Ramy Abou-Setta

Reading manager Leam Richardson believes George Earthy’s arrival from West Ham United will improve Josh Stokes rather than reduce his opportunities. Earthy, who signed a three-year deal, gives Reading another option in the number 10 and attacking roles, while Stokes remains on loan from Bristol City. Richardson says the two could play together depending on the match situation and stresses that competition is necessary to prevent players becoming complacent. He also wants established figures including Jack Marriott, Joel Pereira and Lewis Wing to compete for starting places as Reading seeks higher standards across the squad.

Reading manager Leam Richardson says his number 10 must combine creativity with defensive work, linking play as an extra midfielder at times and advancing beyond the striker at others. Following George Earthy’s arrival from West Ham United, Reading have several options for the role. Richardson cited Kamari Doyle’s improved performances and nine goals and five assists last season as an example of the development he expects, while Josh Stokes and Daniel Kyerewaa also offer creative alternatives.

Aldi is inviting households in Berkshire to enter a competition for a Superfam Pass providing £800 in monthly shopping credit for 12 months, worth £9,600 in total, plus £400 of tailored Specialbuys. Applicants must email details about their household and explain why they should win. Entries close on September 21, and the winner is due to be notified by October 5, 2026.

Reading manager Leam Richardson says Reading FC expects to make more signings before the transfer window closes, with a striker a particular priority after Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan’s departure to AC Horsens. Richardson praised the permanent arrival of attacking midfielder George Earthy from West Ham United and said his versatility will give Reading further attacking options. The comments followed Reading’s dramatic 4–3 League One defeat by Luton Town, a result Richardson attributed to individual errors and a loss of control despite an otherwise encouraging attacking performance.

A woman in her twenties died after a three-car collision on the A4 Bath Road near Froxfield in Hungerford at about 7:15 a.m. on August 19. The Lexus driver was pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver of a Volkswagen Golf suffered serious injuries and two people in a Honda Civic sustained minor injuries. Thames Valley Police made no arrests and appealed for witnesses and drivers with dashcam footage to provide information.

Reading manager Leam Richardson has embraced owner Rob Couhig’s ambition for Reading FC to challenge for promotion from League One. Richardson says he already places intense pressure on himself and is aligned with Couhig on the club’s objectives, emphasizing hard work, professionalism and discipline. Reading are entering their fourth season in the third tier after relegation from the Championship in 2023 and came close to the play-offs with a seventh-place finish in 2024/25.

Reading manager Leam Richardson wants his squad to maintain consistent performances throughout the League One season. Reading have won five of six pre-season matches and conceded only two goals, then defeated Bromley on penalties in the Carabao Cup. Richardson emphasized that strong habits, preparation, squad depth and quality information will be crucial as Reading begin their league campaign at home against Luton Town.

Reading manager Leam Richardson says the club will not rush into new signings before the transfer window closes. Although Reading could add several players immediately, the club is prioritizing recruits who improve the squad and fit its long-term plans. Four players have joined during the summer, including three permanent signings and Joshua Stokes on loan, with Stokes scoring on his debut. Richardson wants to build a younger squad whose players can develop with the club and help Reading become more proactive rather than reactive.

Reading midfielder Shay Spencer has joined Slough Town on loan until October 12, ahead of the club’s 2026/27 National League South campaign. The 20-year-old Reading academy graduate made five first-team appearances in 2024/25, renewed his Reading contract in July 2025, and gained further experience with Wealdstone during the second half of the 2025/26 season.

Apple plans to reopen a fully redesigned store at The Oracle in Reading in December, featuring an experience room, Genius Bar, online-order pickup area and free Today at Apple sessions. Its Festival Place store in Basingstoke will remain open until November 2026 before closing, with staff offered opportunities to transfer to other Apple locations. The changes form part of Apple’s wider investment in refreshing its UK retail presence.

Betfair has given Reading FC odds of 28/1 to win the 2026/27 EFL League One title. The club is priced at 8/1 for promotion, 7/2 for a top-six finish, 14/1 for a top-two finish and 6/1 for relegation to League Two. Reading are also 27/10 to beat Luton Town in their opening match, with Jack Marriott and Josh Stokes among the players listed in the top-goalscorer market.

