The Tilehurst End - Reading FC Position PreviewsReading FC blog run by fans, for fans.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52568/tte_fav.png2015-08-03T10:48:36+01:00http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/rss/stream/88300982015-08-03T10:48:36+01:002015-08-03T10:48:36+01:00Reading Position Previews: Strikers
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<p>Our position-by-position look at Reading's squad ahead of the 2015/16 season concludes as Wimb breaks down the battle between the strikers. </p> <h3>Ins:</h3>
<p>Orlando Sa (Legia Warsaw), Rowan Liburd (Billericay)</p>
<h3>Outs:</h3>
<p>Yakubu (free agent) Kwesi Appiah (end of loan)</p>
<h3>Already in squad:</h3>
<p>Pavel Pogrebnyak, Simon Cox, Dominic Samuel, Andrija Novakovich, Harry Cardwell, Craig Tanner</p>
<h3>Quick analysis:</h3>
<p>Goals were a big problem for Steve Clarke after Christmas, with Pavel Pogrebnyak the only one of those forwards currently in the squad to net for Reading in 2015. Simon Cox seemed to drift out of favour under the man who also moved him on at West Brom and the temporary help from Yakubu and Kwesi Appiah barely helped matters. The young trio of Samuel, Novakovich and Cardwell all have promise, with Samuel showing his talents out on loan and during this pre-season but are any of them ready for regular Championship football? That means new signing Orlando Sa is going to have a lot of expectation heaped on his shoulders, especially with a reported injury to Pavel Pogrebnyak.</p>
<h3>The contenders:</h3>
<p><b>Pavel Pogrebnyak</b>: Speaking of the big Russian, he once again showed he's a hard worker but far from natural goalscorer at this level. By now I think it's time to give up hope on him living up to his gigantic wages but given it's the final year of his contract you'd hope he's even more motivated to succeed this season. Pog is still a real asset to the football club and is capable of getting a few goals so getting him back up to full fitness again will be a priority.</p>
<p><b>Simon Cox</b>: The return of the former Academy graduate was well received last summer and initially Cox looked at home at the Mad Stad, bagging 8 goals before Christmas and topping our goalscoring charts. Sadly his form slowly waned as the year turned and Steve Clarke didn't really seem to fancy the Republic of Ireland striker as the season progressed. A failure to find the net under Clarke won't have inspired the Reading boss but in public at least the message is that he's still got a future at the club. The arrival of Sa and more of a 4-2-3-1, 4-4-1-1 system isn't good news though for the forward who would presumably be behind Sa and Pogrebnyak in the pecking order, so I wouldn't be stunned to see him moved on before the deadline.</p>
<p><b>Dominic Samuel:</b> Long-touted as one of our best Academy prospects, it's hard to believe that Samuel made his debut in the Premier League way back in 2012. Since then his first team chances have been all but non-existent which is worrying given the way the senior strikers have all struggled in that time. Nigel Adkins clearly felt the forward had some attitude problems that needed correcting but the arrival of Steve Clarke seems to have helped the striker who made a big impact on loan at Coventry with six goals in 13 games. After recovering from a fractured ankle he's featured regularly in pre-season and in firmly in contention for a regular spot in the squad.</p>
<p><b>Orlando Sa:</b> The Portuguese striker arrives at the Mad Stad for his second taste of English football after a short spell with Fulham a couple of years ago. Sadly Sa didn't seem to find his feet in England during his time with the Cottagers but he's rebuilt his reputation around the continent and impressed in Poland last season. Fitness has limited his involvement in pre-season so it's hard to really know what we'll be getting long-term but expectations will be high for the forward.</p>
<p><b>Rowan Liburd: </b>The 22-year-old joined from Billericay earlier this summer after a season that had seen him bag 22 goals for the Essex side in the seventh-tier. Very much a speculative punt than a signing designed to slot straight into the team we could well have picked up the next Michail Antonio, or it could just be another Brett Williams. Only time will tell but his off-field attitude certainly suggests he's determined to take his chance here.</p>
