Hammond: No Pressure To Sell

Just a week after saying that the Royals will listen to offers for England international Nicky Shorey, Reading Director of Football Nick Hammond has now stated that the club do not need to sell their top players to balance the books.

Chief Executive Nigel Howe had previously stated that boss Steve Coppell would need to sell before he could strengthen his side, but Hammond has today said that the Royals will not be forced to sell their top stars.

Hammond has admitted that their will be some departures, but insists that the club wants to hold onto their best performers.

He said, ‘We`ve got players who are under contract, so if they`re to go elsewhere it wouldn`t only be their decision. We have good players so there will be Premier League interest.

‘The way the club has managed finances in the past, we`re not under pressure to sell, it will be on our terms.

‘We want to keep our best players, many of them were involved in winning promotion before.

‘There will be changes, there will be some dealing, some will go and some will come in.’