Reading FC advanced to the second round of the Carabao Cup after drawing 1–1 with Bromley and winning the penalty shootout 5–4. Josh Stokes scored on his debut in the 14th minute, but Michael Cheek equalised before half-time. Lewis Wing missed a second-half penalty, while Bromley were reduced to ten men after Richard Taylor’s dismissal. Reading converted all five shootout attempts, and goalkeeper Joel Pereira saved Ethan Archer’s decisive penalty.

Reading manager Leam Richardson named a strong starting XI for the club's Carabao Cup opener against Bromley. Summer signings Udoka Godwin-Malife, Josh Stokes, Kyreece Lisbie and Jacob Brown are set to make their official debuts, while Jack Marriott and Haydon Roberts return to the bench after pre-season injuries. Academy players Boyd Beacroft and Tyler Sackey were also included among the substitutes following encouraging pre-season performances.

Reading FC defender Haydon Roberts is progressing well after a preseason injury setback. Manager Leam Richardson said Roberts has returned to regular training and is in a better place after playing 45 minutes against Crawley Town on July 31. The left-back has experienced repeated injury problems since joining from Bristol City in January, limiting him to 14 league appearances, but Reading hope to involve him again before preparing for the Luton Town match.

Reading FC defenders John Ryan and Abraham Kanu are nearing returns to training after lengthy injury rehabilitations. Ryan, 22, missed most of the 2024/25 campaign with a knee injury and suffered another setback in November after making six senior appearances and featuring for the under-21s. Kanu is further along in his recovery from an injury sustained during his loan spell at Forest Green Rovers, where he made 36 appearances and impressed Robbie Savage. Manager Leam Richardson said clubs have already enquired about Kanu, but he wants to assess the player personally before making decisions.

Reading FC striker Sean Patton will miss at least 12 weeks after suffering a fractured fifth metatarsal during pre-season, likely in the match against Woking. Manager Leam Richardson described the injury as significant. Jack Marriott has returned to first-team training while being carefully monitored because of a recurring back problem.

James Oliver-Pearce, formerly part of the coaching staff at Reading FC and Sheffield United, has been appointed assistant coach at Danish club Sønderjyske Fodbold. The 34-year-old, who previously worked at AFC Wimbledon and Hull City, will help develop the squad, training environment, match preparation and tactical processes. Sønderjyske sports director Casper Daather praised his integrity, experience and specialist assistant-coach skills. Oliver-Pearce is moving to Southern Jutland immediately, with his family expected to join him later, marking his first coaching role outside the United Kingdom.

A car reportedly veered off Mill Lane while crossing a bridge in Sindlesham and crashed through the fencing of The Poachers Gastropub. No serious injuries were reported. Pub staff helped the driver, and the road was briefly closed for checks and clearance before reopening.

Construction is underway at the Reading Festival site ahead of the four-day Reading and Leeds Festival, scheduled for August 27–30, 2026. Drone images show work on the main stage and the installation of tents, while organisers plan a redesign featuring six stages: The Grid, The Gallery, The Warehouse, The Canopy, The Ballroom and The Yard. The lineup includes headliners such as Charli XCX, Dave, Raye, Florence + The Machine and Chase & Status, alongside dance, alternative and emerging acts. Weekend tickets for Reading have sold out, with limited Sunday tickets still available at the time of publication.

The A3290 in Wokingham is closed in both directions overnight from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for three nights to allow the safe removal of temporary barriers and traffic-management equipment. The closure runs between Thames Valley Park and Winnersh Triangle Business Park, with a diversion via the A329 Wokingham Road, Church Road, Pitts Lane and London Road.

Reading midfielder Ben Elliott was invited back to Reading FC for pre-season after recovering from a serious thigh injury, but he told manager Leam Richardson that he wanted to explore other options. Elliott, whose contract expired at the end of the previous season, had made 24 appearances with two goals and five assists before a December 2024 injury, then suffered another injury in October after returning to action. Richardson said the club welcomed Elliott back to help him regain fitness but respected his decision to consider alternative opportunities.

