Bodvarsson Leaves For Millwall

12 July 2019
By Hob Nob Anyone?

Players Signed

Joao Virginia (Everton - Loan)

Departing Players

Jon Dadi Bodvarsson (Millwall)
Liam Kelly (Feyenoord)
Joey van den Berg (NEC Nijmegen)
Anssi Jaakkola (Bristol Rovers)
Danzell Gravenberch (released)
Paul McShane (released)
John O'Shea (retired)
Callum Harriott (released)
George Legg (released)
Matt Miazga (end of loan)
Lewis Baker (end of loan)
Saeid Ezatolahi (end of loan)

Reading's mission to reduce the squad, reduce the wages and also get some much needed money into the club continued today with the sale of Jon Dadi Bodvarsson to Championship side Millwall. Bodvarsson had a year left to run on his contract with the Royals after signing from Wolves in the summer of 2017, and the club took the decision to cash in while there was still some value left in the player. It is reported that the Royals received 750,000 pounds from the sale of Bodvarsson - a significant amount of money as we fight financial issues.
 
Bodvarsson's time at Reading was hampered by injury and not always being given a place in the starting eleven. Out of his 56 appearances for the Royals 25 were from the bench - but he still came up with the goods. When he did get minutes on the pitch he worked hard, impressed, and scored goals - a total of 17 during his time at the club. Reading fans will be sorry to see him leave.
 
The first team squad is already much smaller with a long list of players that have already left this summer and just the one incoming loan signing so far. The departing players list is still expected to grow before the new season kicks-off next month:

Players Signed
<ul>
<li>Joao Virginia (Everton - Loan)</li>
</ul>

Departing Players
<ul>
<li>Jon Dadi Bodvarsson (Millwall)</li>
<li>Liam Kelly (Feyenoord)</li>
<li>Joey van den Berg (NEC Nijmegen)</li>
<li>Anssi Jaakkola (Bristol Rovers)</li>
<li>Danzell Gravenberch (released)</li>
<li>Paul McShane (released)</li>
<li>John O'Shea (retired)</li>
<li>Callum Harriott (released)</li>
<li>George Legg (released)</li>
<li>Matt Miazga (end of loan)</li>
<li>Lewis Baker (end of loan)</li>
<li>Saeid Ezatolahi (end of loan)</li>
</ul>

Discussion On This Story:

Stranded

» 12 Jul 2019 09:54

Bodvarsson's 750k move to Millwall expected to be completed today he can join them on their pre-season tour.
https://www.londonnewsonline.co.uk/millwall-strike-deal-for-reading-striker-bodvarsson-and-icelandic-attacker-set-to-fly-out-to-portugal-training-camp/

Hound

» 12 Jul 2019 11:02

great news. Sad to see him go, but again if it starts freeing up funds to bring in new players, then hopefully will go through asap

Zip

» 12 Jul 2019 11:07

En route home from our final game of last season I heard Bod being interviewed. You could tell he was really down at not even making the squad for that game. I got the impression he knew his time was up. He is a thoroughly decent guy and after such a promising start last season it was a shame that injuries took over.
I wish him well.

From Despair To Where?

» 12 Jul 2019 11:16

Bad was a hard working and honest player in a squad where too many couldn't be arsed and a decent bloke by all accounts.
I wish him well.

Ascotexgunner

» 12 Jul 2019 11:25

This deeply saddens me. I honestly thought he would be a plan b for us or even start games where we know we maybe on the back foot and need a hold up player or a bigger ariel threat.

Basildon

» 12 Jul 2019 11:50

Snowflake Royal

» 12 Jul 2019 12:48

Criminally under used by Stam. Decent player, sadly held back by injuries. He'd be a good second choice, but with Nova coming through and Meite able to move in from the wing, probably best to shift him and help afford Oliveira, who is technically much better.