<p><b>The others</b>: Reading held American Andrija Novakovich back from this summer's U20 World Cup so that he could focus on his fitness for the new season, hinting that he could well be in Steve Clarke's thoughts going forward. He's appeared briefly for the first team already but I'd imagine a loan spell is a more likely scenario for the young American. Likewise, Harry Cardwell has earned plenty of praise during his time with the U21 side and could also come into contention as the season progresses. Craig Tanner tasted first team action with both Reading and AFC Wimbledon last year but his stock seems to have fallen somewhat and you feel he might need to prove himself in the Football League on loan again.</p>
<h3>The verdict:</h3>
<p>At the time of writing it seems a fairly straight battle between Orlando Sa and Pavel Pogrebnyak to lead the line as Clarke is seemingly preferring one main striker supported by those from midfield and the wing. Samuel and Cox might well come more into play if we're looking to play a bit more of an attacking system but both would seem to have a battle on their hands to convince Clarke they're worthy of starts. I'm still not sure Clarke has finished his summer spending as there isn't that quick pacey striker in the squad that can try and change things, so I'd be fairly confident of some more transfer activity before the window shuts.</p>
<p><i>What do you make of the options for the strikers? Are they good enough to mount a serious promotion push or does Clarke need to move in the market? Let us know in the comments below.</i></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/reading-fc-2015-16-pre-season/2015/8/3/9088849/reading-fc-position-previews-strikersWimb2015-08-02T19:51:32+01:002015-08-02T19:51:32+01:00Reading Position Previews: Wingers
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<p>Hoops looks at the winger choices Steve Clarke has available to him for the upcoming season. They're a tad short.</p> <h3>Ins:</h3>
<p>N/A</p>
<h3>Outs:</h3>
<p>Ryan Edwards (released, free agent)</p>
<h3>Already in squad:</h3>
<p>Garath McCleary, Hal Robson-Kanu, Nick Blackman, Jack Stacey, Tarique Fosu</p>
<h3>Quick analysis:</h3>
<p>What has previously been a strength for Reading Football Club has become a bit of a conundrum. From the days of the lightning quick and tricky Jimmy Kebe and Jobi McAnuff just a few years ago to the days of the inconsistent yet still capable Garath McCleary and the infuriating Hal Robson-Kanu, Steve Clarke may need to dip into the transfer market to strengthen this area—or are the two academy products able to make an impact?</p>
<h3>The contenders:</h3>
<p><b>Garath McCleary: </b>The only thing Reading have close to a 'superstar' in their squad, Garath McCleary has the 'wow' factor but last season lacked the end product required to be truly effective. During the 2013/14 season McCleary scored 5 goals and managed an impressive 11 assists, last season only the one goal and just the four assists. A big drop in output, which could be down to the back injury and surgery he went through a year ago. He'll be one of the first names on the team sheet, but Steve Clarke will demand much more from him. If not, he could lose his place.</p>
<p><b>Hal Robson-Kanu:</b> The ever-divisive Hal Robson-Kanu will likely start the season as first-choice left winger to the ire of many a Reading fan. Robson-Kanu has all the tools at his disposal to be a decent winger, but as yet he's yet to utilise them. His brightest stint in a Reading shirt was during the 2012/13 Premier League season, which led many to believe he'd finally done it—wrong. Robson-Kanu has a lot to prove this season and with one particular youngster vying for his position on the wing, he's got more reason than ever.</p>
<p><b>Nick Blackman: </b>The man with "nothing to prove" has, actually, got everything to prove this season. The striker-cum-winger will most likely vie with McCleary for a spot on the right wing but has yet to really impress in a Reading shirt. You'd hope this could be put down to the fact that he arrived at the Madejski Stadium as a striker, but whenever he plays in that position he fails to convince. He scored an absolute belter against Swansea and has been bigging himself up in the press, but can he really get that spot on the right wing long-term?</p>
<p><b>Jack Stacey: </b>Jack Stacey broke into the first team towards the end of last season and has clearly impressed Clarke, but the one criticism of the academy graduate is, as evidenced in his six appearances in the Championship last season, his lack of outstanding attributes. He's not the fastest, nor is he the trickiest, nor the strongest, but he is good at a number of things. Whether this acts as a pro or a con will be down to how he acclimatises this season. He's got a fight on his hand, especially considering he's ruled out with an injury for the beginning of the season.</p>
