As Ruben Selles tries to shape a team for his second season in command at the SCL Stadium, four contractual players will rapidly fall by the wayside with all the hoopla surrounding Femi Azeez’s continued presence with Reading following the announcement of the club’s released and retained list.
The four people who were part of Selles’ plans when they arrived—Matt Carson, Sam Hutchinson, Nesta Guinness-Walker, and Clinton Mola—have been declared surplus to needs.
Examine the list below to see if the team will be missing any of the players that are leaving this summer.
Arriving back in his native county, the very experienced midfield player, who as a young player had nearly lost his career, rallied to make over 250 appearances for Sheffield Wednesday.
When the combative operator was signed by Paul Ince, many anticipated that he would play a major role in establishing the culture in the still-developing dressing room during his first two full seasons with the team.
Early on, supporters saw promise in him as a rugged tackler and old school player who made a big presence in the middle of the pitch.
His campaign last season was ultimately hampered by injuries, leading to relegation, with only 12 appearances; however, this season will be different.
It is hardly shocking that his final appearance in a Royals shirt occurred on that fatal afternoon in Shropshire, given that he started the first 11 League One games, which yielded just three victories.
Reading gave up and lost 3-2, with two goals coming in extra time, despite leading 2-0 and having a strong performance from me.
The way the game was played at Croud Meadow infuriated fans, coaches, players, and even the media, but Hutchinson’s choice to criticize his teammates and manager harshly in his post-match interview caused permanent harm. Following his race in the Royal County, the 33-year-old was never seen again.
Did Hutchinson’s impact on the field been limited by injuries? Indeed. However, his followers believed that day at Shrewsbury to be his last.
Another youthful and talented full-back was signed in the summer of 2023, the same summer that former manager Mark Bowen took over as Director of Football.
He was sent out on loan to Stevenage, managed by Steve Evans, in January. He made 14 appearances in the second half of the season, passing the eye test when given more freedom to operate out wide and demonstrating his obvious offensive potential.
Given that Alex Revell, the former assistant manager, is now in charge, it shouldn’t come as a surprise if Guinness-Walker signs a full-time contract to return to Las Vegas.
He merely doesn’t fit the mold that Reading and Selles require.
Mola arrived with a solid reputation from German team Stuttgart and had made an impression for the England youth teams, making his selection a very tough one. He only made six appearances for Blackburn Rovers, spending the majority of those games out of position, therefore it took him some time to get used to
It is therefore entirely down to him and his diligence that on a warm May morning, there was a broad sense of dismay and disappointment that he was not staying longer.
With the exception of the occasional hairy moment—which most third-tier players experience—he had established himself as a reliable member of the remarkably effective hotch-potch defense, which featured four rookies.
Is Mola going to be missed by Reading? Maybe. With his background and age of 23, there’s no reason he can’t aim higher. Is there, however, a more affordable option available for a team that is still experiencing an ownership crisis? Very likely.
Early in the season, Carson, 21, received opportunities with Selles’ first squad—his first taste of senior football—and his ability to span the field drew attention.
Regretfully, he wasn’t always seen favorably; others also took notice of his defensive work.
Though it’s too soon to tell if the North-West native would go on to make Reading regret their choice, he is a popular figure in the club due to his youthful energy, hunger, and contagious charisma.
For every young talent that makes it to the Premier League, like Gabe Osho or Jack Stacey, there are countless more who have successful careers in lower leagues, or none at all.
One to watch out for