The Tilehurst End - Reading FC Transfer Deadline Day: Full CoverageReading FC blog run by fans, for fans.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52568/tte_fav.png2015-09-02T11:01:02+01:00http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/rss/stream/90024262015-09-02T11:01:02+01:002015-09-02T11:01:02+01:00Summer Transfer Window: Winners and Losers
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<figcaption>Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Reading brought in a whopping 11 players to bolster a squad that could be challenging for promotion this season. But how has the rest of Reading's squad been affected by the host of arrivals? Bucks delves into who could be the winners and losers. </p> <h3>Winners</h3>
<h4><span>Michael Hector</span></h4>
<p>The big winner in Reading's squad has been Michael Hector, who's earned a dream move to potential Premier League champions Chelsea. Building on a solid series of performances last season, the youngster has been snapped up for £4m by Jose Mourinho's side, but remains at Reading on loan for the rest of the season. That represents a massive show of confidence in one of the academy's best prospects of recent years. Hector will be keen to repay the West London side's faith in him during what should be a promotion push this campaign, meaning that Steve Clarke has a highly motivated centre back on the books.</p>
<h4>Oliver Norwood and Aaron Tshibola</h4>
<p>These two have come out of the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/transfer-rumors" class="sbn-auto-link">summer transfer window</a> very well, but for a starkly different reason to Michael Hector. Whereas the Jamaican makes this list for a transfer that did go through, Messrs Norwood and Tshibola will be thankful for a deal falling through. The deal I'm talking about is Reading's attempt to bring <span>Nathaniel Chalobah</span> back on loan for the 2015/16 season - which fell apart when the Chelsea midfielder opted for a move to Italian side Napoli.</p>
<p>When the rumours first started that Chalobah could be making a return to Berkshire, opinion was divided on whether we actually needed him or not - given how well-stocked that position already is. Norwood and Tshibola are, for me, respectively Reading's best player this season so far and one of our brightest prospects. That's not to downplay the quality of Chalobah of course, who played a key part in Reading's cup run last term. Nonetheless, his absence from the squad gives Norwood and Tshibola room to shine. They'll certainly be pleased that Napoli came in with that loan bid.</p>
<h4><span>Hal Robson-Kanu</span></h4>
<p>Bear with me on this one, because I know it sounds like an odd thing to claim. After all, how can one of Reading's most frustrating players have done well in a transfer window that's seen an abundance of competition arrive for his spot? In recent weeks, the likes of Pablo Hurtado, Lucas Piazon and Ola John — all wingers — have put pen to paper at the Madejski.</p>
<p>But, looking at it another way, they could be the collective spark that gives Robson-Kanu the kick we all know he needs. Apologies for the oft-used cliché, but he's a player of impressive potential if only he finds some form. As Reading fans, we saw that potential for the first time when he was up against arguably better players in Kebe, McAnuff and McCleary. Since then, Robson-Kanu seems to have become a little too comfortable — but now needs to work hard if he's to stay in Steve Clarke's plans. And, with his contract expiring next summer, an impressive 2015/16 is vital if the Welshman is to earn a good move, or even a new deal at Reading.</p>
<h3>Losers</h3>
<h4><b>Simon Cox</b></h4>
<p>Poor old Simon Cox must know the script by now - move to a club, wait till Steve Clarke becomes manager, then get pushed to the edge of the squad. It happened to the Irishman at West Brom, and history appears to be repeating itself. Despite not getting too much game time under Clarke, Cox arguably shouldn't feel aggrieved - he's failed to impress since the new gaffer arrived, not scoring since last December.</p>
<p>Nonetheless, there's now too much competition up front for Cox to be in with much chance of a spot in the matchday squad. Steve Clarke can now call on the likes of Matej Vydra, Orlando Sa, <span>Nick Blackman</span> and <span>Dominic Samuel</span>, and Andrija Novakovich's stock has been rising steadily in the youth team. I don't see Simon Cox being anything more than a bit part player this season -— and may end up going out on loan in the near future.</p>
<h4><b>Nick Blackman</b></h4>