Reading manager Leam Richardson believes Bristol City loanee Josh Stokes can become a significant source of goals for Reading this season. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder, who has already played 52 League One matches, has impressed in preseason and scored against Newport County. Richardson praised Stokes’s ability to find space between the lines, use his body and pass, while identifying improved positioning and more frequent runs into the box as priorities for increasing his goal output.

Jack Marriott has returned to limited grass training after suffering an injury following Reading FC’s July training camp in Spain. Manager Leam Richardson hopes the striker can build fitness over the weekend and complete a full week of training before Reading’s trip to Bromley. Marriott, who made 25 appearances last season because of injuries, still scored 16 league goals and provided three assists. Udoka Godwin-Malife, Haydon Roberts and Randell Williams have also recently returned from minor fitness issues and featured in preseason or recent matches.

Drivers heading to Reading Festival are advised to prepare for crowded roads and potentially muddy temporary car parks. Motoring specialist Liam Menzies recommends adjusting tyre pressure for heavier loads, checking tyre tread, carrying recovery equipment only when confident using it, reviewing festival parking guidance, and photographing and pinning the location of the parked vehicle. More than 100,000 people are expected to attend, and separate car parks operate for day and weekend ticket holders.

Former Gillingham defender Conor Masterson is undergoing a trial with Reading FC and played 61 minutes in a behind-closed-doors pre-season friendly against Charlton Athletic. The 28-year-old made more than 100 appearances for Gillingham, scoring 11 goals, but was released after his contract ended. Masterson previously came through Liverpool's academy and made his professional debut with Queens Park Rangers.

Reading FC has cancelled its planned pre-season match against Charlton Athletic at the Select Car Leasing Stadium because the newly installed hybrid pitch has not developed sufficiently after unusually hot and dry weather. The fixture will instead be played behind closed doors at Charlton’s Valley at 2pm, with the clubs planning a free live stream. Reading says the move will protect the surface ahead of the League One opener against Luton Town, and ticket and parking-permit refunds will be processed automatically.

A drug alert has been issued in West Berkshire after a death and two hospitalisations in Newbury linked to suspected crack cocaine use. The Berkshire Local Drug Information System advises users not to use their current supply, avoid taking drugs alone, arrange checks every 15 minutes, carry naloxone, and consider drug-testing services. Support is available through local drug services, including Via West Berks in Newbury.

The English Football League will introduce major rules for the 2026/27 season to improve match pace, reduce tactical delays and strengthen standards of player and technical-area behaviour. Players will generally have 10 seconds to leave during substitutions, while delays to throw-ins and goal kicks may result in possession being awarded to the opposition. A trial addressing suspected tactical goalkeeper injuries will require an outfield player to leave the pitch temporarily, and injured players assessed on the field will normally remain off for at least one minute. Deliberate hair-pulling with excessive force will result in a red card, lesser incidents may receive a yellow card, and referees will take a robust approach to discrimination and unacceptable conduct.

Haute Dolci is set to open a dessert restaurant at The Riverside in Reading’s Oracle shopping centre. Founded by restaurateur Nizam Mohamed in 2017 as a high-end evolution of Heavenly Desserts, the brand has expanded across major UK cities. The new venue will offer signature desserts including pancake stacks, Belgian waffles, cookie dough, cheesecakes, milkshakes, plated chocolate creations and its viral Matilda cake, with some locations also serving brunch and artisan coffee.

Reading FC have accepted a bid from newly promoted Danish first-tier club AC Horsens for forward Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan. The 23-year-old was absent from Reading’s pre-season match against Woking, and manager Leam Richardson confirmed that he will leave after the club accepted an offer. The reported fee is €750,000. Ehibhatiomhan came through Reading’s academy, made more than 130 senior appearances and scored 27 goals across all competitions.

Reading FC has confirmed that young striker Reece Evans will join Bedford Town on loan until August 31. Evans scored nine goals for Reading's Under-21 team and made his first-team debut against Swindon Town in the EFL Trophy. He previously played on loan for Torquay United in the National League South, scoring twice in eight appearances.

