Tom Holmes has expressed his disappointment at Reading FC Academy’s recent downgrade to Category Two status.
The team failed its audit earlier this year and will now play in the Professional Development League.
Holmes joined the club’s youth set-up at eight years-old, playing at every age-group before making his first team debut in 2018.
He said: “I was disappointed, I can’t lie, when I found out about [the downgrade], more because of the relationship I have with the coaches, who will be disappointed, and also with young players coming through now.
“It’s disheartening for them, especially lads that have just signed and have been promised a better standard of games, and better standard in general around the place.
“It’s disappointing, but luckily I came through at the right time.”
The decision was made by the Professional Game Board after the club reportedly failed its audit.
According to The Training Ground Guru, issues such as understaffing and facilities not being fully open were contributing factors.
The Royals have boasted Category One since the inception of the Premier League’s Elite Player Performance Plan in 2012.
A statement released by the club stated owner Mr Dai was committed to running the Academy at the “very highest standard” and that the club would be reapplying for top status this year.
Holmes expressed his gratitude for the support the Academy has afforded him, saying: “It’s made me everything I am really. I’ve got everything to owe them.
“They’ve put everything on a plate and I’ve made the most of it, and it’s not just me, a lot of players have benefited from the system.”
The club’s newly-appointed vice-captain highlighted the role senior players will play in the development of Reading’s emerging talents.
“I’m stepping into more of a senior role so it’s something that I’ve definitely taken on board with the likes of Kelvin [Ehibhationham] and [Kelvin] Abrefa and any younger lads looking to push in,” he said.
“I’ve learned a lot, and I know [McIntyre] has learned a lot, from the senior boys so it’s invaluable really.”
Holmes is keen to use the bond he and his fellow Academy graduate McIntyre share with the Reading faithful.
The centre-half hopes to repay the fans’ support with positive performances on the pitch.
He said: “I’ve had a lot of time to reflect over the summer on where I am and there was a good project offered to me here.
“I know what I want to become here, I know who I can become and the role I can play, so it’s just [a case of] working towards that.”
“I’ve got a lot of love from Reading fans these last couple of years and they can really relate to the likes of me and [Tom McIntyre] living out their dreams. It really is special.”
