22 May 2015
By Hob Nob Anyone?
Reading are already set for big changes in the playing staff this summer after a number of players have not been offered new contracts, and other players are yet to complete contract negotiations. Fans were calling for dramatic changes after a disappointing league season saw Reading finish in 19th place in the Championship. Those big changes are already well underway with a number of back room staff given their marching orders today.
The biggest shock sees the departure of goalkeeping coach Sal Bibbo who has been at the club on and off for nearly twenty years after originally playing in goal for the Royals. Bibbo make 7 appearances for the Royals between the sticks but was a regular fixture on a the subs bench before being released due to injury.
Bibbo is joined by physio Luke Anthony and his assistant. Even more bizarrely Reading's kitman will also be leaving as a Steve Clarke purge on staff, both playing and not playing continues. The changes seem to be driven by an attempt to cut costs, shake up the club and allow Clarke to build his own set-up at the club. The changes are certain to upset a lot of people at the club, as well as the fans, as figures who have played a big part in the club over the years find themselves on their way out.
Bibbo's departure comes at a very interesting time as he is the member of staff closest to Adam Federici who is currently in talks to extend his contract that expires this summer. If Federici can't negotiate a new deal then he will follow Bibbo out of the club on a free transfer. Goalkeeper Mikkel Andersen is yet to be offered a new deal and under-21 goalkeepers Dan Lincoln and Jonathan Henly will not be offered contracts.
The changes signal big changes in goalkeeping at the club, and Reading will need to recruit both coaching staff and players in that position for the new season. Currently Reading seem to be drastically shrinking the wage bill - but will have to recruit over the summer to replace both players and coaching staff.
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