Latest news with #ReadingFC
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
QPR addition on importance of morale and Reading 'family' during off-field crisis
Queens Park Rangers defender Amadou Mbengue has spoken about his time at Reading and the lesson he learnt during a turbulent three years at the club. The 23-year-old joined the Royals from Metz in 2022 and suffered relegation in his first season, but 'Cheeseburger' has become a cult hero in Berkshire for his on-field commitment and personality. Advertisement From his post-match orchestrating of the crowd to spending time in Club 1871 for a game when injured, few players have left the legacy the Senegal Under-21 international has in a little over a century of appearances. Signing a long-term deal at Loftus Road after turning down a new contract with the Royals, Mbengue has spoken out about the difficulties of the situation at Reading during his time, with the club mired in financial difficulties for almost the entirety of his spell. From being paid late to almost having the training ground sold from under their feet, it has been no smooth journey for the versatile defender. However, Mbengue believes squad morale and friendship is what got them through the tough times to finish seventh in League One last year. Advertisement "It's [morale] really important," he told "In situations like that, you need to be together as a family. I learnt a lot of things in that situation. "As a family, when you pull everything together, it is much better than doing things by yourself. It was important to be in good spirits and on the same page." Mbengue's exit came on the same day as striker Jayden Wareham, who signed a two-year deal at League One side Exeter City.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Reading set for meeting with Academy favourite after Portsmouth cup draw
A general view of the ground before the Sky Bet Championship match at Fratton Park, Portsmouth. Picture date: Saturday December 21, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Portsmouth. Photo credit should read: Steven Paston/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: (Image: Steven Paston) Reading will travel to Championship Portsmouth in Round One of the Carabao Cup. The Royals exited in Round One last season at Colchester United, but reached Round Two the season before after thrashing higher level Millwall 4-0 at the Den. Advertisement Reading have not faced Pompey since 2023/24, John Mousinho's men doing the double on route to winning League One. Surviving in the Championship last season, their first year back in the second tier for over a decade, Portsmouth signed Reading defender Tom McIntyre for £75,000 in 2024. After initially playing regularly, the 26-year-old is now out of favour at Fratton Park, spending the second half of the season on loan with Charlton Athletic and linked with a move away from the South Coast this summer. Reading have twice reached the quarter-final of the League Cup, but not since 1998. Ties are due to take place week commencing August 11 and tickets will announced in due course.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Eight years and counting for Reading captain after signing new one-year contract
Reading captain Andy Yiadom has signed a new one-year contract with the club, taking his stint with the club to seven years and counting. The full-back suffered a difficult 2024/25 campaign, carrying an injury from the end of the previous season which saw him miss the first seven months. Advertisement However, the Ghana international returned in March and managed 14 appearances in League One as Noel Hunt's side narrowly missed out on the play-offs. Following in the footsteps of Joel Pereira and Lewis Wing, the fan favourite committed to another year in Berkshire, looking to add to his 222 Royals appearances. Club Chairman, Rob Couhig, commented: "We are truly excited to have Andy extend his career with the Club. The last year of rehabilitation has been difficult. "However, he demonstrated he is a true professional. He worked hard, supported his teammates, and demonstrated a commitment to his craft. He seems ready to go and we are certainly ready to have him helping the club reach its goals. Advertisement First Team Manager, Hunt, added: "Yids' impact both on and off the pitch is second to none, and we are delighted to have him signed up for another season. "Last year was tough for him, but he came back strongly in the second half of the season and is back for pre season looking fresh and ready for the fight."
BBC News
3 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
QPR sign Reading defender Mbengue
Queens Park Rangers have agreed to sign defender Amadou Mbengue when his contract with League One side Reading will complete his move on 1 July after agreeing an undisclosed deal at Loftus is the club's first signing since the appointment of Julien Stephan as their new head coach, replacing Marti Cifuentes."Amadou brings pace, power, defensive nous and an infectious personality to the first-team squad, as well as EFL experience. We are pleased that he has chosen QPR to take his next step," said chief executive Christian will start the new Championship campaign with a home game against Preston North End on 9 August, having finished 15th last - who has played for Senegal at under-23 level - made 109 appearances for Reading after joining them from French club Metz in 2022, scoring three goals, and had been offered a new contract by the Royals.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
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Reading sign Cambridge keeper Stevens
Jack Stevens joins Reading after his contract expired with Cambridge United [Getty Images] Reading have signed goalkeeper Jack Stevens following the end of his deal with Cambridge United. The 27-year-old has penned a two-year-deal with the Royals until the summer of 2027. Stevens previously played in the third tier at Oxford United as well as Port Vale, and most recently Cambridge. Advertisement "We're really happy to bring Jack into the squad as we continue to build our team for the new season," chairman Rob Couhig said. "He has plenty of experience in this league and will form a key part of our goalkeeping team as we look to strengthen across all areas." During his time at Oxford United, Stevens made 74 appearances and at Cambridge he played 52 times, keeping 13 clean sheets. "We're delighted to sign a keeper of Jack's stature and calibre to the club," first-team boss Noel Hunt said. "He's someone who goalkeeping coach Rob [Shay] has known for many years, and has a great pedigree in this division. "As a person, he is exactly the type of character we want around the dressing room, and I'm really looking forward to working with him."