<p><b>Tariqe Fosu: </b>After his outstanding debut against Derby, fans are getting excited about the potential of this 19-year-old. The club tied him down to a long-term deal in the summer and in the absence of McCleary and Robson-Kanu during pre-season, Fosu has been doing his best to stake his claim to start the season as a first-choice winger. It looks like he may just do it, but fans will be hoping his performances aren't a flash in the pan and the youngster is the real deal.</p>
<p><b>The others: </b>Jordan Obita graduated from the academy as a left winger, but has been converted to a left back and won Reading Player of the Season in the 2013/14 season in the position. He could be moved back to the left wing, but with the competition further forward and the absolute lack of any other options at left back, Obita may be hoping a new defender is brought in before he's considered for the left wing spot. New signing Stephen Quinn has been stationed on the left during pre-season, though at this stage its hard to tell whether this is down to lack of options or a new tactic Steve Clarke has conjured up. You wouldn't think he'd be first choice for the left wing spot once everyone's available. Simon Cox also got a few minutes on the left against Espanyol, but again this seems like an emergency move rather than anything else. Academy graduates Jake Taylor and Craig Tanner are seen primarily as attacking midfielders/strikers, but they could be called upon for the wing spots if we're hit with another injury crisis.</p>
<h3>The verdict:</h3>
<p>You'd imagine Garath McCleary and Hal Robson-Kanu will be the first choice wing pairing for the coming season, though a lack of form and/or consistency will open the door for the likes of Blackman, Fosu and Stacey to break in and make a name for themselves.</p>
<p>Steve Clarke has said he's on the lookout for a few more signings before the window closed and despite the emergence of Fosu and Stacey, you'd probably like a more senior winger to vie with McCleary, Robson-Kanu and Blackman for a spot on the wing.</p>
<p><i>What do you make of the options for the wing? Are they good enough to mount a serious promotion push or does Clarke need to move in the market? Let us know in the comments below. </i></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/8/2/9086943/reading-fc-position-previews-wingersRoyal Hoops2015-08-01T09:00:02+01:002015-08-01T09:00:02+01:00Reading Position Previews: Central Midfield
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<p>In our latest look at each position, @WilliamOwain reviews the strengths and weaknesses in the Royals' central midfield.</p> <h3>Ins:</h3>
<p><b></b>Stephen Quinn (Hull City)</p>
<h3>Outs:</h3>
<p><b></b>Nathaniel Chalobah (end of loan); Jem Karacan (Galatasaray)</p>
<h3>Already in squad:</h3>
<p><b></b>Hope Akpan, Liam Kelly, Aaron Kuhl, Oliver Norwood, Aaron Tshibola, Danny Williams</p>
<h3>Quick Analysis:</h3>
<p>Central midfield is on paper one of the strongest areas of Reading's squad. There is a nice balance of promising youngsters, talented international players and, with the addition of Stephen Quinn, the experience that was maybe missing last season. If Williams is continued to be played in a high role then Clarke might be tempted to add another central midfielder to the squad. Michael Hector and Hal Robson-Kanu both played games in central midfield last season.</p>
<h3>The Contenders:</h3>
<p><b>Hope Akpan: </b>It may sound unfair but you can't escape the feeling that Akpan is only still at the club because his contract didn't expire this summer. Always an honest performer who seems to suffer from a lack of confidence. He must be doing something right to keep getting called up by Nigeria. Will likely once again be a squad player and may have a fight on his hands to stop Tshibola overtaking him.</p>
<p><b>Liam Kelly: </b>Very promising young player who has largely gone under the radar so far. The one thing that may count against him is his size. Looked the equal of Kuhl in the U18s FA Youth Cup run in 2013/2014 but seemed to have a quiet season last year. May head out on loan if a club is willing to take a chance on him.</p>
<p><b>Aaron Kuhl: </b>Seems to be <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/7/29/9067779/aaron-kuhl-set-for-spanish-loan-move-rcd-mallorca-reading-fc">heading to RCD Mallorca</a>. Would be a great move for him. Might be tempted to stay and fight for his place at Reading.</p>
