james harper

[ROADRUNNER]

Ex hull and reading midfielder on trial with us,33 years old, over 300 games for reading, would be a good addition

[Jeff]

Great experience, and remember him being worth a goal or two in past as well. Not played for a while though so I'd guess miles from match fitness! As ever with trialists, worth a look

[CP Gull]

Interesting development.

It seems his general fitness is very good, at least it was according to Steve Coppell when he had him at Reading. He was released last month by Doncaster, having not featured at all in their Championship side this season, despite being a regular in their L1 title winning side last season. Recently been on trial with Portsmouth.

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/foot ... --sow.html

[hector]

Sounds just the sort of experience we need

[royalgull]

Knew about this a couple of days ago, he played for the reserves against Argyle in a 1-1 draw and by all accounts did very well.

I probably saw most of Harper's 300+ Reading games and he was always a bit hot and cold but when he was good he was very good. I'm certain he was in the top few for player of the year when Reading won the league.

He's not a player that likes a tackle that's fair to say in fact he probably made less than 10 in all of thosr games but he was and I presume still is an incredibly fit bloke who could run a marathon and probably not sweat! Gifted player who plays the game the right way and usually chipped in with a few goals.

Held his own in the Premier league as well to be fair so if he's still got the drive and enthusiasm left then I'd imagine he'd be absolutely stand out at League 2 level. His age won't make any difference I wouldn't have thought.

[royalgull]

Oh and he was always a bit of a joker and popular player at the club. Bit dim but heart of gold think that type of character might be a boost to the squad.

[gullno4]

we have such a big squad! would be a good addition though! him, labadie, and lathrope in a midfield three could be interesting! with cooper at left back, and o Connor at right back, we could potentially have a good side! if wilkinson and o brien can do the business aswell, along with Goodwin/bodin/chappel up top in a front three we should be safe!

but unfortunately we all know that manse and nicho will be guaranteed a start, and that messes everything up!

keep forgetting we've got rudge and Harding!

[yellowforever]

He was good for Reading in the Premiership a while ago, but I don't think he was particularly amazing in his recent stint at Doncaster.

He is a workhorse though, and will perhaps provide a bit of fight and guile in midfield which we need. His attitude at previous clubs is a worry though, but many players have come down here with a similar reputation and been a success.

The most important thing right now is quality, and if Hargreaves believes he has it then a deal till the end of season sounds a decent idea.

[Richinns]

Good player and provides quality which we need. Hopefully we can get him uo to speed quickly in terms of match fitness.

[MidDevon]

Interesting development.

It seems his general fitness is very good, at least it was according to Steve Coppell when he had him at Reading. He was released last month by Doncaster, having not featured at all in their Championship side this season, despite being a regular in their L1 title winning side last season. Recently been on trial with Portsmouth.

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/foot ... --sow.html

Steve Coppell says a player is fit