Football Season Guide

Reading

In


Harvey Knibbs (att) Cambridge United; Sam Smith (att) Cambridge United; Lewis Wing (mid) Wycombe; Charlie Savage (mid) Manchester United.

Out


George Puscas (att) Genoa; Tom Ince (mid) Watford; Kian Leavy (mid) St Patrick's; Yakou Meite (att) Cardiff City; Luke Southwood (gk) Cheltenham; Lui Bradbury (att) Released; Ethan Burnett (mid) Released; Scott Dann (def) Released; Harrison Furlong (mid) Released; Louis Hutchings (mid) Released; Lucas Joao (att) Released; Shane Long (att) Released; Nahum Melvin-Lambert (att) Released; Liam Moore (def) Released; Naby Sarr (Def) Al Markhiya.

The 2022/23 campaign was one to forget for Reading, both on and off the field. They'd end up being relegated, with off-field problems playing a part. Two separate point deductions due to failing to pay player wages led to them going down. Those problems still loom for Reading, with another potential point deduction on the horizon as the beginning of their League One campaign looms. It's all change for Reading, with new manager Selles taking the reigns following their relegation. The ex-Southampton manager brings genuine pedigree to the League One side. Striker Puscas has been sold, fetching some decent money. Attacker Ince has also gone. Meite, Southwood, Dann, Joao and Long represent big losses for Reading. It was expected given their relegation. The signings of Knibbs and Smith from Cambridge will be expected to pick up the goal-scoring drop-off, while Wing and Savage are two astute signings in the middle of the park. All will be expected to contribute regularly. Major player turnover could be an issue. This squad, coupled with having a new manager in place, may need time to find their best form. Off-field distractions also remain. On the flip side, Reading have a more than capable squad in place. They have good quality in all the important areas.

Target


Reading will be targeting a playoff spot as a bare minimum, despite a possible points deduction. They have a good squad and will be looking for an immediate return to the Championship.