Reading FC have confirmed their latest addition as goalkeeper Jack Stevens joins the club on a two-year deal.
Stevens joins the goalkeeper union in RG2 with a wealth of experience in Sky Bet League One, having kept goal in the third tier at Oxford United, Port Vale, and most recently Cambridge United.
Club Chairman, Rob Couhig, spoke of the new addition: “We’re really happy to bring Jack into the squad as we continue to build our team for the new season.
He has plenty of experience in this league and will form a key part of our goalkeeping team as we look to strengthen across all areas. He’s a great kid, and we know he’ll come in and work hard alongside Joel and Rob to really push for that starting spot.”
First Team Manager, Noel Hunt, commented: “We’re delighted to sign a keeper of Jack’s stature and calibre to the club. He’s someone who Rob [Shay] has known for many years, and has a great pedigree in this division.
“As a person, he is exactly the type of character we want around the dressing room, and I’m really looking forward to working with him.”
Stevens spent his formative years based in Newbury, and enjoyed a year at the John Madejski Academy just over a decade ago, combining his studies with further football opportunities.
It was at this point he caught the attention of current Head of Goalkeeping Rob Shay, who brought Jack into the Academy setup for further training and development in 2013/14.
With opportunities limited in Berkshire, Jack signed on to the Oxford United Academy, which begin a nine year association with the U’s that saw him graduate through the age groups through to the First Team. In his maiden season in 2020/21 he received the plaudits with his exploits between the sticks seeing his side seal a Play-Off spot in the third tier.
In 2022/23, Stevens would enjoy a loan spell at fellow League One outfit Port Vale, where he would make 27 league appearances for the Valiants, before the expiration of his Oxford contract in 2023.
A move to another varsity followed, when Jack joined Camrbridge United on a free transfer, with the shot stopper making over 50 appearances for the Amber Army. He played the full 90 minutes in his sides defeat to the Royals on New Years Day, and will join up with his new teammates this pre season.