<p>I find it hard to work out how Nick Blackman must be feeling right now. Saturday's 1-3 win at Brentford was a terrific indication of his talent, and the two goals demonstrated both his ambition from range and composure from the penalty spot. Having looked sharp this season with goals at St Andrews and Fratton Park, we all have high hopes that Blackman might finally kick on and prove his doubters wrong.</p>
<p>But deadline day's biggest arrival - namely that of Matej Vydra - is potentially a spanner in the works. The reported loan fee of £2.5m is clear evidence that the Czech isn't here to make up the numbers and sit on the bench. Vydra is a proven goalscorer at this level and should, given the service, challenge for the league's golden boot. Obviously, any promotion seeking side needs a couple of potent strikers, but it's hard to keep several of them happy at the same time. I'd like to think that excellent from from Blackman and Vydra will give Steve Clarke a positive dilemma each week, but I'd also say that the recent arrival will be biggest in his thoughts. If Blackman doesn't keep up his form, Vydra might push him firmly out of the first team.</p>
<p><b>Where do you think this transfer window leaves the rest of Reading's squad? Leave us your thoughts in the comments section below. We don't bite... honest. </b></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/9/2/9241981/summer-transfer-window-winners-and-losers-reading-fcBucksRoyal2015-09-02T06:00:01+01:002015-09-02T06:00:01+01:00In Summary: Reading FC's Summer Transfer Window
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<figcaption>All smiles: Clarke can be mighty happy with his summer transfer business | Ben Hoskins/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>A transfer window like never before.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/transfer-rumors">transfer window</a> proverbially <i>slammed</i> shut at 6pm this evening and with it a huge sense of euphoria for what is on the horizon at the Madejski Stadium. Whilst the summer didn't get off to the best start it's safe to say the grand finale was well worth the wait, with 11 players joining Steve Clarke's first team squad.</p>
<h3>Departures</h3>
<p>The Royals kicked off their summer by releasing a number of players considered deadwood—players like Jure Travner, Yakubu and Danny Guthrie. So far, so good.</p>
<p>It began to go downhill whenever, when a handful of first team players—and important dressing room personalities—all deciding their careers would be better of spent away from Berkshire. Despite being <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/4/30/8519987/clarke-confirms-contract-offers-to-three-key-reading-fc-players" target="_blank">offered new contracts</a>, <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/5/26/8661663/bournemouth-federici-signs-reading-fc" target="_blank">Federici</a>, <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/6/8/8745405/reading-fc-transfer-news-alex-pearce-derby-county" target="_blank">Pearce</a> and <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/7/8/8912821/confirmed-karacan-signs-for-galatasaray" target="_blank">Karacan</a> all confirmed their departures in the first few weeks of the transfer window.</p>
<p>Less important members of the squad also left, including <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/6/25/8844993/a-midtjy-move-for-mikkel-reading-fc" target="_blank">perennial bench-warmer Mikkel Andersen</a> and back-up defender <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/7/22/9014465/reading-fc-transfer-news-july-22-2015-stephen-kelly-leaves" target="_blank">Stephen Kelly</a>. Limited but likeable midfielder <span>Hope Akpan</span> was released from his contract to <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/8/10/9125783/hope-akpan-transfer-blackburn-rovers-reading-nigeria" target="_blank">join Blackburn Rovers</a>.</p>
<p>Unlike more recent transfer windows, the Royals also loaned out a few youngsters for first team experience. Young forward Craig Tanner was the first to leave, <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/8/5/9101483/tanner-joins-plymouth-on-loan" target="_blank">joining League Two side Plymouth</a> for the season. <span>Jake Taylor</span> <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/8/11/9129829/jake-taylor-moves-to-scotland-on-loan" target="_blank">made a switch</a> to Motherwell and Aaron Kuhl also moved north of the border, <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/9/1/9239207/Reading-FC-transfer-news-aaron-kuhl-moves-on-loan-to-dundee-utd" target="_blank">signing up for Dundee</a> United.</p>
<p>Two surprising sales happened in the final week of the window, with last season's first-choice striker and joint top-scorer <span>Pavel Pogrebnyak</span> (and his wages) <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/8/27/9215657/reading-fc-transfer-news-pavel-pogrebnyak-reading-fc-dynamo-moscow" target="_blank">sold</a> to Dynamo Moscow.</p>
