Captain says Portugal helped new signings fit in

Royals captain Jobi McAnuff has reflected on the team’s preseason tour of Portugal, saying it was good for the new signings bonding.

The likes of Royston Drenthe, Wayne Bridge and Danny Williams blended with the squad for the first time, as well as the youth of Jordan Obita and Jake Taylor, who were training with the first team. Nigel Adkins’ side won one and drew the other in their two games, with Drenthe scoring his first goal for the Royals.

Speaking to the Official Reading FC website, Jobi said: ‘From my time here, and I’m sure all of the lads will testify, it’s always been a great place to come. It’s an easy place to settle in to because we have such a good group of lads who are very welcoming. Everyone is very open and gets on with everybody.’

‘For the new guys coming in, that’s very important because it can be quite daunting fitting into a new group. They are all quality players and great lads too, which is a great combination. It’s something we have developed at the club. We are all together and we recognise that that’s an important tool.’