Royals Begin Transfer Preperations

Reading Director of Football Nicky Hammond has today revealed that the Royals have actively started planning for their season back in the Championship.

After Chief Executive Nigel Howe said that manager Steve Coppell would have to sell before buying, Hammond has completely contradicted his boss by today claiming that they have begun to make enquiries about bring in new players.

Following the clubs relegation from the Premier League, there is certainly going to be changes, not only players coming in, but with players leaving as well.

Nicky Shorey and Stephen Hunt are two of the most likely candidates to leave the club, with Reading announcing that they are willing to listen to offers for Shorey.

No word yet on who might be coming to the Madejski Stadium, but Hammond has said they are actively looking for fresh talent.

He said, ‘I`ve been making calls about bringing in new faces.

‘I`ve spoken to Steve (Coppell) about that again, he`s upbeat and we have views on a particular couple of players. We will follow that up in the next few weeks.’

After losing their Premier League status, Hammond has admitted that everyone needs to take time to reflect on what has happened before rushing into things for next season.

He said, ‘The first focus is to reflect, it has to be. Mistakes were made, from top to bottom, and we all have to look at ourselves. We now need to move forward.

‘Steve staying was the first thing, we were delighted to do that. Now it`s time to move on, learn the lessons and try to win the Championship.

‘Of course we`ll be confident, we need to change a couple of players and bring in a couple. It`s time to move forward.’

With the Royals currently joint favourites to win the Championship next season, confidence is certainly high, despite relegation.

If the Royals can bring in a couple of talented players, without losing the core of their current squad, we may well see Reading back in the Premier League, sooner rather than later.