<p><b>Oliver Norwood: </b>Possibly Reading's best player in the first half of the season under Nigel Adkins. His performance at Cardiff in the FA Cup was one of his best all season but that bizarrely seemed to signal a downturn in his fortunes. It would be a great shame if Steve Clarke cannot find a way to fit the Northern Irishman into his team. Like too many players at the Madejski Stadium, he has the technique to play in the Premier League but his performances are what keeps him in the Championship.</p>
<p><b>Stephen Quinn: </b>I haven't felt as pleased about a Reading signing since Chris Armstrong. Like Armstrong he comes with real pedigree and looks a good singing on and off the pitch. He may be the player the Royals have been missing in the centre of park. A battler who is a bit more subtle than Danny Williams on the ball. It could be his job to unlock defences this season.</p>
<p><b>Aaron Tshibola: </b>He seems to have been around and highly rated for a while now without making an impact at first team level. Got rave reviews from his loan spell at Hartlepool United. This will hopefully be the season when we see him become a regular member of the first team squad.</p>
<p><b>Danny Williams: </b>Only Garath McCleary from the existing senior squad members can match Williams for how highly he is rated by the fans. Oddly this seems to make him immune to criticism. On his day he looks like a Premier League player dominating a Championship match but there are almost as many days when it is hard to notice what he's contributed. For an American international and former Bundesliga regular I can't help but think we should expect more from Williams. Maybe we should be grateful though. A good season will probably see him leave on a bosman next summer.</p>
<h3>The Verdict:</h3>
<p>So far this season Reading have <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/7/30/9055001/reading-fc-pre-season-formation-tactics-insight">lined up with three recognised central midfielders with Williams an unorthodox high central midfielder</a>. If this continues then you would expect Norwood and Quinn to be the two deeper central midfielders which, if Kuhl's temporary Spanish move does happen, would leave Akpan and Tshibola as back up.</p>
<p>Given that Clarke has seemed unsure about Norwood I imagine he is hoping that he might be able to resign Nathaniel Chalobah on loan. A midfield trio, or even two from, Norwood, Quinn and Williams has the potential to be one of the most effective in the Championship, but as Royals fans know potential is rarely fulfilled.</p>
<p><i>Are you happy with the options in central midfield? Or do you feel Reading are missing a final piece in the jigsaw? Let us know your thoughts.</i></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/8/1/9072309/reading-fc-position-previews-central-midfieldWilliamOwain2015-07-31T07:00:02+01:002015-07-31T07:00:02+01:00Reading Position Previews: Centre Back
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<p>Having looked at the 'keepers and full backs, we move on with our position previews ahead of the 2015/16 season. This time, Bucks Royal examines the centre backs... and is confident in what we have to work with. </p> <h3>Ins:</h3>
<p>Paul McShane (Hull City, free transfer)</p>
<h3>Outs:</h3>
<p>Alex Pearce (Derby County, free transfer)</p>
<h3>Already In Squad:</h3>
<p>Jake Cooper, Anton Ferdinand, Michael Hector, Dominic Hyam, Niall Keown, Pierce Sweeney</p>
<h3>Quick Analysis:</h3>
<p>In contrast to the <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/7/29/9066051/reading-fc-position-previews-full-back">full back position</a>, Reading suddenly look a lot stronger at centre half. Last season, the first-choice pairing of Alex Pearce and Michael Hector was only supported by the newcomer Jake Cooper, with Anton Ferdinand a long-term injury doubt. However, the replacement of Pearce with Paul McShane (arguably an upgrade), combined with a marked improvement of fitness for Ferdinand, and the emergence of Niall Keown, mean that things are looking very good for Steve Clarke at the heart of the defence.</p>
<h3>The Contenders:</h3>
<p><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/7/29/9066051/reading-fc-position-previews-full-back"></a></p>
<p><b>Michael Hector:</b> One of the success stories of the 2014/15 campaign, Michael Hector finished the season much more strongly than he started it. Taking Sean Morrison's place in the side following the ex-Swindon Town man's move to Cardiff City, Hector took a while to adjust to his status as a regular starter. However, following Steve Clarke's appointment last December, he certainly found his feet. Increasingly assured performances were seen in his game, capped off with a fine showing at Wembley against Arsenal - when he was individually congratulated by Arsene Wenger. The Jamaican will surely be a first choice next season, and will be looking to build on his previous development.</p>
