Reading FC Under 23’s manager Noel Hunt is raring to go as his team returned to Bearwood Park ahead of the new campaign.
Hunt took over as under 23’s manager at the club in February and now prepares to take charge of his first full campaign.
Paying tribute to Reading legend Eamonn Dolan who passed away six years ago, Hunt spoke about the significant impact he had on the club.
He said: “The whole place, everything around here reminds you of Eamonn.
“There was hardly anyone in for the last few weeks, but the players coming back today (Monday) is fitting because they all walk past the big picture of Eamonn smiling on the way back in.
“I’m sure he’d be a very proud man today seeing them walk through the door.
“There’d be no man more to see this than himself. Unfortunately he didn’t get to see the vision come through but I’m sure he’s here in spirit.”
Hunt was delighted to welcome his squad back for the start of pre-season as they begin preparations ahead of a new season.
Hunt continued: “It was nice to spend time with the family, but it gets to the point after a few weeks where you just want to get back in.
“Today’s the start of a new chapter and we’re looking forward to it.
“This is what it’s about, the fundamentals of hard work, desire, hunger to come in here and step across to the first-team.
“A lot of these boys don’t realise how lucky they are to play for Reading Football Club. They have to give everything they have to go and play for the first-team.
“We’ve got a fantastic academy and lots of players coming through.
“For us, we want to push these boys as much as we can and get them ready for the first-team environment.
“And to show them what it takes to get there, and to stay there. Desire, hunger, hard work, underdog mentality, that’s what we need at Reading. Outworking teams and letting our football come through.
“The gaffer (Paul Ince) will have his ideas in his team and he’ll bring players in, no doubt.
“Everyday is an opportunity to show us, and if they’re good enough and they earn the right, they’ll go over to the first-team.
“And that’s what the academy is about, earning the right.
“They have to realise that it’s not enough just to be talented.
“You have to work hard, to graft. It’s not easy but these guys are very fortunate and they’re starting to get that and starting to understand what hard work looks like.
“That will be the platform to get them up to the first-team.”
