Reading FC manager has confirmed the appointment of a new club captain ahead of the start of the 2025/26 campaign.
Midfielder Lewis Wing has been selected to take the armband, previously worn by Andy Yiadom.
He also confirmed that goalkeeper Joel Pereira will be vice-captain, while the leadership group will be completed by Paudie O’Connor, Andy Yiadom and another young player of the captain’s choice.
Speaking to Royals TV, Noel Hunt said: “I spoke to Yids (Yiadom) four or five weeks ago about how he feels and where he is. He’s been an amazing captain for this football club.
“I felt like I want Yids to focus on himself this season. He’s 33 now, he’s not getting any younger and I want to make sure he’s right to play and train and be involved with the team.
“I felt like passing that mentor on to a younger, a player who has signed a long term deal, someone who does it right every day, who demands and drives standards every day on and off the pitch. It’s important we have that kind of leadership.
“There was only really one candidate who was standing out, Lewis Wing will be the new club captain and Joel Pereira will be the new vice captain.
“These two boys are massive characters in the dressing room for us, have signed long term deals, they drive standards every day. We feel it’s a perfect fit for both us and them.
“Wingy is very vocal and we want him to flourish in that. When I spoke to him about it he was so pleased and overjoyed. He puts the team first and Joel was the same. We’ve got a leadership group and Yids is a massive part of that.”
Reading kick-off their League One season on Saturday with an away trip to Lincoln City (3pm) kick-off).
