Reading FC

Playing for Reading FC is a dream come true for Whitley lad Hayden Mullins
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Hayden Mullins comes home to Reading FC

By Jonny Fordham
March 16, 2012

Reading lad Hayden Mullins claims that it will be a dream come true to pull on the blue-and-white hoops of his hometown club.

Royals have snapped up the versatile midfielder on loan from cash-strapped Portsmouth until the end of the season.

And 32-year-old Mullins could go straight into the squad to face Barnsley at Oakwell tomorrow (3pm kick-off).

The former Crystal Palace and West Ham star was keen to join the club last season when boss Brian McDermott expressed an interest.

But Steve Cotterill, Pompey’s manager at the time, refused to sanction the deal.

Mullins, who grew up in Whitley and went to Ryeish Green school, said: “It’s always been my dream and ambition to play for Reading.

“Ever since I started playing I really wanted to play for Reading and being from the town it’s a fantastic opportunity for me to join a club on the up.

“The move nearly came about last year, but I wasn’t allowed to leave Portsmouth then.

“I don’t want to come here and upset things. I just want to be a part of things and if needed I will do a job for the manager.

“I won’t come here and demand to play. I know all about the club and would love to sign here permanently, but there’s a long way to go yet.

“With the state of things at Portsmouth, it was hard leaving the dressing-room where the boys are fighting for their lives.”

McDermott spoke of his delight at finally getting hold of his man, saying: “He’s a good guy and he’s everything that we’re about as a club.

“He can play in three positions. I’ve known him for years and it’s a good signing that reinforces the depth in this squad.

“At this stage of the season it’s important for me to have a guy with experience who has played in the Premier League.

“And I’m sure the fans will love him with his Reading connections.”

Mullins’ nine-year-old son Maxwell is already part of the Reading Academy set-up.

And Royals’ new recruit said: “At his age he is definitely better than what I was.

“He’s a striker and scores all the goals.”

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Bored people for a long time by saying Raeding should have got him to replace Sidwell. Be interesting to see where Brian fits him in as we've needed someone in midfield who can switch the play from the wings to through the middle when we come up against it. My only reservation is I didn't think he was still that good when we played Pompey.

Silver Royal, Woodley
16/03/2012 at 14:36

Should be a good edition to the squad, heard he likes watching Westerns and musicals as well! Interesting character

@ southbank Dave. Mr Armitage was still there even after Hayden and the rest of our year left, in fact, Mr Armitage was still working at the school when it closed down a year or two ago. That was some commitment !!!

Joey333, Spencers Wood
16/03/2012 at 13:30

Big P & deejaykay - Your posts consistently prove you're both as thick as sh#t.

Lester Crinklesack
16/03/2012 at 13:14

I've always supported Mr Madejski & Brian McDermott, don't worry Hayden, the moaners are still here, but a bit quieter at present..... PS I went to Ryeish Green School many years before you and couldn't believe that Mr Armitage was still there when you were!! Good memories.

Southbank Dave
16/03/2012 at 13:06

Good to see proper Reading fans welcoming him. Well done lads, and good luck Mr Mullins.

Bushes Bernal
16/03/2012 at 13:06

I agree with Bushal...nuff haters calling themselves fans! You would think by now real fans would trust the gaffers judgement! The guy was (maybe is still) a proper premier league centre midfielder! I am very happy to see him playing for us and I think it could be yet another McDermott masterstroke!

Back the boys!

Dee Reading Man, Tilehurst, Reading
16/03/2012 at 12:50

I went to school and was in the same year as Hayden. He was then, and always has been since, a great bloke. He left to become a professional footballer (much to the envy of his mates) but he never forgotten his roots. He was back at Ryeish (before it closed down) to help our old PE teacher Mr Armitage give out awards to pupils. It seems really harsh to label him a "big - expensive - mistake" when you havent even seen him play for the Royals yet. He has been signed on LOAN from pompey, so didnt actually cost anything. Now Reading may have to pay all or most of his salary but being a pompey player previously I cant imagine he is on the silly money some of the PL players are. And as for this "why didnt he sign five years ago then?" - do you know anything about how football transfers and contracts work ? Could Hayden, five years ago, walked into his then managers office and said "right , cheerio, Im off to play for Reading..." I dont think so. And lastly, if Hayden scores some important goals, or helps out with the defensive side of things and Reading get promoted to the Premiership will you still label him "a waste of money?" no ? I didnt think so. Good luck Hayden and good luck Reading FC.

Joey333, Spencers Wood
16/03/2012 at 12:46

Welcome Hayden. My mate will be chuffed. He went to the same school as you, but a cuople of years above.

Don't worry about the moaners on here. You won't see them for dust when we're celebrating Promotion!

TilehurstSouthbank, Tilehurst, Reading
16/03/2012 at 12:37

Could not think of a better player to bring to the club at this stage of the season. Welcome home! Agree with Bushes Bernal how can you moan about a player before you seen him play in the hoops. Still can't get my head around people who moan like this. Life is good at Reading at the moment. Remember the past and look forward tot the future.

Distant Royal

Distant Royal
16/03/2012 at 12:22

Nice to see a local lad playing for a local side. One thing I know it isnt for the money. I have known him since he played for Reading school boys and he is well grounded and unlike loads of players seem to do has not forgot where he comes from. So Mr Doom and Gloom give the man a chance.

Classified
16/03/2012 at 12:16

Everyone doesnt have to agree with me, but you ARE a moaner as your first post proved. A new player comes to Reading and you don't like it? Call yourself a Reading fan?

Your comments say more about you than about Mullins. It is utterly pathetic that I am still the only poster on Getreading to welcome a new player to the club. Sums up the gimboid Reading 'fans' registered here.

Bushes Bernal
16/03/2012 at 11:53

Here we go again. Everyone must agree with Bushes Bernal or else your opinion is just moaning.

Big P, Reading
16/03/2012 at 11:30

Good luck to you Royals for the rest of the season.

Really hope you come up and join the Swans this year, and i believe you will.

Had great banter with your fans at Wembley last May.....

Quality side...quality fans........

All the best