Squad Watch 2024/25

[Sutekh]

As of 1st July 2025 Reading, currently, will have 6 players contracted (none will be goalkeepers). Note though, details on the contracts for some of the academy players are very sketchy so have made a worse case assumption in some cases - please correct any if you know different.

Goalkeeper
Button - June 2025
Boyce-Clarke - June 2025
Andresson - June 2025
Bouzanis - June 2025
Pereira - June 2025
Norcott - June 2025
Rowley - June 2025

Defence
Yiadom - June 2025
Bindon - June 2025
Mbengue - June 2025
Dean - June 2025
Abrefa - June 2026
Clarke (John) - June 2025
Dorsett - June 2025
Holzman - June 2025
Stickland - June 2025
Garcia - June 2025
Kanu - June 2025

Midfield
Savage - June 2027
Wing - June 2026
Elliott - June 2026
Rushesha - June 2025
Craig - June 2025
Senga - June 2025
Spencer - June 2025

Attack
Smith - June 2026
Knibbs - June 2026
Wareham - June 2025
Camara - June 2025
Ehibhatiomhan - June 2025
Akande - June 2025

Looking forward to another likely ******* miserable summer (that’s if the club is still a going concern of course).

[Snowflake Royal]

I think we already terminated Andresson's contract.

Caught a glimpse of a headline when i was googling our current keepers.

[Hound]

It’s a bit depressing that 5 of the 6 under contract are those we signed in that very small window where it looked like we had our shit together for the first and only time in the last 5 years+

What might have been…

[Snowflake Royal]

Assuming we have any leeway, this would be my plan

Goalkeeper
Button - June 2025 - release
Boyce-Clarke - June 2025 - release
Andresson - already terminated
Bouzanis - June 2025 - release
Pereira - June 2025 - try 2year extension now.
Norcott - June 2025 - 1 year extend & maybe loan
Rowley - June 2025 - 1 year extend & maybe loan

Defence
Yiadom - June 2025 - consider 1 year extension in May
Bindon - June 2025 - try 2 year extension now
Mbengue - June 2025 - try 2 year extension now
Dean - June 2025- release, possibly hire as coach.
Abrefa - June 2026 - wait 6-12 months
Clarke (John) - June 2025 - if fit at end of season, 1 year extension, if not, release
Dorsett - June 2025 - wait but look at 1-2 year extension
Holzman - June 2025 - 1 year extension in summer
Stickland - June 2025 - maybe 1 year extension in summer
Garcia - June 2025 - try to sign 2 year extension now
Kanu - June 2025 - 1 year extension in summer

Midfield
Savage - June 2027
Wing - June 2026
Elliott - June 2026
Rushesha - June 2025 - consider 1 year extension in summer
Craig - June 2025 try 2 year extension now
Senga - June 2025 - 1 year extension in summer
Spencer - June 2025 - 1 year extension in summer

Attack
Smith - June 2026
Knibbs - June 2026
Wareham - June 2025 - 1 year extension in summer
Camara - June 2025 maybe 1 year extension in summer
Ehibhatiomhan - June 2025 - try 2 year extension now
Akande - June 2025 - 1 year extension in summer

[WestYorksRoyal]

It’s a bit depressing that 5 of the 6 under contract are those we signed in that very small window where it looked like we had our shit together for the first and only time in the last 5 years+

What might have been…

Look at the big picture. Carey is still at the club. Get the ownership sorted and why can't summer 2025 be as successful as 2023?

[Snowflake Royal]

It’s a bit depressing that 5 of the 6 under contract are those we signed in that very small window where it looked like we had our shit together for the first and only time in the last 5 years+

What might have been…

Look at the big picture. Carey is still at the club. Get the ownership sorted and why can't summer 2025 be as successful as 2023?

Dai gone it could be more successful.

Dai here would be why it couldn’t be successful.

Incidentally playing Football Manager at the moment, and our entire squad post january last season cost approximately the same a week as Liam Moore's reported salary. Great business.