Ascotexgunner

» 12 Jul 2019 13:17

Hound

» 12 Jul 2019 13:23

definitely one of the more likeable players of the last couple of seasons was Bod. Will have fond memories

Maneki Neko

» 12 Jul 2019 13:43

agreed. was top scorer when jose came in, but was pretty clear he wasn't fancied, style wise.

good luck to the Dadi
edit- in fact he was the top scorer for the club for the duration of his time here, so can feel a little hard done by tbh

NewCorkSeth

» 12 Jul 2019 13:55

Good luck to him. Right move for both parties. Hopefully Millwall do well by him.
I reckon he had a good attitude so hopefully he can cement a place in the Millwall team.
We were never a club who particularly excelled at corners while he was here (or ever?) But Jake Cooper might welcome another tall man in the box this season.

Stranded

» 12 Jul 2019 14:00

Having just seen his welcome video - he looks incredibly happy to be there.

stealthpapes

» 12 Jul 2019 14:02

No, Dodi.
Yeah, same as everyone else. A trier in a team of melts. Decent number of goals. Wish him all the best.

John Madejski's Wallet

» 12 Jul 2019 14:03

Real shame this.
A previous posters have said. Criminally underused by Stam and his injury co-incided with a bad run. Never really had a chance since (partly due to injuries)
Great for both for both parties as Millwall absolutely play to his strengths.
Wish him well

Nameless

» 12 Jul 2019 14:05

Stranded

» 12 Jul 2019 14:19

I honestly cant see us getting Oliveira, unless he just cant find a club, which would be an advantage as we might get him as a bargain bin price at the last minute, but that is a bit of a gamble that that scenario happens.

The fact that he’s been training here over the summer and has been reported as having a medical tomorrow doesn’t influence your thinking ?

By reported as having a medical, do you mean one post on here?
Not saying it won't happen but wouldn't take a post on here as a report. Happy to be pointed toward another source.

Nameless

» 12 Jul 2019 14:22

The fact that he’s been training here over the summer and has been reported as having a medical tomorrow doesn’t influence your thinking ?

By reported as having a medical, do you mean one post on here?
Not saying it won't happen but wouldn't take a post on here as a report. Happy to be pointed toward another source.

Well a post on here certainly qualifies as a report, how much credence you attach to it is another matter !

It’s also been stated on here that a deal has been agreed for some time. Bod going, medical rumoured - enough to at least make an utterly negative ‘he won’t sign’ questionable wouldn’t you think ?

Stranded

» 12 Jul 2019 14:24

By reported as having a medical, do you mean one post on here?
Not saying it won't happen but wouldn't take a post on here as a report. Happy to be pointed toward another source.

Well a post on here certainly qualifies as a report, how much credence you attach to it is another matter !

It’s also been stated on here that a deal has been agreed for some time. Bod going, medical rumoured - enough to at least make an utterly negative ‘he won’t sign’ questionable wouldn’t you think ?

Meh, maybe - until something is officially announced or an actual journalist reports it as happening then both views are equally valid.

Zip

» 12 Jul 2019 14:28

So Popa, Meyler, McNulty, Gunter, McCleary and Baldock still to move on.

Hound

» 12 Jul 2019 14:29

There are a couple of posters who seem very sure that NO is very likely to come, and was just waiting for us to ship out some players. On the other hand JLow for example seems very certain it isn't likely to happen.
Seems a fair chance he'll be back to me.

Clockwatcher

» 12 Jul 2019 14:36

Don’t forget we still need to offload

Aluko and Mannone as well!!!!!!!

linkenholtroyal

» 12 Jul 2019 14:47

I believe that from various sources they both have obligations in there loans for them to be signed permanently by both clubs. I dont know if this is appearance based or just an obligation. all that matters is that we are not paying all there wages atm

Mid Sussex Royal

» 12 Jul 2019 15:49

Ascotexgunner

» 12 Jul 2019 17:08

Jesus!!! I still struggle to believe Aluko is a Reading player.

Wonder how long he has left on his contract?

Denver Royal

» 12 Jul 2019 17:10

And his 3 other managers here?
He had disappointed at Wolves, and Stam gave him a chance here.
In 2017, he started 1st game of season (for a playoff team) and got injured. Was essentially hampered by injury Aug thru Nov, but still played in 27 of 37 total games under Stam.