<p>Perhaps the most surprising departure is that of <span>Michael Hector</span>: an academy graduate with just one full season of Championship football under his belt, the Jamaican international <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/9/1/9238923/chelsea-sign-reading-fc-defender-hector" target="_blank">signed for Premier League champions</a> Chelsea for a reported £4m. Fortunately for the Royals, he's rejoined the club on loan for the season so the fans don't have to mourn his departure just yet.</p>
<h4>Summary</h4>
<p>A mixed bag of departures, with some important first team players leaving without any money going into The Royals' coffers, but a heap of deadwood shifted and the club <i>finally</i> managed to move the Big F'ing Russian's wages off of their books. The biggest negative of all is the sale of Hector for what strikes many as too small a fee. Ho hum.</p>
<h3>Arrivals</h3>
<p>The club began the summer with just one glaring hole in the squad: goalkeepers. With all three of Federici, Andersen and Henly leaving the club, Clarke had only young Stuart Moore to call upon. It was somewhat surprising, then, when the club's first bit of business in the summer was to add a striker. Orlando Sa <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/6/29/8861545/reading-fc-transfer-news-orlando-sa-june-29-2015" target="_blank">joined</a> the club after scoring 14 goals in 26 games with Legia Warsaw.</p>
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<a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/9/1/9238385/reading-fc-transfer-deadline-day-september-1-2015-full-coverage">
<h2>Reading FC Transfer Deadline Day: Full Coverage</h2>
<img src="https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0SD9o4x6U1Lr17VdVknsfdhXh0Y=/0x50:1818x1073/1600x900/filters:format(webp)/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47068870/GettyImages-480394822.0.jpg"> </a> <span>See how the madness unfolded as clubs scrambled to get the men they wanted before Tuesday's 6pm deadline.</span>
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<p>Next up, the <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/6/30/8867419/stephen-quinn-midfielder-signs-for-reading" target="_blank">free transfer</a> of Stephen Quinn, who refused a contract offer from Hull City to make the switch to the Madejski Stadium. Following him through the door was <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/7/2/8876015/paul-mcshane-signs-for-reading-fc-hull-city-centre-back" target="_blank">another</a> former Hull City player, Paul McShane. Two experienced, quality and proven players joining on free transfers? Yes please.</p>
<p>The goalkeeping department was finally looked at and two signings in the matter of days added depth and competition in a position that had been vacated at the season's end. Watford youngster Jonathan Bond joined, <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/7/4/8894339/reading-fc-sign-watford-fc-england-u21-goalkeeper-jonathan-bond" target="_blank">giving us our first peek at the new goalkeeper kit,</a> whilst <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/7/14/8958235/al-habsi-signing-all-but-confirmed" target="_blank">Ali Al-Habsi joined the club</a> soon after.</p>
<p><span>Jordan Obita</span> was provided with competition and <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/8/5/9102123/andew-taylor-arrives-on-loan-reading-fc-latics-bluebirds" target="_blank">a mentor for the left-back spot</a> with Andrew Taylor arriving on loan from Wigan, as the <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/8/29/9224407/beric-transfer-saga-finally-nears-a-conclusion" target="_blank">enduring Robert Beric saga</a> rumbled on throughout the summer.</p>
<p>Then the exciting players began to roll in. First up: <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/8/12/9144781/officially-official-reading-fc-sign-hurtado" target="_blank">Peruvian winger</a> Paolo Hurtado. Supposedly a bundle of pace, skills and directness, this signing gave Reading fans a glimpse at what was to come.</p>
<p>Alex Fernandez joined on loan from Espanyol soon after, providing what many fans hoped would be a <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/8/18/9116215/rcd-espanyol-alex-fernandez-joins-on-loan-reading-fc" target="_blank">creative spark</a> that's been missing from the midfield since the days of Gylfi Sigurdsson.</p>
