The players are back for preseason training on Monday so check out everything that has happened this summer.
I’m sure you won’t have missed the appointment of Brendan Rodgers as the clubs new manager, but do you know his backroom staff? Well former Tottenham and Crystal Palace defender Dean Austin will act as Rodgers number 2 while Frank Lampard snr will be a football consultant, a role he also performed at Watford. The likes of Kevin Dillon and Wally Downes have left, as well as the Sports Scientist who’s name nobody could say let alone spell! Brian McDermott and Nigel Gibbs have had there roles slightly changed, with Gibbs now in sole charge of the reserve team. Sal Bibbo remains as goalkeeping coach and Karl Halabi will be the new fitness guru.
Players released include Marcus Hahnemann, now at Wolves, Michael Duberry, Leroy Lita and Graeme Murty the former Royals captain who is currently on trial at Southampton.
That leads us on to the new captain, and Rodgers has said he will be deciding on who will wear the armband but one man unlikely to be taking it is James Harper who described wearing the armband last year as ‘The Biggest pain in the backside ever!’
Harper is one of many high profile players linked with a move away from the Madejski Stadium this summer, the most desperate to depart is clearly Stephen Hunt. The Irish winger has stated that he wants a new challenge with Wigan and Sunderland looking to secure his services.
Kevin Doyle has already departed and he too has ended up at Wolves, £6.5million representing a good deal for both clubs I think.
Brynjar Gunnarsson has penned a new one year deal at the club, and is now one of the most experienced players remaining in the squad.
He will be wearing another new kit this coming season with the club launching it on Saturday 11th July and fans can buy it from 9am at the Madejski Stadium. Rumours include tighter hoops, a return to stripes and blue shorts! Watch this space.
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