Squad for 2025-2026

[morganb]

We are delighted to announce the signing of Goalkeeper Jack Stevens on a two year contract until the summer of 2027

https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2025/j ... ens-signs/

[Pepe the Horseman]

That should silence the critics.

[morganb]

That should silence the critics.

Especially when they find out he is ex-Reading

Stevens spent his formative years based in Newbury, and enjoyed a year at the John Madejski Academy just over a decade ago, combining his studies with further football opportunities.

It was at this point he caught the attention of current Head of Goalkeeping Rob Shay, who brought Jack into the Academy setup for further training and development in 2013/14.

[Stranded]

We are delighted to announce the signing of Goalkeeper Jack Stevens on a two year contract until the summer of 2027

https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2025/j ... ens-signs/

Well that came out of nowhere - so shows there are things happening that we know nothing about.

Clearly here as an experienced #2 with 137 League 1 apps behind him and seemed to end the season as first choice at Cambridge.

Decent, probably cheap back up - hopefully we loan out some young keepers for minutes.

[Hound]

Thinking about this week's signings of Clarke, Ryan and Stickland, I think they all need to have a decent role in the squad this season if we want to operate smarter.

Before his ACL, Ryan was very highly rated and surely is in with a shout at our full back positions. Maybe we should sign a first choice LB, but apart from that we have a few options and we just need someone like Abrefa or Ryan to grab the position for themselves. Stickland looked handy last season and will get more chances without Bindon and Mbengue around. Clarke has been around for a few years now and just needs better luck with injuries.

If 2 can become solid squad/cup options and 1 steps up to become a full first teamer with potential to play higher or generate transfer revenue, that's a good outcome. It should be the aim.

It does feel like we need a first choice LB and then an understudy to sub on regularly, with the rest going on loan.

Dorsett, Garcia, Ryan, Clarke isn't really a group to give you a first choice LB, and its way too many for cover.

I do think either Clarke or Ryan will make that spot theirs this season

[Hound]

That should silence the critics.

Getting all the exciting ones out the way first

[Royal_jimmy]

Reasonable back up keeper for sure. He's not great at saving at his near post which I noticed when we put a fair few past him when he played for a poor Cambridge side. But for a low(ish) wage and some experience between the sticks I am quite happy with this. Welcome Jack

[Sutekh]

And this is where we are now

Position - Name (age at end of contract)

Contracted until 2026

1. RB - Kelvin ABREFA (20)
2. MF - Joseph BAROUGH (20)
3. RB - Boyd BEACROFT (20)
4. LW - Mamadi CAMARA (22)
5. LB - John CLARKE (22)
6. MF - Ben ELLIOTT (23)
7. LB - Andre GARCIA (18)
8. MF - Harvey KNIBBS (27)
9. GK - Tom NORCOTT (20)
10. RB - Emmanuel OSHO (19)
11. GK - Matthew ROWLEY (20)
12. CB - Michael STICKLAND (22) (+ 1 year option)
13. LB - John RYAN (22)
    
    Contracted until 2027
14. MF - Charlie SAVAGE (24)
15. GK - Jack STEVENS (29)
    
    Contracted until 2028
16. GK - Joel PEREIRA (31)
17. MF - Lewis WING (33)
    
    Contracted until 2029
18. CB - Paudie O’CONNOR (31)

5 keepers in 18 is pushing it a bit isn't it?

[Ascotexgunner]

Struggling to get too excited on that one but all good

He's good back-up/cup player with a decent celing to improve - so not exciting but still good news.

And it's a sensible duration.

I'm not convinced he'll make it, but he could. So a year to make an impact in cameos seems sensible.

It's the "could" part that worries me with Strickland. He has somthing about him... If he puts in a good season he can then walk away. I wish it were 2 seasons.

[Whore Jackie]

Earnshaw said there's a one-year option on Stickland's new deal.

[Sutekh]

Earnshaw said there's a one-year option on Stickland's new deal.

Thanks - updated the above post.

[traff]

Earnshaw said there's a one-year option on Stickland's new deal.

Thanks - updated the above post.

I thought Akande had been released?

[Sutekh]

Earnshaw said there's a one-year option on Stickland's new deal.

Thanks - updated the above post.

I thought Akande had been released?

You're right, web page not refreshed!

Updated again!

[Sutekh]

For the record the players offered new deals but still unknown whether they'll return are:

Michael Craig
Jeriel Dorsett
Kelvin Ehibatiomhan
Abraham Kanu
Amadou Mbengue - we know he's going but not definite quite yet!
Tivonge Rushesha
Basil Tuma
Jayden Wareham
Andy Yiadom
Jacob Borgnis
Jeremiah Okine-Peters
Shay Spencer
Ashqar Ahmed
Carter Bowdery
Philip Duah
Sam Harrison
Luke Howard
Josh Welland

[Elm Park Kid]

WiFi has signed back up.

[Chameleon]

4 working limbs, well known to the coaches and 100+ appearances at this level. Not sure what else you could ask for.

[Brum Royal]

WiFi has signed back up.

Insider knowledge?

[Only one Trevor Morley]

WiFi has signed back up.

Insider knowledge?

Sorry I’m being slow, what does this mean?

[blythspartan]

WiFi has signed back up.

Good news.

Has Craig signed a new deal?

[Snowflake Royal]

That should silence the critics.

Especially when they find out he is ex-Reading

Stevens spent his formative years based in Newbury, and enjoyed a year at the John Madejski Academy just over a decade ago, combining his studies with further football opportunities.

It was at this point he caught the attention of current Head of Goalkeeping Rob Shay, who brought Jack into the Academy setup for further training and development in 2013/14.

Hmm. Not sure he's that well thought of at Cambridge, will check. Obviously not going to be first choice and a step up on Norcott/Rowley etc.

Not a signing to get very excited about... he'll spend the season on the bench and in cup games.