<p>You thought that was exciting? Oh no. Clarke and Hammond weren't done there as they made a last-minute trolley dash for an array of attacking midfielders. In came the <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/8/31/9232859/chelsea-fc-lucas-piazon-joins-reading-fc-loan-season" target="_blank">'next Kaka' </a>Lucas Piazon from Chelsea, in came former Championship Player of the Year and <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/9/1/9238993/Reading-FC-sign-matej-vydra-from-watford-fc" target="_blank">pacey striker</a> Matej Vydra and in came speedy one-time <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/9/1/9239133/reading-fc-snap-up-benfica-winger-john-on-loan" target="_blank">Dutch international</a> Ola John, each on a season-long loan deal from Chelsea, Watford and Benfica respectively.</p>
<p>Add into that the under-the-radar signings of <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/7/23/9019997/22-year-old-striker-joins-reading-fc-developmental-squad" target="_blank">Rowan Liburd</a> and <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/7/15/8969773/reading-fc-sign-sporting-lisbon-winger-for-u21s" target="_blank">Jose Semedo</a> for the development squad and you have an extraordinarily busy summer done and dusted.</p>
<h4>Summary</h4>
<p>Breathtaking. The summer got off to a decent start with the free transfers of proven Premier League performers Quinn and McShane but only got better as established, pacey attackers like Hurtado, Piazon and Vydra joined the club and offer Clarke an array of options to vary the Biscuitmen's forward line.</p>
<p>The downside being that neither Bond nor Al-Habsi have done a good job of inspiring confidence in the fans' eyes and proving themselves to be able replacements for Federici; whilst Clarke has also signed an assortment of players unproven at Championship level who may need time to adjust to the physicality of the league.</p>
<p>Ifs, buts and maybes aside, this summer looks like it may be the best <i>ever</i> by Reading Football Club.</p>
<h3>All in one handy graphic</h3>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/9/2/9241873/in-summary-reading-fcs-summer-transfer-windowRoyal Hoops2015-09-01T20:59:24+01:002015-09-01T20:59:24+01:00TTE Podcast - Transfer Deadline Day Edition
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<p>Wimb, Westy & Jonny return to talk over all the big deadline day action for Reading FC and what it could mean going forward. </p> <p>As well as looking back on the deadline day action, we look back on a pair of wins against Portsmouth and Brentford as well as casting an eye towards Ipswich a week on Friday. The mailbag also throws up a range of topics, from random Reading memorabilia, Pog's best moments and our favourite football songs.</p>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/9/1/9241675/the-tilehurst-end-podcast-transfer-deadline-day-editionWimbjonnafon2015-09-01T19:40:00+01:002015-09-01T19:40:00+01:00Reading Snap Up Benfica Winger On Loan
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<figcaption>EuroFootball/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Dutch international Ola John has made the move from Portuguese giants Benfica to Reading in a deadline day loan switch.</p> <p>The 23-year-old excelled at <a href="https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">FC</a> Twente, coming out of The Tukkers' academy, before moving to Benfica where he made 55 appearances, registering just three goals. Since then the £10 million man moved to Hamburger SV on loan but failed to make an impact in the Bundesliga, returning after only eight first-team outings.</p>
<p>The next step in the winger's career, then, is to Berkshire and a loan deal until the end of the season confirmed on this transfer deadline day by the club.</p>
<p>Steve Clarke told the <a href="http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/ola-john-reading-transfer-deadline-day-2663659.aspx" target="_blank">official website</a>:</p>
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<p><span>"He is an attacker with power and pace, the ability to beat a man and deliver quality balls into the box and also an eye for a goal himself. With these qualities, added to the players we already have in the club, Ola should help ensure that we are a more potent attacking team this season." </span><span><br></span></p>
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<p>With one cap for the Dutch national side, John is the latest Oranje star with once-unimaginable potential to find his way to the Madejski Stadium, and he comes after the less-than-successful spells of <span>Royston Drenthe</span> and Peter Van Der Kwaak. He will compete with the likes Paolo Hurtado, <span>Garath McCleary</span> and Tarique Fosu for a spot on Reading's flanks.</p>
<p><b>Is this a good signing? Have we enough wingers? Comment below.</b></p>
<p> </p>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/9/1/9239133/reading-fc-snap-up-benfica-winger-john-on-loanMarc Mayo2015-09-01T18:57:20+01:002015-09-01T18:57:20+01:00View From The Town End: Matej Vydra
