Pune: After the big bang signing of Costa Rican star striker, Yendrick Ruiz, 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 year & shot stopper Steve Simonsen who untill last year was plying his trade with Rangers FC.

Nicky Shorey, the England left back known for his pace and set piece ability has played previously for a number of Premier League clubs including Reading, West Bromwich Albion, Aston Villa, Porstmouth among others.

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Shorey was voted by the fans of Reading in the Royals best-ever eleven, where Shorey was voted the best left back for Reading ever.

On signing with the team, Nicky says, “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 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.”

Shot stopper Steve Simonsen best known from his time at Stoke City for whom he made more that 150 appearances is the other Englishman signed by FC Pune City. Simonsen has spent the last two years at Rangers wherein his team created history by going the entire 2013-14 season undefeated in their last 115 years, clinching the Scottish League One championship on the way.

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“I am extremely honoured 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 & hearts together,” says Steve Simonsen.

Coach of FC Pune City, 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.”

Club co-owner and superstar, Hritik Roshan expresses, “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 to our team we will play really great football this season.”

Club CEO, Gaurav Modwel said,“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 am sure he will be an excellent mentor to our other 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.”

With three international players being signed and the recently concluded ISL auction, the excitement is building and FC Pune City is definitely forming one of the best teams who will strive to bring the title home.