[Hound]

Assuming we have any leeway, this would be my plan

Goalkeeper
Button - June 2025 - release
Boyce-Clarke - June 2025 - release
Andresson - already terminated
Bouzanis - June 2025 - release
Pereira - June 2025 - try 2year extension now.
Norcott - June 2025 - 1 year extend & maybe loan
Rowley - June 2025 - 1 year extend & maybe loan

Defence
Yiadom - June 2025 - consider 1 year extension in May
Bindon - June 2025 - try 2 year extension now
Mbengue - June 2025 - try 2 year extension now
Dean - June 2025- release, possibly hire as coach.
Abrefa - June 2026 - wait 6-12 months
Clarke (John) - June 2025 - if fit at end of season, 1 year extension, if not, release
Dorsett - June 2025 - wait but look at 1-2 year extension
Holzman - June 2025 - 1 year extension in summer
Stickland - June 2025 - maybe 1 year extension in summer
Garcia - June 2025 - try to sign 2 year extension now
Kanu - June 2025 - 1 year extension in summer

Midfield
Savage - June 2027
Wing - June 2026
Elliott - June 2026
Rushesha - June 2025 - consider 1 year extension in summer
Craig - June 2025 try 2 year extension now
Senga - June 2025 - 1 year extension in summer
Spencer - June 2025 - 1 year extension in summer

Attack
Smith - June 2026
Knibbs - June 2026
Wareham - June 2025 - 1 year extension in summer
Camara - June 2025 maybe 1 year extension in summer
Ehibhatiomhan - June 2025 - try 2 year extension now
Akande - June 2025 - 1 year extension in summer

Yeah about right. I think (sadly) Wareham isn’t at this level and would release. Dean would be largely dependent on what else is going on - if by some miracle Bindon and Mbengue stay, would prob release but certainly not against giving him one more year otherwise

[Snowflake Royal]

Assuming we have any leeway, this would be my plan

Goalkeeper
Button - June 2025 - release
Boyce-Clarke - June 2025 - release
Andresson - already terminated
Bouzanis - June 2025 - release
Pereira - June 2025 - try 2year extension now.
Norcott - June 2025 - 1 year extend & maybe loan
Rowley - June 2025 - 1 year extend & maybe loan

Defence
Yiadom - June 2025 - consider 1 year extension in May
Bindon - June 2025 - try 2 year extension now
Mbengue - June 2025 - try 2 year extension now
Dean - June 2025- release, possibly hire as coach.
Abrefa - June 2026 - wait 6-12 months
Clarke (John) - June 2025 - if fit at end of season, 1 year extension, if not, release
Dorsett - June 2025 - wait but look at 1-2 year extension
Holzman - June 2025 - 1 year extension in summer
Stickland - June 2025 - maybe 1 year extension in summer
Garcia - June 2025 - try to sign 2 year extension now
Kanu - June 2025 - 1 year extension in summer

Midfield
Savage - June 2027
Wing - June 2026
Elliott - June 2026
Rushesha - June 2025 - consider 1 year extension in summer
Craig - June 2025 try 2 year extension now
Senga - June 2025 - 1 year extension in summer
Spencer - June 2025 - 1 year extension in summer

Attack
Smith - June 2026
Knibbs - June 2026
Wareham - June 2025 - 1 year extension in summer
Camara - June 2025 maybe 1 year extension in summer
Ehibhatiomhan - June 2025 - try 2 year extension now
Akande - June 2025 - 1 year extension in summer

Yeah about right. I think (sadly) Wareham isn’t at this level and would release. Dean would be largely dependent on what else is going on - if by some miracle Bindon and Mbengue stay, would prob release but certainly not against giving him one more year otherwise

With an already small squad and few options up top, I think he's worth another year as a cheap squad player.

