will play really great football this season,” club co-owner Hrithik Roshan added. Club CEO Gaurav Modwel stressed how important the players were to shore up defence: “We are fortunate to have Steve with us. He has been a top goalkeeper all throughout his career. His experience in the team will be important for us and I’m sure he will be an excellent mentor to our two Indian goalkeepers. In Nicky, we are getting a top notch left back and he will be vital for us in terms of building our attacking play from the back. I am sure both Steve and Nicky shall become an important part of our defensive set up this year.”