In actuality, he was unavailable for 7 of those 37 directly thru injury, basically missing Aug and Oct.

So, he played in 27 of the 30 Champ games he was available to Stam. (Also played in FA Cup 3rd Rd scoring hattrick)
Coming back from serious injury, played mostly as sub in Dec, which is basically the only time frame that I could criticize really. Again, unsure if he was completely fit, so maybe they were easing him back slowly.

Once fully fit, etc, starting in Jan, in Stam's last 10 games, he played 90, 90, 90, 63, 90, 90, 17, 90, 83 mins.
He played 90 mins only once in 8 games in Clement's first season.

In Clement's 2nd season he only played 90 mins 4 times in the 12 games he was available.

The 8 other games read: 75, 17, 81, not in squad, 5, 21, 63, and 26 mins.
He played 11 and 5 mins in 2 games under interim manager.
Gomes only played him in 7 games, and they read: 8, 29, 82, 63, 11, 1, and 45 mins
He may well be a good bloke, although I never met him myself.

Not sure I want him to do well for Millwall as they are opponent/rival in our div. Would be better for us if he flops.

muirinho

» 12 Jul 2019 17:39

Brain Traysers

» 12 Jul 2019 17:42

Actually was thinking the opposite, he is not good in the air for a big player (where the ball spends most of its time at Millwall) and his hold up play is generally poor ....yes he'll run all day but in all honesty he could have found a better club.
Seems a top bloke though so really hope it works out for him.

Yes I think he falls into the Peter Crouch category of being big, but actually better with his feet. Won only 37% of aerial duels in his time with us, although 43% of his 44 shots were headers, but only 3 (21%) of his goals were.
I think Nova will be his replacement as a 'sort of' plan B - slightly taller/more aerial presence but a long way from the traditional big lump of a centre forward. For comparison he won 43% of aerial duels last season (albeit in a a mostly inferior league), but only one of his 9 goals came via his head.
It will be interesting to see if that changes with Millwall's more direct style. I echo the good wishes of others, cant really fault him having come here as a budget striker with poor goal-scoring record thanks to being played out of position at Wolves. A technically limited player who gave his all, and got really unfortunate with injuries just as he hit the best form of his career.

Hound

» 12 Jul 2019 17:50

In 2017, he started 1st game of season (for a playoff team) and got injured. Was essentially hampered by injury Aug thru Nov, but still played in 27 of 37 total games under Stam.

In actuality, he was unavailable for 7 of those 37 directly thru injury, basically missing Aug and Oct.

So, he played in 27 of the 30 Champ games he was available to Stam. (Also played in FA Cup 3rd Rd scoring hattrick)
Coming back from serious injury, played mostly as sub in Dec, which is basically the only time frame that I could criticize really. Again, unsure if he was completely fit, so maybe they were easing him back slowly.

Once fully fit, etc, starting in Jan, in Stam's last 10 games, he played 90, 90, 90, 63, 90, 90, 17, 90, 83 mins.
Exactly. So, saying he was criminally underused by Stam is total rubbish then. But of course, Stam is the current scapegoat manager, so I'm sure it's still his fault somehow.

It’s interesting stats but how many games did he start out of those first 17? We’ve got the minutes played under PC and JG, but I don’t remember him starting as often as he should under Stam, and seem to remember a fair bit of noise about him not playing when we were trying McCleary/Beerens up front. I’ve no doubt he came on when sub a lot as our plan B. I do then remember him becoming first choice later in the season
Happy to be proven completely wrong but I did also have the impression that Stam didn’t play him as much as he should have done

Hound

» 12 Jul 2019 18:01

Scrap that. Just had a look myself. Seemed like he started in 1 of a spell of 15 games (19th Sept through to 31st Dec). Suspect had he not scored a hatrick on his return to a starting spot he’d have stayed on the bench as well
So think posters are within their rights to suggest Stam under-played him tbh.

Victor Meldrew

» 12 Jul 2019 18:10

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