[Brogue]

Assuming we have any leeway, this would be my plan

Goalkeeper
Button - June 2025 - release
Boyce-Clarke - June 2025 - release
Andresson - already terminated
Bouzanis - June 2025 - release
Pereira - June 2025 - try 2year extension now.
Norcott - June 2025 - 1 year extend & maybe loan
Rowley - June 2025 - 1 year extend & maybe loan

Defence
Yiadom - June 2025 - consider 1 year extension in May
Bindon - June 2025 - try 2 year extension now
Mbengue - June 2025 - try 2 year extension now
Dean - June 2025- release, possibly hire as coach.
Abrefa - June 2026 - wait 6-12 months
Clarke (John) - June 2025 - if fit at end of season, 1 year extension, if not, release
Dorsett - June 2025 - wait but look at 1-2 year extension
Holzman - June 2025 - 1 year extension in summer
Stickland - June 2025 - maybe 1 year extension in summer
Garcia - June 2025 - try to sign 2 year extension now
Kanu - June 2025 - 1 year extension in summer

Midfield
Savage - June 2027
Wing - June 2026
Elliott - June 2026
Rushesha - June 2025 - consider 1 year extension in summer
Craig - June 2025 try 2 year extension now
Senga - June 2025 - 1 year extension in summer
Spencer - June 2025 - 1 year extension in summer

Attack
Smith - June 2026
Knibbs - June 2026
Wareham - June 2025 - 1 year extension in summer
Camara - June 2025 maybe 1 year extension in summer
Ehibhatiomhan - June 2025 - try 2 year extension now
Akande - June 2025 - 1 year extension in summer

Yeah about right. I think (sadly) Wareham isn’t at this level and would release. Dean would be largely dependent on what else is going on - if by some miracle Bindon and Mbengue stay, would prob release but certainly not against giving him one more year otherwise

With an already small squad and few options up top, I think he's worth another year as a cheap squad player.

Yes. He reminds me of Simon church in that respect.

[andrew1957]

As of 1st July 2025 Reading, currently, will have 6 players contracted (none will be goalkeepers). Note though, details on the contracts for some of the academy players are very sketchy so have made a worse case assumption in some cases - please correct any if you know different.

Goalkeeper
Button - June 2025
Boyce-Clarke - June 2025
Andresson - June 2025
Bouzanis - June 2025
Pereira - June 2025
Norcott - June 2025
Rowley - June 2025

Defence
Yiadom - June 2025
Bindon - June 2025
Mbengue - June 2025
Dean - June 2025
Abrefa - June 2026
Clarke (John) - June 2025
Dorsett - June 2025
Holzman - June 2025
Stickland - June 2025
Garcia - June 2025
Kanu - June 2025

Midfield
Savage - June 2027
Wing - June 2026
Elliott - June 2026
Rushesha - June 2025
Craig - June 2025
Senga - June 2025
Spencer - June 2025

Attack
Smith - June 2026
Knibbs - June 2026
Wareham - June 2025
Camara - June 2025
Ehibhatiomhan - June 2025
Akande - June 2025

Looking forward to another likely ******* miserable summer (that’s if the club is still a going concern of course).

The reality is that we must get new owners prior to the end of the season - or if they have a brain - all the players out of contract will walk once their contracts end and as we will likely still be under embargo, we won't be able to sign replacements and will be left playing 16-18 year old Academy players in 25/26. It seems clear to me that either Dai goes soon or we don't start next season - assuming we even finish this season of course.

What a sad state of affairs.

[andrew1957]

As of 1st July 2025 Reading, currently, will have 6 players contracted (none will be goalkeepers). Note though, details on the contracts for some of the academy players are very sketchy so have made a worse case assumption in some cases - please correct any if you know different.

Goalkeeper
Button - June 2025
Boyce-Clarke - June 2025
Andresson - June 2025
Bouzanis - June 2025
Pereira - June 2025
Norcott - June 2025
Rowley - June 2025

Defence
Yiadom - June 2025
Bindon - June 2025
Mbengue - June 2025
Dean - June 2025
Abrefa - June 2026
Clarke (John) - June 2025
Dorsett - June 2025
Holzman - June 2025
Stickland - June 2025
Garcia - June 2025
Kanu - June 2025

Midfield
Savage - June 2027
Wing - June 2026
Elliott - June 2026
Rushesha - June 2025
Craig - June 2025
Senga - June 2025
Spencer - June 2025

Attack
Smith - June 2026
Knibbs - June 2026
Wareham - June 2025
Camara - June 2025
Ehibhatiomhan - June 2025
Akande - June 2025

Looking forward to another likely ******* miserable summer (that’s if the club is still a going concern of course).

