Reading boss Noel Hunt has opened up on a frustrating summer in the transfer market, blaming inflated demands from targets after seeing the club’s facilities.
Royals Hampered By Agent Demands
Hunt, who saw his side lose 2-0 to Tottenham Hotspur in their latest pre-season outing, spoke candidly about the transfer situation. The former Republic of Ireland international revealed that several players had agreed to join Reading, only to shift the goalposts once they toured Bearwood Park and the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
“We’ve had a couple of boys through the door who have agreed to sign over the last few weeks and because they see the training ground and the stadium, they want more money. That’s not what we’re about,” said Hunt. “We want them to come here and buy into what we’re trying to achieve.”
Reading’s facilities have long been considered among the best in the third tier, but Hunt insists the club will not be held to ransom as they continue a longer-term rebuild under new ownership.
So far, only Paudie O’Connor has arrived on a full-time basis, with the former Lincoln City captain signing a four-year deal. Three further players have joined on loan, though Hunt still has clear gaps to address, particularly with the future of last season’s top scorer Harvey Knibbs uncertain.
With competition from across the EFL, Hunt noted that the challenge is no longer just finding the right player but convincing them to accept a realistic wage.
“It is going to take a bit of time and we’re trying everything we can to get players in the door. It so happens that 70 teams are trying to get the same players,” he explained. “We have to try and be attractive, show what we’re about and have the right characters.”
Couhig Set For Crucial Talks
New owner Rob Couhig is currently in the UK and attended the weekend defeat to Spurs. The American was originally scheduled to travel with the squad to Ireland during pre-season but remained in Berkshire due to operational tasks at the training ground.
He is expected to hold discussions with Hunt and the recruitment team this week, in what could be a defining moment for Reading’s summer business. The meeting comes at a time when Hunt is eager for clarity and reinforcements, with the opening League One fixture at Lincoln City just around the corner.
Writer’s View
Reading’s transfer frustration is a familiar tale in modern football, but it’s one that could have serious implications. Hunt’s honesty is refreshing, and the insistence on culture over cash is admirable, but results on the pitch will ultimately determine the success of that approach.
With Paudie O’Connor a shrewd early capture and several loan deals already in place, the bones of a competitive squad exist. However, the coming weeks will be crucial.
