Reading youngster talks pre-season, the secrets to goalkeeping success and the forthcoming season

This season, Stuart Moore has received the accolade of being the first Reading player to be loaned out as he joined Conference South side Basingstoke Town ahead of the 2014/15 season. As part of the new season's loan report, I decided to get a quick word from Stuart about all things Reading FC. Pre-season began with a bang for Stuart, as his first game came against recently relegated Yeovil Town. According to local reports, our highly rated young shot stopper more than held his own against a side with ambitions to finish at the right end of League One next season. Moore told us.

"It's good getting the chance to play against teams from different leagues. We've played two league sides already which has been a great experience."

Similarly to the Royals, Basingstoke have also yet to be defeated thus far in pre-season following a 1-1 draw with Yeovil, a 2-2 draw with Swindon Supermarine and a 1-1 draw with Newport County. Combine that with victories over Hungerford Town and Reading U21s and it's been a successful start at the Dragons for Moore.

"I've enjoyed playing games and it's going great. I feel I've done well. It's nice to get a good run of games and I'm very much looking forward to starting the season."

I also quizzed Stuart on the Coaching staff at Reading and how they've influenced his game and he was full of praise and enthusiasm for academy manager Eamonn Dolan and Michael Gilkes.

"It's great to work with them as they're both very good coaches. They have a lot of experience between them. We're very lucky with the coaches we have at Reading, especially the goalkeeping side."

When asked about what he thinks the secret to our successful conveyer belt of top class goalkeepers that in the past has included Marcus Hahnemann, Adam Federici and Alex McCarthy, and more recently that currently includes the likes of Lewis Ward, Dan Lincoln, Jon Henly and Stuart himself, he added that

"I think a big part of the success is having such a great team of goalkeeping coaches. There's obviously a lot of competition for places this year as well so everyone is determined to show what they can do."

Stuart was also keen to highlight Basingstoke's recent victory over his U21 teammates in a close encounter, which the Dragons won 1-0. He joked that

"it was a very strange game to play!"

But then also added that he just

"had to prepare as normal and not think too much about it! Of course you can't beat winning though! It was great to get a clean sheet too, it always feels great as a keeper as that's what you aim for in every game!"

Finally, Stuart also spoke very highly of his new teammates at Basingstoke, stating that he was

"really enjoying it so far. They're a great bunch of lads down there and it's great to play games. Getting the chance to go out on loan and gain experience helps massively with my own progress as well. The aim for this season is to keep improving and get as much game time as possible!"

His positivity and enthusiasm not only for his teammates but for the game in general is great to see. It therefore comes as a great pleasure for me to reveal that his loan has been extended by the club until the end of the season. I'm sure you'll join me in wishing Stuart a great season with Basingstoke.