Academy graduate wins Player of the Season

Reading defender Alex Pearce has won the Reading FC Player of the Season award.

The 23-year old finished just in front of midfielder Jem Karacan in second and goalkeeper Adam Federici in third. It is of high credit to the club’s academy that Pearce and Karacan have come through the youth system to play in the first team and appear for their countries at U21 level.

Pearce has also helped the Royals have the best defence in the division, conceding only 41 goals in all 46 Championship games alongside the experienced Kaspars Gorkss, whose contribution cannot be ignored. The former Southampton loanee can also be credited with his goalscoring record, scoring five goals this season.

Karacan, despite breaking his ankle against Leeds a few weeks ago, has played a big part in this season’s success. His never-say-die attitude has moulded him into a fantastic player in the centre of midfield. The Turkish midfielder has formed a formidable partnership with Mikele Leigertwood over past few months.

Australian goalkeeper Adam Federici has also made a fantastic contribution to this notable achievement. Along with Pearce, Federici has played every minute of our Championship season and has been pivotal in the superb defensive record where he has kept 20 clean sheets from a possible 46.