READING FC kick off the brand new League One season this Saturday when they host Peterborough United.
The Royals are on the brink of a new era under new boss Ruben Selles in their first campaign in the third tier for more than two decades.
However, Selles’ rebuilding has been hampered by a second transfer embargo after the club’s owners failed to pay HMRC once again.
The Spaniard, who had planned to bring in up to 10 new recruits, has admitted that the club are ‘far from ready’ for the new campaign after the most recent financial issues which placed them back under embargo last week.
Despite their constant financial troubles, the club has managed to recruit four new players. However, there are concerns whether new players Lewis Wing and Charlie Savage will be registered in time to play the season opener.
Meanwhile, Sam Smith, who joined on a free transfer from Cambridge United is expected to face a significant period on the sidelines after suffering a quad injury which is being assessed this week.
Reading’s dreadful run of results dates all the way back to February, which was the last time they won a match in any competition as the team were relegated from the Championship in the 2022/23 season.
Saturday’s opponents had an extraordinary end to their campaign last season after finishing in sixth position which gave them a place in the play-offs.
The Posh earned a sensational result in the semi-finals first-leg as they defeat Sheffield Wednesday 4-0 despite finishing 19 points behind the Owls in the league.
However, Wednesday completed a remarkable turnaround to complete the most dramatic comeback in play-off history as they beat the Posh 5-1 in the return leg to win a place at Wembley.
They went on to defeat Barnsley in the final to win promotion to the Championship.
Peterborough are managed by Darren Ferguson who is in his fourth stint as manager of the club.
Ferguson signed a new three year deal with the club in May.
The Posh have been active in this summer’s transfer window with nine new incomings, while eight players have departed.
Peterborough have so far managed to keep hold of star striker Jonson Clarke-Harris who is reportedly attracting plenty of attention form Championship clubs.
The forward netted 26 goals in 36 games in League One last season.
Reading’s last meeting with the Posh, in February 2022, ended in a goalless draw.
Predicted Reading line-up: Bouzanis, Abrefa, Yiadom, Holmes, Guinness-Walker, McIntyre, Senga, Azeez, Knibbs, Ehibhatiomhan, Carroll