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<figcaption>Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>So Reading have completed a deal to sign Watford's Matej Vydra on loan but what can we expect from the Czech forward? Watford podcaster Mike Parkin gives us his view.</p> <p>Suffice to say 99% of all Watford supporters will be disappointed to see him go, albeit on loan.</p>
<p>The timing just isn't great as Watford haven't exactly been banging them in left, right and centre, whilst Vydra hasn't been given a chance...</p>
<p>He's extraordinarily quick as you'll no doubt know and when he's on song, there isn't a better finisher around. He has, in my opinion, the chance to become a top, top striker.</p>
<p>The thing holding him back is probably his attitude and demeanour. He can look disinterested and forlorn on the pitch when things aren't going his way and his form obviously suffers when he isn't happy. He has been the subject of transfer issues before when at Watford and his form dropped off a cliff as a direct result. Manuel Almunia, club captain at the time, was very critical of him at the end of that season, so it was obviously not just a supporters perception.</p>
<p>I guess you could call him mercurial. Unstoppable on his day but pretty hopeless and really rather depressing when his heart isn't in it. He's not very good at hiding his emotions is our Matej... To be perfectly honest, the Pozzo family and QSF are pretty experienced and seem to know what they are doing, so if Vydra had conquered his demons and was ready to take the Premier League by storm, he probably wouldn't be heading to Reading. That said, if you can get him on the goal trail and keep him smiling you'll have one of the most fearsome strikers in the division on your hands.</p>
<p>On the surface of things it's a move that may come as a shock to many, but it's one that could work well for both parties. Reading get a potentially lethal striker for a season and although the cost appears to be considerable for a loan deal (somewhere between £2m and £3.5m) if he plays to his potential he'll be worth every penny. On the flipside, he remains Watford's player and he'll be continuing to get game time as his career hopefully progresses. It's easy to forget he had played next to no first team football before joining Watford three seasons ago, so his career is still very much in its infancy.</p>
<p>Expect fellow Championship supporters to be envious and an increased interest in Reading fixtures from Hornets fans. It'll be fascinating to see how he gets on.</p>
<p><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gtaytweRt0Q" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p><i>Thanks again to Mike and you can listen to him on the <a href="http://fromtherookeryend.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">From The Rookery End Podcast.</a></i></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/9/1/9239395/view-from-the-town-end-matej-vydraThe Tilehurst End Guest Writer2015-09-01T18:50:03+01:002015-09-01T18:50:03+01:00Reading Sign Matej Vydra From Watford
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<figcaption>Richard Heathcote/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>You all wanted a striker, well now we've got one as Reading completed a move for former Championship Player of the Season Matej Vydra from Watford.</p> <p>Watford have confirmed the move for the 23-year-old, who will join on a season-long-loan deal from Watford. Reports from elsewhere have suggested Reading will also pay Watford around £2.5m in a loan fee, matching the club record fee we paid for Emerse Fae. (Fingers crossed this signing pans out slightly better!) There is also an unconfirmed clause in the deal that will <a target="_blank" href="http://www.wdsport.co.uk/2015/09/exclusive-watford-could-receive-record-fee-for-matej-vydra/">allow Reading to buy the forward for £10m</a> if we achieve promotion and that we'll be paying his full wages.</p>
<p>When interest was first reported it seemed a strange move considering that Vydra had only signed for Watford on a permanent basis earlier this summer. However he's made just one Capital One Cup appearance since and talk soon begin to emerge of a potential loan move away. Watford didn't want to sell him to another Premier League club and now he's a Reading player until the summer.</p>
<p>The move reuintes Vydra with Steve Clarke, whom managed the player during another loan spell at West Brom back in 2013/14. That move didn't really work out for the Czech international as he struggled to start regularly but his Championship pedigree is without question. Vydra has banged home 36 Championship goals in just 83 games in the second tier and was named the Championship Player of the Season back in 2012/13 as Watford lost the play-off final to Crystal Palace.</p>