<p><b>Anton Ferdinand: </b>Even up to last May, this signing looked to have very much been a case of a gamble that didn't pay off. Brought in by Nigel Adkins to add his vast array of Premier League experience to the defence, Ferdinand barely managed any game time - such was the frustratingly predictable nature of his injuries. However, several pre-season appearances (including his first ever full 90 minutes for Reading against Swansea) have given hope that he can finally stake his claim to a first team spot. Still only 30, and <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33687454" style="background-color: #ffffff;">'keen to make up for lost time'</a>, Ferdinand could be a suprise boost to Reading's 2015/16 campaign.</p>
<p><b>Paul McShane: </b>Reading bagged themselves another experienced ex-Premier League defender in the summer with the acquisition of Paul McShane from Hull City. The Ireland international had been on Humberside since 2008, building up a status as quite the cult hero amongst Tigers fans. In fact, it was McShane that scored the promotion-winning goal against champions Cardiff City to seal an automatic return to the top flight. With McShane now a Royal, he brings much-needed experience to the Madejski Stadium. With that in mind, expect him to compete with Anton Ferdinand for a starting spot alongside Michael Hector.</p>
<p><b>Jake Cooper: </b>I'd hardly call it a 'break out' season, but Jake Cooper certainly made himself a strong option for the first team squad in 2014/15 with a string of solid performances. A commanding game at Norwich City, capped with a brace, made Reading fans think he was mature beyond his years, and an exciting prospect for the future. Although that's still the case, he's yet to fully recover from the 6-1 mauling at Birmingham City. With Michael Hector and Alex Pearce the pairing of choice under Steve Clarke in the first half of 2015, Cooper struggled for game time. Although he'll remain part of the manager's wider plans, starts could be hard to come by - considering the number of established centre backs ahead of him in the pecking order.</p>
<p><b>Niall Keown: </b>A more recent academy graduate than Cooper, Keown could yet leapfrog the former to winning a place in the first team. In truth, little had been said of Keown before his start at Watford in March, and the season had similarly ended quite quietly for him. That said, some impressive performances in pre-season, including the 1-1 draw against Swansea City, have shown Reading fans what he can do.</p>
<p><b>The Others: </b>Beyond that set of five, Reading do have a number of other names of note at centre half. The likes of Dominic Hyam and Pierce Sweeney have all been involved in and around the first team squad recently, so expect their names to come into consideration at some point in the future. As far as emergency options go, <span>Chris Gunter</span> has been known to play centre back on occasion before.</p>
<h3>The Verdict:</h3>
<p>Our options here do indeed look very healthy, as things stand. Obviously, an injury to one or two senior centre backs changes that, but there's definitely more strength in depth than there was a year ago. As with any position, this one thrives when players are forced to up their game, in the knowledge that they can easily lose their place if they don't. With that in mind, it's very encouraging that Steve Clarke can consider five players as realistic starters.</p>
<p>As for who gets the nod, it's much like the goalkeeping position. Having a range of options means that, more likely than not, the partnership will organically change throughout the season as Clarke gets a better understanding of which players are his best bets. Even a short run of form can change a lot - as pre-season has shown with the increased stock of Ferdinand and Keown.</p>
<p>To stick my neck out, I'd rank the current pecking order as something like this... Michael Hector and Anton Ferdinand as starters, with Paul McShane challenging the two. Behind them, Niall Keown and Jake Cooper will provide the strength in depth, with the former currently sneaking ahead.</p>
