Reading FC

Brian McDermott has revealed that Reading FC are searching for a new training ground
advertisement

Reading FC on the hunt for a new training ground

By Jonny Fordham
September 20, 2012

Brian McDermott has revealed that Reading are searching for a new training ground as they look to improve off the pitch.

Royals’ Hogwood Park base in Arborfield has undergone large-scale changes this summer, with new temporary buildings erected to help the club in their quest for Category 1 status in the Academy Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP).

The Reading Post understands that Royals have looked closely at a bigger piece of land near Aldermaston for a state-of-the-art facility, however the plans are still at an early stage.

In order to compete with their top-flight rivals, the club know that they will need a bigger facility than Hogwood, where they have been since the start of the 2004/05 season.

McDermott said: “We’re trying to upgrade everything and doing the best we possibly can – we’re trying to get a new training ground.”

Under the Premier League’s new youth development plans auditors who visited the training ground earlier this month are looking to reward clubs who have the best facilities.

“They’re trying to get world-class facilities and there’s nothing wrong with that,” said McDermott.

“We’re in the Premier League, it’s a world-class league and they want to upgrade everything. There’s a cost implication to that, but I have no problem with it as it’s raising the standards – that’s a good thing.

“We will wait and see now. For me the club is going to be successful because we have such good people here – that’s the most important thing.

“Whatever number the auditors give us we want to be the best we possibly can.

“We have a track record and Eamonn Dolan and his staff have produced players that have played in the league.

“Look at the guys playing international football coming from our Academy in the last five years.

“Our record is right up there with anyone in the country.”

McDermott’s transfer kitty won’t be affected by the club’s efforts to improve their training ground.

And they know that by improving what they have, they will also be able to attract a higher quality of player to Berkshire.

McDermott added: “My playing budget is done.

“I think the business we did in the window is incredible.

“To get the players we did for the money we paid was incredible. We’re delighted with the business that we have done.

“If we’re going to be an EPPP 1 club then it is going to cost.

“Initially the capital out-goings are high, but that’s what we’ve got to do.”