Reading FC boss admits ‘we need help’ in transfer market.
Reading manager Noel Hunt admitted that his squad ‘needs help’ in the transfer window following Saturday’s 2-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur.
The Royals fell behind in the second half to quickfire goals from Will Lankshear and Luke Vuskovic, but they largely impressed defensively, albeit lacking creativity in attack. While the first half was full strength, with the exception of a few injuries, the final 25 minutes were almost entirely made up of youth players who performed admirably against Heung Min Son and Mohammed Kudus. Speaking after the contest, Hunt admitted the squad was still in need of at least five additions heading into the final two weeks of pre-season.
“I’d like to think we’ll get some movement with a couple of boys this week. We have young, enthusiastic players and newcomers, but we need assistance. We need another five or six players to bulk up the squad because it’s a long season with 60 games, and you can’t expect these young boys to keep going. We need to strengthen, and we’re doing everything we can to achieve that.
“We understand the situation, but we need to get bodies through the door because the back four, midfield three, and forwards require rest.The young boys came on and performed admirably, and they will be involved regardless, but we need to build a strong squad of 20 or 21 first-team players.
Hunt described the match, which drew over 22,000 spectators to the SCL Stadium, as a ‘good exercise’ but demanded more from his team. “I thought we could have pressed harder and been a little more brave in our starting position.
It was a good workout. They have some quality players; all the more reason to press and be aggressive, ensuring they don’t have time to play. The good news is that they didn’t play through us too much, and we limited their clear-cut chances.
You want to win the game, but you have to respect the opposition as well.
“The boys have worked really hard. There are three or four new players in that back line, so it is important to maintain continuity. Paudie appears confident, and I thought Fin was good for the time he was on the pitch, and when Stickers came on, I thought he was excellent.
It was a pleasing aspect of the game; we look better every time we step onto the pitch.” Reading host Slough Town on Tuesday, followed by Portsmouth’s preseason finale next Saturday.
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