Reading FC’s Rob Dickie Completes League Two Loan Switch

Following Jake Cooper’s transfer to Millwall on Friday, another central defender has departed Reading today - but this time it’s only temporary as Rob Dickie has completed a loan move to League Two’s Lincoln City until January.

The 21-year-old has been with the Royals since 2004, but has only made one senior appearance to date when came on as a half-time substitute on the final day of the 2015/16 season against Blackburn.

Dickie had spent that campaign on loan at Cheltenham Town, helping them earn promotion from the National League. He would return to Gloucestershire for the first half of 2016/17, as he got his first proper taste of the Football League by making 20 appearances (two goals) for The Robins in League Two.

On the deal, Lincoln boss Danny Cowley indicated that Dickie could sign permanently if these five months at Sincil Bank are a success:

"It's something we've been trying to do all window. I'm really delighted to be able to bring Rob into the squad, he's a really gifted centre-half.

"The idea is hopefully that it's with a view to a permanent deal at the end of the loan."

Another departure in the centre of defence perhaps leaves Reading’s backline a little thin, especially if Jaap Stam is keen to use three centre-backs more often this season - you can read our positional preview here.

Furthermore, goalkeeper Lewis Ward has also secured a loan move as he joins Hungerford Town until February. The 20-year-old also spent the end of last season at the National League South club, and signed a new deal with Reading earlier this summer.