<p><i>What do you think of our options at centre back? Has Steve Clarke got enough to work with? Let us know what you think in the comments section below, or tweet us @TheTilehurstEnd. </i></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/7/31/9072365/reading-fc-position-previews-centre-backBucksRoyal2015-07-29T11:08:35+01:002015-07-29T11:08:35+01:00Reading Position Previews: Full Back
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<p>Yesterday we reviewed the <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/7/28/9055343/reading-fc-position-previews-goalkeeper-championship-al-habsi-bond">goalkeepers</a>. Today @WilliamOwain look at the (lack of) options at full back.</p> <h3>Ins:</h3>
<p><b></b>None</p>
<h3>Outs:</h3>
<p><b></b>Stephen Kelly (released), Jure Travner (released)</p>
<h3>Already in squad:</h3>
<p><b></b>Shane Griffin, Chris Gunter, Michael Hector, Niall Keown, Sean Long, Paul McShane, Jordan Obita</p>
<h3>Quick Analysis:</h3>
<p>For the first time in a long time options at full back are rather scarce. Luckily for Steve Clarke his two most experienced full backs are also two of the fittest players in his squad. Youngsters Griffin and Long have both appeared during pre-season, whilst Hector and McShane have both spent time at right back during their careers. Garath McCleary and Stephen Quinn could also be considered emergency full backs.</p>
<h3>The Contenders:</h3>
<p><b>Chris Gunter: </b>This season will be the first one since Gunter joined the club that he is undisputed right back. It is also the biggest season of his career. Domestically his contract runs out at the end of the season and he could be club captain. Internationally he will be hoping to be part of a Wales squad that reaches Euro 2016, but he will know that Adam Matthews move to Sunderland means he will have real competition to keep his place in Chris Coleman's starting line up. International ambitions might be the inspiration Gunter needs for a career defining year.</p>
<p><b>Jordan Obita: </b>If it hadn't been said so many times it would be easy to forget that Obita is "just" 21. Like the rest of the team his 2014/2015 season can best be described as indifferent. He once again struggled anywhere other than left back but with one of the best British defensive coaches around as his manager Obita should improve defensively this season. He might never significantly improve beyond his current borderline Premier League level but for where Reading are at the moment he is perfect. Like Reading legend Nicky Shorey he is not going to transform a team but he could be a significant part of a transformation in a team.</p>
<p><b>Niall Keown: </b>Tarique Fosu aside, Keown has probably been the best young player in pre-season. He has played at centre back but such is his mobility and ability on the ball he could easily play right back. It was noticeable in the 2014 U21 Cup final how much more dangerous Reading looked going forward after he was moved from centre back to replace Sean Long at right back.</p>
<p><b>Sean Long: </b>Made his debut last season in the League Cup at Scunthorpe when Shaun Cummings was injured and was never seen again. Probably behind Keown, Hector and McShane in cover for right back. Turned 20 in May and would probably benefit from a loan move.</p>
<p><b>Shane Griffin: </b>The fact that Long was brought on ahead of him at Scunthorpe tells you how far Griffin was away from the first team last year. Nigel Adkins preferred to play Gunter out of position at left back rather than play Griffin who is a left back. He may have improved in the last year but it would be surprise if Griffin were to be seen this season. Like Long he probably needs a loan spell away from the Madejski Stadium.</p>
<h3>The Verdict:</h3>
<p>The easiest selection decisions for Steve Clarke. Right back Chris Gunter, left back Jordan Obita. The only question is whether it is worth bringing in cover? Given that Gunter and Obita are rarely injured it would seem a waste of money to bring in reserve full backs especially when you consider that they would probably be of Jure Travner quality. There are plenty of options for cover at right back and Gunter has played left back on many occasions in his career. There is also the loan market if Reading needed to bring in full back reinforcements.</p>
<p><i>What do you think of the options at full back? Would you like to see permanent cover brought in? Let us know your thoughts.</i></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/7/29/9066051/reading-fc-position-previews-full-backWilliamOwain2015-07-28T15:00:02+01:002015-07-28T15:00:02+01:00Reading Position Previews: Goalkeeper
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<p>With just two weeks until the season kicks off, we start our look at each section of the squad, starting with the last line of defence - the goalkeeper.</p> <h3>Ins:</h3>