<p>He seems the pefect player to partner Orlando Sa and the addition of such a high quality player really does put Reading back into the category of play-off contenders once again.</p>
<p>Steve Clarke told the <a href="http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/matej-vydra-signs-from-watford-2663558.aspx" target="_blank">club's website.</a></p>
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<p>"I don't need to highlight Matej's qualities as they are there for all to see. This is a signing that should excite everyone connected with Reading and I look forward to working with Matej for a second time."</p>
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<p>The only downside is the club having to fork out a near club record fee for less than a full season of playing time but if he scores the goals that send us into contention, it'll be money very much well spent.</p>
<p><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fkg_Y_QkZkY" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>Vydra will now compete with Sa, a resurgent Nick Blackman and Hal Robson-Kanu for a place up front, plus youngster Dom Samuel.</p>
<p>We'll have plenty more analysis on this deal over the coming days here on The Tilehurst End but in the meantime please leave us your thoughts below.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/9/1/9238993/Reading-FC-sign-matej-vydra-from-watford-fcWimb2015-09-01T18:20:24+01:002015-09-01T18:20:24+01:00Kuhl Moves On Loan To Dundee Utd
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<figcaption>Getty Images/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>As one former Reading player with SPL experience prepares to leave the club, another is making a more temporary switch to Scotland with Aaron Kuhl moving to Dundee United on loan. </p> <p>The deal will see Kuhl remain at Tannadice until at least January and comes as little surprise given that the midfielder was linked with a move to Mallorca on loan a little earlier this summer. While that move collapsed, Kuhl seemed some way away from Steve Clarke's plans this season, with Danny Williams, Aaron Tshibola, Stephen Quinn and Oliver Norwood all ahead of the England U20 International in the pecking order.</p>
<p>Kuhl is a player that has long been talked about as one of the finest midfielders the Reading Academy has produced. Captain of a highly successful youth side that's won major trophies and promotion in the past two years, Kuhl also impressed at senior level last season before slowly being crowded out by more experienced faces returning.</p>
<p>United boss Jackie McNamara told the <a target="_blank" href="http://dufc.co/news/kuhl-signing/">club's official website.</a></p>
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<p>"He's a strong lad and a great passer of the ball. He will bring a good presence and his experience of playing in the Championship will be important.</p>
<p>He is someone who can add something to our squad and that is paramount when signing players at this time. Aaron is with the England Under-20s squad currently, so we will decide if he is ready to go right into the first team squad for the Kilmarnock game once he has trained next week."</p>
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<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Really excited to be given the opportunity to join <a href="https://twitter.com/dundeeunitedfc">@dundeeunitedfc</a> on loan.Looking forward to joining up with the team after <a href="https://twitter.com/england">@England</a> duty!</p>
— Aaron Kuhl (@Aaron_Kuhl) <a href="https://twitter.com/Aaron_Kuhl/status/638803820840124416">September 1, 2015</a>
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<p>Now he moves to Scotland where one Michael Hector also really burst on to the scene while on loan at Aberdeen and if Kuhl follows a similar path, we'll all be very happy indeed!</p>
<p>We'll keep right up to date with how Kuhl gets on in our <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/loan-reports" target="_blank">monthly loan watches</a> across the campaign. You can also read <a href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/6/24/8832675/aaron-kuhl-interview-reading-fc-the-tilehurst-end" target="_blank">our interview with the midfielder here</a>.</p>
<p>Until then, the very best of luck Aaron!</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/9/1/9239207/Reading-FC-transfer-news-aaron-kuhl-moves-on-loan-to-dundee-utdWimb2015-09-01T17:55:20+01:002015-09-01T17:55:20+01:00CONFIRMED: Hector Joins Chelsea - Returns On Loan
