"A real godsend" - Reading FC lauded for club's "unreal" youth academy situation | OneFootball

FLW's Reading fan pundit has praised the Royals' "unreal" academy which is the club's pride and joy at this current moment.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Reading have struggled in recent years on and off the pitch, but one element they succeed in is their academy's success.

It's been a rough rollercoaster for Reading fans over the years, from ownership troubles, to relegation, but the Royals should take serious pride in their youth system.

Their setup has consisted of serious talent over the years. Academy graduates include the likes of Tom Holmes, Gabriel Osho, Jake Cooper and shows the development has helped many clubs in the Championship.

Now, the new era of youngsters are beginning to come through and continues to extend the Ding's status as a category 1 academy.

They share this status with some of the biggest clubs in England, proving Reading's academy is a brilliant environment for young and upcoming players.

"Keeping the club going at the minute" - Reading FC claim on academy success

FLW's Reading FC fan pundit, Johnny Hunt, is thrilled with the academy and believes the talent is making a huge contribution to the Royals' future.

"I can't say enough really about our club's academy. It's unreal.

"Shay Spencer made his debut on Saturday in the league, Basil Tuma came on, Andre Garcia the young left-back.

"Obviously, because of the situation at the club, not being able to do much transfer business, we're relying more and more on our academy, but it's always had a good reputation, a level one category in League One, which is unreal.

"It's such a good setup, and it keeps producing players, and the good thing for this young talent, is they know there is a pathway because we've got such a small squad, and we have to rely on them to make up the team.

"There is a real opportunity where someone who is good enough, they'll get to play, whereas at other clubs they may be forced out on loan or go elsewhere because there isn't a lot of opportunity due to there being more senior players.

"It's brilliant for them, and it's brilliant for us to see these young guys given a chance, as local lads as well, and there is more and more coming through.

"It's a real godsend, and it's keeping the club going at the minute"

Reading haven't had many positives in terms of the atmosphere around the club, but the academy success is what keeps the pride around the club.

There are 14 current academy graduates in Reading's first team, showing the extraordinary amount of faith the club has in their young stars.

The question mark is up in there still surrounding Reading's ownership, but what is a certainty is the effect it's had on the academy's success.

So far, it doesn't seem like there is no one better suited for the managerial position than Ruben Selles, who is giving these youngsters the chance.

In a difficult period for the Royals, their brilliant youth system is shining through as a saviour.