02 November 2020
By Hob Nob Anyone?
The 2010s was an eventful old decade for Reading. Despite a season long sojourn in the Premier League in 2012-2013, The Royals spent the majority of the decade as one of the Championship's established sides. The last decade brought some difficult times for Reading, but fans still retain fond memories of many wonderful and eccentric signings who graced the turf at The Madejski.
Good times however do look to be on their way back to Berkshire, with the Royals making a strong start to the season. In fact, the Royals are now as short as 5/1 to win promotion, which is price many optimistic Royals fans will be looking to take advantage of with WhichBookie free bets.
If Reading could today call upon the services of these incredible signings made over the last decade, those odds would surely be even shorter. Without further ado, here's our guide to the top 5 Reading signings of the last 10 years:
Adam Le Fondre
'Alf' may now be plying his trade at Mumbai City FC, but it was at Reading where his talents may be most fondly remembered. Snapped up by Brian McDermott in 2011, the Stockport born striker would go on to bag 41 goals in 110 appearances for the Royals, and contributed some memorable strikes, including goals against West Brom and Chelsea securing vital points for Reading.
Whilst his efforts weren't enough to keep Reading in the Premier League, Alf's prowess is still the stuff of terrace legend at The Madejski.
Ali Al-Habsi
Brought to the club by current Scotland manager Steve Clarke, Al-Habsi featured for a multitude of clubs including Wigan, Bolton and Brighton before he made his way to Reading. However, it is doubtful any fans of his former clubs hold him in such high regard as Reading's. Named Player of The Year in both seasons he spent in Berkshire, Al Habsi was known for producing vital, point saving saves, and his exploits brought him a place in the Championship Team of the Year.
Jason Roberts
The former Grenada international is perhaps the most prosperous signing for Reading on our list. Purchased for £500,000 from Blackburn in 2012, Roberts made his fee look like an absolute bargain as his 6 goals in the tail end of the 2011/2012 season helped confirm promotion for his new side.
Unfortunately, injury blighted his career thereafter, and Roberts retired in 2014. However, he remains firmly involved in football, as current Director of Development of CONCACAF.
Liam Moore
Current captain Liam Moore has been a rock in Reading's defence since he joined the club from Leicester City in 2016 for circa £1.5 million.
Moore's playing abilities are obviously well documented, and he remains an integral part of the squad, however his charity work off the field has won him just as many plaudits. Moore took a stand in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, motivating fans isolating at home, and contributing a significant portion of his salary for local causes.
Liam Moore has shown he is as much a leader off the field as he is on it.
John Swift
Another essential current member of Reading's squad, Swift arrived on a free from Chelsea in 2016. The 25 year old is a firm fan favourite for his ability to unlock stubborn defences, although his inconsistency often wins him just as many critics.
Still, Swift's services will surely be required this season as Reading aim for promotion.
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