New signing Marcus Williams says he instantly knew Reading was the place for him, after the left back signed a three-year deal at Madejski Stadium.

The Royals fought off competition from a number of clubs to secure the signature of Williams, who made 179 (+17) appearances for Scunthorpe United after breaking through to the Iron's first team from their youth ranks.

"It's brilliant to be here and it's a great feeling for me. I'm delighted to sign for such a great club with lots of potential. My family's really happy, as am I, and I can't wait to get started," he told Reading FC Player.

"As soon as I met with Brian McDermott I knew that this was the right place, I had a look round the town and it's definitely where I want to be. I played here earlier in the season and it's a big club with great facilities, a great stadium, a large fan base - it has everything really so these are exciting times for me."

The 24-year-old becomes Brian McDermott's first signing of the summer and immediately paid tribute to his new boss.

"The manager has been terrific since I've got here, both he and Nick Hammond have been very nice, helping to find apartments for me to move into and making me welcome which is nice.

"It helps - especially when you're coming a long way from home. I don't know anyone here at the moment so it's very helpful and it's very pleasing to know that the manager is behind me and willing to support me in every way possible, not just on the pitch but off the pitch too.

"I think the manager has watched me for a few years, he knows my strengths and weaknesses and he can help me on that, which is reassuring as it will help to make me into a better player. He wants to get results for the team and he knows that we've got a great season ahead of us."

As one of the earliest signings of the Football League's summer transfer window Marcus will have plenty of time to prepare for life at his new club, and insists he is not expecting an easy fight for the left back spot.

"Nobody expects to walk straight into the team, there's always going to be players fighting for their place and that's the best thing about it."

"I've got competition and I'm going to fight from my place, work hard and go from there. First of all I'll enjoy my holidays, as it's been a long season, then I'll come back and try and find a home, get settled in and then I'll be looking forward to getting to the training ground and meeting the players - I've heard they're a good bunch."