Reading were one of the teams to see multiple goalkeeper signings, as James Bailey left to join Wimbledon. A change in coaching staff has seen a number of players leave the side, meaning a changing of the guard throughout the squad. In terms of goalkeepers, Reading have their first Canadian international, with Kevin Pereira joining after a season in Australia, where he impressed the Dings coach (also playing out there as the story goes), enough to bring him in. Tommy Alexander also rejoins, showing he bleeds blue as they say, after national league game experience with Indian Gym after being understudy at Surbiton. Whichever gets the nod, both have a strong technical game to compete at this level.
Goalkeepers:
Bailey's departure leaves question marks over who will make their claim to be his replacement.
Goalkeepers:
- Kevin Pereira
- Tommy Alexander (returns after seasons away)
- Gary Noble
- Barry Dukes
Incoming - Kevin from Western Wildcats (Aus), Tommy from Indian Gym
Outgoing - James Bailey to Wimbledon
Predicted starter:
Kevin will another goalkeeper buzzing with confidence going into the season. With effectively nothing to lose, he will surely be pumped and ready to compete for the number 1 shirt. Having competed in the Junior World Cup, with various high quality saves and tough teams to come up against, and then a season in Australia (where they also take their hockey pretty seriously!), this will add massive amounts to his goalkeeping development and playing CV. With this in mind, I would put money on him taking over, but it will be interesting to observe how things pan out over the course of the season
Predicted season outcome:
I expect Reading to have a mixed season given the amount of changes with outgoing players leaving for various other teams, seeing the Berkshire side 'change house' massively in changing their starting eleven hugely.
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