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<figcaption>Ben Hoskins/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Reading defender Michael Hector has signed for Premier League champions Chelsea on an five-year deal. The defender will now return to the Madejski on a season-long-loan.</p> <p>The quick-fire move has been completed after reports emerged early this deadline day morning that Hector was on his way to West London, having previously been linked with Crystal Palace and Arsenal. The deal is worth £4 million and will see the Jamaican re-join Reading on a loan until the end of the season.</p>
<p>A big surprise to many if not all Royals supporters, Hector joins the Blues after an excellent year at the heart of Reading's defence in 2014/15, but has since been dropped after mistakes in the early games of the current campaign, with manager Steve Clarke preferring the experienced pairing of <span>Anton Ferdinand</span> and Paul McShane. Furthermore, with youngsters Niall Keown and Jake Cooper in the first-team squad it seems that Reading felt the time was right to cash in on the centre-back.</p>
<p>Steve Clarke <a href="http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/hector-joins-chelsea-loaned-back-to-reading-2663355.aspx" target="_blank">told the club's website.</a></p>
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<p>"This is a great reward for Michael's strong performances in the second half of last season. I'm delighted for him that he has joined Chelsea and I'm sure that he will seize his opportunity with both hands.</p>
<p>Also it's a good deal for us here at Reading as we get to keep Michael in our squad this season and I look forward to helping him further his development."</p>
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<p>While Director of Football Nick Hammond added...</p>
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<p>"Obviously this is a great move for Michael, to be joining such a big club. It is also, of course, a great advertisement for our Academy that Chelsea have come to us for one of our top young players.</p>
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<div class="sidebar">
<a href="http://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2015/9/1/9241995/michael-hector-chelsea-reading-profile-scouting">
<h2>Who is Reading FC's Michael Hector and why did Chelsea sign him?</h2>
<img src="https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/usJSZzXgmxfX3TEI8s4ExUoBuoQ=/0x52:3000x2052/709x473/filters:format(webp)/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47073256/GettyImages-471439274.0.jpg"> </a> <span>Wimb spoke to Chelsea's SB Nation site, We Ain't Got No History, about Michael Hector.</span>
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<p>This move represents a great achievement for Eamonn Dolan and his team, as well as our recruitment department, as it was Steve Shorey, who has been with us such a long time, that identified Michael as a young player in East London. This transfer adds to the prestige of our Academy, and there is so much to be proud of in our youth setup.</p>
<p>We very much appreciate the manner in which Chelsea have dealt with this transfer, and of course it is great to have Michael back for the rest of this season."</p>
<p>Ominously, Hector had reshuffled his social media accounts this morning, tweeting from London that he had changed his instagram account just as the <a target="_blank" href="http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/transfer-rumours/2015/9/1/9238511/Reading-FC-transfer-rumour-michael-hector-Chelsea">early rumours emerged</a>. Hector is joined by Nantes centre-back Papy Djilobodji in joining Chelsea on this deadline day, Jose Mourinho having missed out on England international John Stones.</p>
<p>Royals boss Clarke's links with Chelsea may have had a role in the deal, with the former Blues right-back able to bring in Lucas Piazon from the SW6 outfit yesterday, but many didn't think this working relationship would end up operating the other way around.</p>
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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a target="_top" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" href="https://instagram.com/p/7GJehgCUJw/">❤️⚽️can't believe today </a></p>
<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A photo posted by Michael Hector (@big_hec__) on <time datetime="2015-09-01T17:17:32+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Sep 1, 2015 at 10:17am PDT</time></p>
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<p>As for Reading, it is the latest high-profile sale of an academy product as Hector follows in the footsteps of Gylfi Sigurdsson and Alex McCarthy in moving to the Premier League, as well as Steve Sidwell and Kerry Dixon who made the jump to Stamford Bridge from Berkshire.</p>
<p><b>What do you make of the news? Is it a good deal for Reading, or a bargain for Chelsea? Comment below.</b></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2015/9/1/9238923/chelsea-sign-reading-fc-defender-hectorMarc Mayo