Just noticed you've missed Osho who is signed until June 26 I believe. So that makes 7. But if we don't get new owners I am sure Savage, Knibbs, Wing and Smith will be pushing for moves in the summer if they haven't already left this month and so we will be left with a few young players at best.

[stealthpapes]

The reality is that we must get new owners prior to the end of the season - or if they have a brain - all the players out of contract will walk once their contracts end and as we will likely still be under embargo, we won't be able to sign replacements and will be left playing 16-18 year old Academy players in 25/26. It seems clear to me that either Dai goes soon or we don't start next season - assuming we even finish this season of course.

What a sad state of affairs.

Don't always agree with you but agree with this. This would kill the club in slow motion.

Guess it would make it a season of cup finals, tho.

[Clyde1998]

Assuming we have any leeway, this would be my plan

Goalkeeper
Button - June 2025 - release
Boyce-Clarke - June 2025 - release
Andresson - already terminated
Bouzanis - June 2025 - release
Pereira - June 2025 - try 2year extension now.
Norcott - June 2025 - 1 year extend & maybe loan
Rowley - June 2025 - 1 year extend & maybe loan

Defence
Yiadom - June 2025 - consider 1 year extension in May
Bindon - June 2025 - try 2 year extension now
Mbengue - June 2025 - try 2 year extension now
Dean - June 2025- release, possibly hire as coach.
Abrefa - June 2026 - wait 6-12 months
Clarke (John) - June 2025 - if fit at end of season, 1 year extension, if not, release
Dorsett - June 2025 - wait but look at 1-2 year extension
Holzman - June 2025 - 1 year extension in summer
Stickland - June 2025 - maybe 1 year extension in summer
Garcia - June 2025 - try to sign 2 year extension now
Kanu - June 2025 - 1 year extension in summer

Midfield
Savage - June 2027
Wing - June 2026
Elliott - June 2026
Rushesha - June 2025 - consider 1 year extension in summer
Craig - June 2025 try 2 year extension now
Senga - June 2025 - 1 year extension in summer
Spencer - June 2025 - 1 year extension in summer

Attack
Smith - June 2026
Knibbs - June 2026
Wareham - June 2025 - 1 year extension in summer
Camara - June 2025 maybe 1 year extension in summer
Ehibhatiomhan - June 2025 - try 2 year extension now
Akande - June 2025 - 1 year extension in summer

I think a lot of this depends on how much room we will have to get players in the summer - only try to keep players like Rushesha and Wareham if we'll not be able to get alternatives to them.

[Mr Angry]

If we are still under some sort of transfer embargo, would that mean that we couldn't offer existing players a new contract?

[morganb]

If we are still under some sort of transfer embargo, would that mean that we couldn't offer existing players a new contract?

From FAQ section here: https://www.efl.com/governance/embargoes/

Can Clubs offer new contracts to players whilst under Embargo?

Yes, Clubs can offer new contracts to existing players, though this will be dependent upon the circumstances of the individual Club and will be determined by the League.

[Snowflake Royal]

As of 1st July 2025 Reading, currently, will have 6 players contracted (none will be goalkeepers). Note though, details on the contracts for some of the academy players are very sketchy so have made a worse case assumption in some cases - please correct any if you know different.

Goalkeeper
Button - June 2025
Boyce-Clarke - June 2025
Andresson - June 2025
Bouzanis - June 2025
Pereira - June 2025
Norcott - June 2025
Rowley - June 2025

Defence
Yiadom - June 2025
Bindon - June 2025
Mbengue - June 2025
Dean - June 2025
Abrefa - June 2026
Clarke (John) - June 2025
Dorsett - June 2025
Holzman - June 2025
Stickland - June 2025
Garcia - June 2025
Kanu - June 2025

Midfield
Savage - June 2027
Wing - June 2026
Elliott - June 2026
Rushesha - June 2025
Craig - June 2025
Senga - June 2025
Spencer - June 2025

Attack
Smith - June 2026
Knibbs - June 2026
Wareham - June 2025
Camara - June 2025
Ehibhatiomhan - June 2025
Akande - June 2025

Looking forward to another likely ******* miserable summer (that’s if the club is still a going concern of course).

