LOAN

Reading FC goalkeepers join National League clubs on loan.

Reading FC has revealed that two goalkeepers would be loaned out to National League clubs for brief periods of time.

Tom Norcott has signed with National League South club Enfield Town until January 31. The 20-year-old Academy product will join Gavin MacPherson to earn first-team experience in English football’s sixth tier.

Norcott joined the Royals at the age of eight, progressing through the age divisions to play for the Under-21s last season. He made his senior debut in the 2023-24 EFL Trophy, coming on late for a 5-0 victory over Swindon Town.

The teenage goalkeeper replaced David Button in the 87th minute of the game. Norcott spent time on loan with National League club Woking earlier this season, appearing six times and keeping two clean sheets. He has also made one PL2 appearance for Peter Scott’s Under-21s.

Rob Shay, Head of Goalkeeping, stated, “Tom has recently returned from a very positive loan experience with Woking, and we are delighted that he now has the opportunity to build on this with Enfield.”

“He will continue to train with us whilst playing at a really good level which is brilliant for the development of a young goalkeeper.”

Matthew Rowley, a custodian, will join Hampton and Richmond Borough on loan until January. The 22-year-old has made two appearances for Peter Scott’s Under-21s side this season and has been on the bench for the first-team for four cup matches.

This will be Rowley’s third loan spell away from the club, having spent stints with Dover Athletic and Tonbridge Angels last season.

Rowley will work under former Northern Ireland Under-21 international goalkeeper Alan Julian, who has approximately 600 career appearances between the posts for Brentford, Gillingham, and Stevenage. Hampton and Richmond are now 17th in the National League South.

Head of Goalkeeping Rob Shay stated, “This is an excellent chance for Matt. We understand that loan experiences are a vital part of a goalkeeper’s development.

Ideally, we would like all of our players to participate in games at 3 p.m. on Saturdays, where they can demonstrate their progress and learn the match-winning attitude.”

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