The Academy/Development squads watch thread 2024/25

[Royals and Racers]

Nice chat with John Clarke at Bearwood today. As i posted some months ago his back after his operation is fine but he had severe muscle problems on the leg he badly damaged. The good news is that he is back on grass non-contact training and is hoping to return to full training in 2/3 weeks.

[Hound]

It’s prob next season for him now realistically

[Clyde1998]

It’s prob next season for him now realistically

Is he not out of contract in the summer? Perhaps the club will give him another year, but I wouldn't count on it.

[Clyde1998]

Nice interview with Alex Pearce on youtube, about his last year coaching in the Academy.

What a lovely humble guy... described himelf as coming through the ranks here, getting his debut and making a few appearances for the club... missing out that was over 200 appearances, a PotS award, Championship winners medal and a season in the top flight.

Will have to check that out. IIRC, he's doing the U14s. Great to see he's involved with the academy given his background at the club.

[tidus_mi2]

Abraham Kanu appears to be smashing it with Forest Green in the National League, does he get a contract extension and a shot with the first team next season? Believe he is OOC this Summer.

[Clyde1998]

Abraham Kanu appears to be smashing it with Forest Green in the National League, does he get a contract extension and a shot with the first team next season? Believe he is OOC this Summer.

He's probably worth another year and certainly worth a serious assessment by the club.

I think he's twenty-one next season and left footed - so could potentially be the long term replacement for Derrick Williams and may learn a lot next season by being his understudy.

[Snowflake Royal]

Abraham Kanu appears to be smashing it with Forest Green in the National League, does he get a contract extension and a shot with the first team next season? Believe he is OOC this Summer.

Absolutely. Looked raw but loads of potential, with the issue being decisions and temperement, both of which likely to improve with experience and games.

[Sutekh]

Abraham Kanu appears to be smashing it with Forest Green in the National League, does he get a contract extension and a shot with the first team next season? Believe he is OOC this Summer.

Yes he should get a contract offer, if he’s doing well and standing out in the NL then that’s a no brainer as any player excelling in the NL should be on Reading’s radar. This is how loan periods should work - when was the last time a Reading player on loan somewhere excelled?

[WestYorksRoyal]

Abraham Kanu appears to be smashing it with Forest Green in the National League, does he get a contract extension and a shot with the first team next season? Believe he is OOC this Summer.

He's probably worth another year and certainly worth a serious assessment by the club.

I think he's twenty-one next season and left footed - so could potentially be the long term replacement for Derrick Williams and may learn a lot next season by being his understudy.

Unless we get promoted, I think he'd play a part next season. Let's say we don't retain Burns, we have a high potential option available.

The top of NL is tough; I think the top 10 or so would all survive in L2 but only 2 promotion spots exist. It's certainly streets ahead of the PL U21s league our academy plays in. Would be a big jump to come straight back in the starting XI, but as a squad option behind O'Connor and Williams you'd definitely back him.

[Sutekh]

Abraham Kanu appears to be smashing it with Forest Green in the National League, does he get a contract extension and a shot with the first team next season? Believe he is OOC this Summer.

He's probably worth another year and certainly worth a serious assessment by the club.

I think he's twenty-one next season and left footed - so could potentially be the long term replacement for Derrick Williams and may learn a lot next season by being his understudy.

Unless we get promoted, I think he'd play a part next season. Let's say we don't retain Burns, we have a high potential option available.

The top of NL is tough; I think the top 10 or so would all survive in L2 but only 2 promotion spots exist. It's certainly streets ahead of the PL U21s league our academy plays in. Would be a big jump to come straight back in the starting XI, but as a squad option behind O'Connor and Williams you'd definitely back him.

Does he have pace? Tricky to know when he rarely stays on the pitch long enough.

[Hound]

Abraham Kanu appears to be smashing it with Forest Green in the National League, does he get a contract extension and a shot with the first team next season? Believe he is OOC this Summer.

Absolutely. Looked raw but loads of potential, with the issue being decisions and temperement, both of which likely to improve with experience and games.

Yes I really liked what i saw of him. Lots of talent just the issues you’ve mentioned

Be great if he does come back and get into our first team squad a better player next year

[Brogue]

Tom Norcott GK joins farnborough on loan for a month

[Clyde1998]

Tom Norcott GK joins farnborough on loan for a month

Decent move for him - he'll get regular game time there. Although it's a little disappointing he's in the National League South after doing well at Woking in the division above earlier in the season.

[Clyde1998]

Jacob Borgnis and Basil Tuma have had their loans at Slough extended at Slough. Borgnis until the end of the season; Tuma until 17 March.

Good to see.

Loan deals extended.

Reading Football Club can confirm that Jacob Borgnis will remain with Slough Town for the remainder of the season.

The 21-year-old has been almost ever-present for Scott Davies' side since moving down the M4 in November, helping the Rebels pick up five victories and pull themselves away from relegation danger in National League South.

Making three first-team appearances for the Royals in the earlier stages of the campaign and scoring in the Vertu Trophy, Jacob will now gain valuable minutes in senior football at Arbour Park for the business end of the season.

Meanwhile, Malta international Basil Tuma has seen his stay at Slough extended until mid-March, giving the forward plenty more opportunities to feature and continue his development.

We wish Jacob, Basil and the Rebels all the very best for the rest of the season.

[Royals and Racers]

PL 2 Cup dead rubber fixture away to Bournemouth fixed for Thursday 22nd January KO 7pm at AFC Totton’s Snows stadium.

[Royals and Racers]

Next up for the bottom of the league U 21’s Royals is a home PL 2 fixture at Aldershot’s FC ground on Monday 19th January KO 7pm against Blackburn Rovers who are 23rd( out of 29).

[Royals and Racers]

Shay Spencer has joined National league Wealdstone on loan.

[Hound]

Shay Spencer has joined National league Wealdstone on loan.

Sounds a good move for him

[Clyde1998]

Shay Spencer has joined National league Wealdstone on loan.

Sounds a good move for him

Agreed. He's twenty too, so he's the sort of age he needs this sort of move to improve as a player.

[Clyde1998]

There goes another one:

Boyd Beacroft to Boro.

Reading defender Boyd Beacroft has signed on loan with National League South side Farnborough for one month.

The 20-year-old made his debut last season in the Vertu Trophy and made another cameo in the same competition this season.

A regular starter in defence for the Under-21s, Boyd has made 11 competitive appearances to date this campaign but now switches to join fellow loanee Tom Norcott at Cherrywood Road.

We wish Boyd and the club all the very best.