The reality is that we must get new owners prior to the end of the season - or if they have a brain - all the players out of contract will walk once their contracts end and as we will likely still be under embargo, we won't be able to sign replacements and will be left playing 16-18 year old Academy players in 25/26. It seems clear to me that either Dai goes soon or we don't start next season - assuming we even finish this season of course.

What a sad state of affairs.

If most of the squad goes we'll be able to sign new players up to 23 with a professional appearance.

[Snowflake Royal]

It's important to remember the restrictions we're operating under come in several parts.

We categorically cannot pay fees until after Summer 25, because of an accumulation of payment delays to HMRC etc in 2023.

We currently can't sign anyone (without special dispensation) because we haven't filed our accounts (approx 6 - 9 months late) and that limit us to only signing players if we have less than 23 players on the books with a professional appearance (for anyone)

We currently have about 35 players on th books who qualify. But if most of our squad leaves in the summer, we can automatically make signings up to 23 qualifying players as long as we stay within a set squad wage limit and don't pay a fee.

So there isn't going to be a scenario where we have to just play the U18s in L1, because these rules are in place to have a minimum level of competitiveness.

The problem would be if no one wants to sign for us. But there's always someone who will. They just may not be very good.

Our record for signings under Carey is phenominal though.

Smith
Knibbs
Wing
Savage
Elliott
Pereira
Rushesha
Bindon
Campbell
Button
Mukairu
Mola
Ballard
Monlouis

There's barely a single failure there.

[Sutekh]

It's important to remember the restrictions we're operating under come in several parts.

We categorically cannot pay fees until after Summer 25, because of an accumulation of payment delays to HMRC etc in 2023.

We currently can't sign anyone (without special dispensation) because we haven't filed our accounts (approx 6 - 9 months late) and that limit us to only signing players if we have less than 23 players on the books with a professional appearance (for anyone)

We currently have about 35 players on th books who qualify. But if most of our squad leaves in the summer, we can automatically make signings up to 23 qualifying players as long as we stay within a set squad wage limit and don't pay a fee.

So there isn't going to be a scenario where we have to just play the U18s in L1, because these rules are in place to have a minimum level of competitiveness.

The problem would be if no one wants to sign for us. But there's always someone who will. They just may not be very good.

Our record for signings under Carey is phenominal though.

Smith - good solid performer, holds the ball well if a bit streaky with goals but then that’s not uncommon amongst strikers
Knibbs - superb capture for this level
Wing - ditto Knibbs
Savage - definitely has enough about him to step up if Reading last long enough to ever be promoted again
Elliott - excellent youngster, another that may look better at a higher level with more time on the ball
Pereira - great spot and best keeper the club have had since Al habsi (barring one particular loan)
Rushesha - not had enough time due to luck with injuries, certainly seems decent at right back at least
Bindon - just pure class, how did he find him?
Campbell - decent output for this level, tries to make things happen
Button - experienced but did Carey really bring him in?
Mukairu - god knows how he played in the CL
Mola - looked awful but was slowly getting better until Bristol Rovers waved “club stability” his way, seems to be struggling there now though
Ballard - pretty good, wouldn’t mind getting him back if the FL are feeling generous this month
Monlouis - arrived, never played, went

There's barely a single failure there.

Agreed. All seem to be at least a moderate success but would keep away from players who have a surname beginning “m”. Was the utterly pointless signing of Bouzanis one of Carey’s though?

[Stranded]

It's important to remember the restrictions we're operating under come in several parts.

We categorically cannot pay fees until after Summer 25, because of an accumulation of payment delays to HMRC etc in 2023.

We currently can't sign anyone (without special dispensation) because we haven't filed our accounts (approx 6 - 9 months late) and that limit us to only signing players if we have less than 23 players on the books with a professional appearance (for anyone)

We currently have about 35 players on th books who qualify. But if most of our squad leaves in the summer, we can automatically make signings up to 23 qualifying players as long as we stay within a set squad wage limit and don't pay a fee.

