As we approach the upcoming season, Reading FC defender Harlee Dean has alluded to the possibility that he may not play for the Royals. After being released by Birmingham City, the 32-year-old signed a free transfer for the Berkshire club last summer.
But Ruben Selles made substitutions early in the season, starting Tyler Bindon and Nelson Abbey, a younger center-back duo, and he had trouble getting playing time. After Abbey left in January, Selles chose to start Amadou Mbengue. With 11 League One appearances, Dean appeared for the Royals just 16 times in all competitions last season. He only managed one goal, which came in the EFL Trophy victory against rivals Swindon Town, 5-0. “It (Birmingham) was a walk in the park compared to a year at Reading,” he stated during an appearance on the Birmingham City podcast “Keep Right On.” “Out of the frying pan and into the fryer,” is how I interpret it.
Reading has proven to be far more challenging than Birmingham was over those six years. We had ownership issues at Blues, but it appears like things have entirely improved and the club is now amazing. There is a genuine state to reading. It is unfortunate for football that a team like Reading is in its current position. Due diligence on the part of those in positions of authority on the purchase of clubs is lacking, as evidenced by the experiences of the manager, players, layoffs, lack of food, and travel restrictions. It’s embarrassing for a club the size of Reading. It was a good job by all of them to lead them to safety.
The former captain of Birmingham then acknowledged that he might not be returning to Reading. He went on:I simply want to play as many games as I can and enjoy myself while staying in shape, so it might not even be in Reading. I still have a lot to give, especially in League One. I just need to start playing and play regularly. Nothing keeps you as fit and resilient as playing game after game, and that’s what keeps you safe.”