<p><b></b><span>Ali Al Habsi</span> (<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://pieeatersfootie.sbnation.com/">Wigan Athletic</a>, free transfer), Jonathan Bond (Watford, undisclosed)</p>
<h3>Outs:</h3>
<p><b></b><span>Adam Federici</span> (Bournemouth, free transfer), <span>Mikkel Andersen</span> (FC Midtjylland, free transfer)</p>
<h3>Already in squad:</h3>
<p><b></b>Stuart Moore, George Legg, Lewis Ward</p>
<h3>Quick Analysis:</h3>
<p>Although it was likely to be sorted in the end, Royals fans had a legitimate worry that the season could kick off without a senior goalkeeper after the departures of <span>Adam Federici</span> and Mikkel Andersen. However, manager Steve Clarke moved quickly to replace like for like, as the experienced Ali Al Habsi joined on a free transfer, whilst England U21 international Jonathan Bond was allowed to leave Watford to join the Royals. Suddenly, a position of weakness looks to have depth to it, and an intriguing battle is taking place heading into the season - and likely over the next nine months as well.</p>
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<h3>The Contenders:</h3>
<p><b>Ali Al Habsi </b>- the 33-year-old will be very familiar to fans of English football, having plied his trade on these shores for the past ten years. He joined Premier League side <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://lionofviennasuite.sbnation.com/">Bolton Wanderers</a> in 2006 from Norwegian side Lyn Oslo, but didn't appear for the Trotters until 2007 after injury to incumbent Jussi Jaaskilainen. A loan move to Wigan Athletic eventually came in 2010 and he was subsequently named their Player of the Season.</p>
<p>He signed permanently for the Latics and made 115 League appearances in total during his time at the DW Stadium, though during his last two seasons with Wigan he was battling <span>Scott Carson</span> for the number one jersey. Former England 'keeper Carson got the better of the Omani and overtook Al Habsi in the pecking order, but neither will be at the club for their 2015-16 League One campaign.</p>
<p><b>Jonathan Bond - </b>aged just 22 and having had experience with England's U21 side (5 caps), Bond looks a goalkeeper with a big future ahead of him. Being behind Gomes at newly-promoted Watford, it was only natural for him to leave to further his career, though he has another battle on his hands to cement his place between the sticks.</p>
<p>During his six years with the Hornets, Bond made 22 appearances for the first team, although he was backup to Scott Loach, Manuel Almunia then the aforementioned Gomes in that time. He didn't disgrace himself in any of those performances though, even earning a man of the match award for his role in a clean sheet at Hull City. He's also had loan spells at Bury, Dagenham & Redbridge and Forest Green to improve his game.</p>
<p><b>Stuart Moore - </b>the 20-year-old spent last season on loan at Basingstoke Town, picking up their Player Of The Season award for his string of performances down the road in Hampshire. He may spend time on loan higher up the pyramid this season but is unlikely to challenge Bond or Al-Habsi.</p>
<p><b>Lewis Ward -</b> One of the next batch of Academy Graduates, the 18 year old has been included in England youth training camps and is now getting game time with the under 21s. Hard to see him getting any time and could head out on loan.</p>
<p><b>George Legg - </b>another youngster to come through the ranks, Legg spent time at Dunstable Town last campaign and is likely to head out again this season.</p>
<h3>The Verdict:</h3>
<p>Very tough to pick between the new goalkeepers and Steve Clarke hasn't picked a favourite in our friendlies, splitting time equally for Al Habsi and Bond. We asked you who your first choice would be earlier this month and <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/7/16/8969741/the-keeper-conundrum-reading-fc" target="_blank">you just gave Bond the edge</a>. However, the manager seems to value experience and there's no doubting that the Oman international has that advantage, so <b>Ali Al-Habsi</b> might have the jersey initially. But with the young English prospect putting the pressure on, the battle will no doubt rage throughout the season.</p>
<p><i>Who's your pick to win the jersey? Could we see rotation throughout the season? Let us know your thoughts.</i></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/7/28/9055343/reading-fc-position-previews-goalkeeper-championship-al-habsi-bondjonnafon