So there isn't going to be a scenario where we have to just play the U18s in L1, because these rules are in place to have a minimum level of competitiveness.

The problem would be if no one wants to sign for us. But there's always someone who will. They just may not be very good.

Our record for signings under Carey is phenominal though.

Smith - good solid performer, holds the ball well if a bit streaky with goals but then that’s not uncommon amongst strikers
Knibbs - superb capture for this level
Wing - ditto Knibbs
Savage - definitely has enough about him to step up if Reading last long enough to ever be promoted again
Elliott - excellent youngster, another that may look better at a higher level with more time on the ball
Pereira - great spot and best keeper the club have had since Al habsi (barring one particular loan)
Rushesha - not had enough time due to luck with injuries, certainly seems decent at right back at least
Bindon - just pure class, how did he find him?
Campbell - decent output for this level, tries to make things happen
Button - experienced but did Carey really bring him in?
Mukairu - god knows how he played in the CL
Mola - looked awful but was slowly getting better until Bristol Rovers waved “club stability” his way, seems to be struggling there now though
Ballard - pretty good, wouldn’t mind getting him back if the FL are feeling generous this month
Monlouis - arrived, never played, went

There's barely a single failure there.

Agreed. All seem to be at least a moderate success but would keep away from players who have a surname beginning “m”. Was the utterly pointless signing of Bouzanis one of Carey’s though?

Bouzanis predates Carey doesn't he?

Was an Ince signing, given a job to his kids mate despite clearly not being anywhere near good enough or even showing he could be. Got him a few minutes at Old Trafford though.

[Snowflake Royal]

It's important to remember the restrictions we're operating under come in several parts.

We categorically cannot pay fees until after Summer 25, because of an accumulation of payment delays to HMRC etc in 2023.

We currently can't sign anyone (without special dispensation) because we haven't filed our accounts (approx 6 - 9 months late) and that limit us to only signing players if we have less than 23 players on the books with a professional appearance (for anyone)

We currently have about 35 players on th books who qualify. But if most of our squad leaves in the summer, we can automatically make signings up to 23 qualifying players as long as we stay within a set squad wage limit and don't pay a fee.

So there isn't going to be a scenario where we have to just play the U18s in L1, because these rules are in place to have a minimum level of competitiveness.

The problem would be if no one wants to sign for us. But there's always someone who will. They just may not be very good.

Our record for signings under Carey is phenominal though.

Smith - good solid performer, holds the ball well if a bit streaky with goals but then that’s not uncommon amongst strikers
Knibbs - superb capture for this level
Wing - ditto Knibbs
Savage - definitely has enough about him to step up if Reading last long enough to ever be promoted again
Elliott - excellent youngster, another that may look better at a higher level with more time on the ball
Pereira - great spot and best keeper the club have had since Al habsi (barring one particular loan)
Rushesha - not had enough time due to luck with injuries, certainly seems decent at right back at least
Bindon - just pure class, how did he find him?
Campbell - decent output for this level, tries to make things happen
Button - experienced but did Carey really bring him in?
Mukairu - god knows how he played in the CL
Mola - looked awful but was slowly getting better until Bristol Rovers waved “club stability” his way, seems to be struggling there now though
Ballard - pretty good, wouldn’t mind getting him back if the FL are feeling generous this month
Monlouis - arrived, never played, went

There's barely a single failure there.

Agreed. All seem to be at least a moderate success but would keep away from players who have a surname beginning “m”. Was the utterly pointless signing of Bouzanis one of Carey’s though?

Bouzanis predates Carey doesn't he?

Was an Ince signing, given a job to his kids mate despite clearly not being anywhere near good enough or even showing he could be. Got him a few minutes at Old Trafford though.

Yes, Ince signed Bouzanis after Ince asked his dad to be manager, then Ince got Ince to sign a permanent transfer after his loan, at which point Ince persuaded Ince to sign his mate Bouzanis.