Reading have completed the signing of former Fulham defender Chris Baird on a free transfer.

The 31-year-old, who had been without a club since leaving Craven Cottage during the summer, has signed a short-term deal that will keep him at the Madejski Stadium until January.

Baird has said that Reading boss Nigel Adkins was a big factor in his decision to join the Championship club.

"I had a great chat with manager Nigel Adkins, I like what he's trying to do with the club and I want to be part of it," Baird told Reading's official website.

"He's been great to me so far and I look forward to working under him. It feels fantastic. I wasn't going to just jump into any silly offers but this was the right one for me.

"The training ground is perfect, I live locally and it's all good."

Baird had been training with Queens Park Rangers.