Reading FC defeated Woking 2–0 in a pre-season friendly at the Laithwaite Community Stadium. After a goalless first half, Tyler Sackey opened the scoring in the 67th minute following a pass from Lewis Wing and cutback by Udoka Godwin-Malife. Jacob Brown added a second goal in the 88th minute from a free-kick situation, giving Leam Richardson's side a positive result ahead of their next fixture against Newport County.

Jermain Defoe has left his position as Woking manager by mutual consent with immediate effect, two days before the club’s scheduled pre-season friendly against Reading FC. Appointed on March 29, Defoe won two of six matches and guided Woking to 10th place in the 2025–26 campaign. Both Woking and Defoe thanked each other, while Defoe expressed pride in the work developed with Paul Bracewell and Karl Halabi and disappointment that his tenure ended early. The match against Reading is expected to go ahead as planned.

Reading FC Community Trust generated nearly £21 million in social value during the 2024–25 season, contributing to the EFL’s wider community impact of over £1.42 billion. The Trust’s work in wellbeing, education, employment, and social inclusion produced one of the league’s strongest returns, supported by programmes across Reading and Berkshire. Leadership highlighted individual success stories and emphasized the Trust’s importance in delivering meaningful change for local residents.

Reading FC closed their Spanish training camp with a 1-0 defeat to Getafe, showing an aggressive high press and flexible tactical structures across two different lineups. The first-half side created several strong chances, particularly through combinations on the left involving Lane and Kyerewaa, but were unable to convert. After halftime, a rotated XI maintained the pressing intensity and attacking intent, yet a ricochet in midfield allowed Getafe to score the lone goal. Reading produced half‑chances in response, including a Savage free‑kick that forced a diving save, but could not equalise.

Reading Festival has introduced strict new rules banning campfires, all types of barbecues, single-use vapes, and a wide range of other items as part of tightened safety and security measures. Organisers outlined limits on camping stove fuels, prohibited personal vehicles and professional recording equipment, and detailed extensive arena-specific restrictions such as bans on alcohol, large bags, and cans. Accessibility ticketholders will receive limited exemptions. A zero‑tolerance drug policy will be enforced with detection dogs operating throughout the event.

Alex McCarthy has signed a two‑year contract with recently relegated Leicester City after leaving Southampton. The Reading academy graduate, who made over 75 appearances for the Royals and has played for several Premier League clubs, expressed enthusiasm about contributing his experience to Leicester’s ambitions. McCarthy previously featured for QPR, Crystal Palace, and Southampton, making more than 150 appearances for the latter.

Reading defeat Farnborough 2–1 in their first pre-season match, highlighted by an acrobatic early goal from Jack Marriott and a late strike from Liam Fraser. Farnborough respond quickly through Ollie Robinson but fail to equalise. Two separate Reading lineups feature across both halves, with several academy players impressing. The team prepares next for a pre-season camp in Spain including a match against Getafe.

Reading FC have signed 22‑year‑old attacking midfielder Josh Stokes from Bristol City on a season‑long loan following successful loan spells in League One. Manager Leam Richardson highlighted Stokes' creativity, versatility and strong attitude, expressing confidence in his potential development. Stokes has made 52 League One appearances, scored 10 goals and contributed to Stockport County’s promotion push last season.

A Reading man and an accomplice were convicted for running a people‑smuggling operation that brought Vietnamese migrants into the UK in lorries. Investigators linked them to multiple smuggling attempts, use of code words, and cash movements supporting the network. One received an eight‑year prison sentence and the other a suspended sentence. Police arrests, seized cash, and encrypted communications revealed a wider criminal network operating across Europe, with the NCA continuing large‑scale investigations into organised immigration crime.

Reading FC has formed a year‑long partnership with cruise agency Cruise2 for the 2026–27 season, featuring branding across the stadium, fan activations, giveaways and collaborative promotions. Cruise2 aims to engage supporters with cruise‑themed experiences, while Reading FC sees the partnership as a way to enrich matchday activities and community engagement. Leaders from both organisations emphasise the mutually beneficial timing and goals of the collaboration.

Reading FC have signed 18‑year‑old left‑back Callum Cliff on a one‑year deal following his loan spell from Fulham’s academy, during which he made more than 20 youth-level appearances. Cliff previously played for Oxford United’s youth system before moving to Fulham in 2023. Four additional academy players—T’Shay St Louis, Harley Irish, Anthony Dove and George Booth—have also signed new deals as the club aims to build on last season’s progress under Harrison Gilkes.

Chris Gunter joins Oxford United’s coaching staff alongside Aaron Ramsey, following a long playing career with Reading and later coaching roles within Wales youth teams. Ramsey says Gunter will contribute energy, ideas and attention to detail as part of a strengthened coaching setup focused on creating a high‑standard training environment for player development.

Kadan Young, who spent part of last season on loan at Reading from Aston Villa, has been sent on loan to FC Annecy in France’s Ligue 2 to continue his development. Despite limited appearances at Reading, he impressed supporters and previously caught attention under Unai Emery at Aston Villa. Annecy described him as an explosive winger capable of playing on either side. Villa teammate Zepiqueno Redmond has also joined Annecy on loan.

Former Reading academy defender Ayyuba Jambang has signed for Basingstoke Town after spells with Norwich City, Reading and Ipswich Town at youth level and a season with Wingate & Finchley. Manager Dan Brownlie highlighted Jambang’s physical attributes, versatility and strong character as key reasons for the signing. Recommendations from club contacts supported the decision, and his early training performances reinforced expectations. The club views the addition as strengthening competition within the squad and enhancing overall team standards.

Reading Biscuit Factory will reopen on July 9 after securing a new premises licence following closures caused by a lapse stemming from ownership changes and clerical errors. The cinema’s application was supported by local councillors and ultimately approved on condition that a new designated premises supervisor be appointed. The venue apologized for the disruption, committed to updating procedures, and announced that memberships will be extended. It plans to resume film screenings and community events, thanking staff for their resilience during the closure.

Exeter City confirmed it is supporting former Reading striker Jayden Wareham following a family bereavement, offering condolences and requesting privacy for him and his relatives. Wareham, who left Reading in 2024 and joined Exeter for their League One campaign, has received no further public detail regarding the loss.

Goalkeeper Tom Norcott has moved from Reading FC to Derry City on loan until January after signing a new contract with Reading. He will join Derry City’s UEFA Europa League qualifying campaign against CSKA Sofia. The club expressed support for Norcott’s development, and his previous loan spells include Woking, Farnborough and Enfield Town.

Argentina overturned a 2–0 deficit to beat Egypt 3–2 and reach the World Cup quarter‑finals, with key contributions from Emi Martinez, Lionel Messi, Cristian Romero and match‑winner Enzo Fernandez. Egypt struck early and extended their lead before Argentina mounted a late surge, equalising through Romero and Messi before Fernandez sealed the comeback in stoppage time. Both teams delivered strong performances, with Argentina maintaining hopes of defending their title.

Reading FC will hold a five-day pre-season training camp in Alicante starting July 13, concluding with a friendly against La Liga side Getafe on July 17. Fans may attend, with up to 100 tickets available through registration. The trip follows last year’s pre-season in Ireland, where the club played Swindon Town and signed prospect Sean Patton, with former manager Noel Hunt emphasizing team bonding and preparation.

Reading FC Community Trust secured new funding from the Premier League and Thames Valley Police to expand its Level Up Mentoring & Life Skills Programme, supporting vulnerable young people at risk of exploitation or anti-social behaviour. The investment, match-funded by police forces and supported by statutory partners, forms part of more than £2 million directed into community initiatives across England and Wales. The programme will offer long-term mentoring, life skills development, and opportunities designed to reduce reoffending and strengthen trust between young people and local police. The funding builds on previous Premier League partnerships and will be delivered through the Premier League Kicks framework to enhance early intervention and prevention efforts.

Josh Stokes is strongly linked with a transfer to Reading following productive loan spells with Cambridge United and Stockport County. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder, under contract with Bristol City for two more years, delivered consistent performances in League One, contributing goals and assists while helping Stockport County reach the promotion final. Any move would require a transfer fee due to his existing contract.