Reading FC

Simon Church's current contract with Reading FC runs out at the end of this season.
advertisement

Simon Church urged to sign new deal at Reading FC

By Jonny Fordham
October 09, 2012

Simon Church has been urged to sign a new deal by manager Brian McDermott.

The striker’s current contract runs out at the end of this season and Church has yet to get on the pitch in a competitive game this season.

Church holds the upper hand in his contract wrangle as he can walk away for nothing in the summer.

However, the club have hit back and told interested parties Birmingham City, Huddersfield Town and Ipswich Town that he will not be allowed to leave on loan unless he commits his future to Reading.

When asked to explain the situation, McDermott said: “It’s not ideal.

“We would prefer he signs a contract and then goes out on loan and plays games.

“We will have to see and then re-assess it.”

The 23-year-old’s only action this season so far has been while on international duty for Wales.

All three of those games have ended in defeat.

“I need to talk to him and see where we have got to,” added McDermott.

“I’m trying to give Simon best advice and I want to make sure all my players do well.

“I think I’ve done that. I’ve told him to sign a contract here so he is protected and then get out on loan.

“If he does well then he will come back to us.

“Or, he does well and gets sold to another Premier League side.

“And if he doesn’t do well then he has a three-year contract here at Reading.”

| Submit Comments | View Comments (20)

« Previous Story | Next Story »

Most recent user comments 15 of 20

1 | 2 | Next Page Show 15 | 25 | 50 per page

He should sign a new contract and be given a chance in the team. You have to reward loyalty on both sides.

The Commentator
15/10/2012 at 14:13

Players from Premiership teams command higher transfer fees, they are also more attractive to lower league clubs (regardless of their ability).

Not sure that if he cut all ties with RFC that other clubs would be as interested...unless he signed a pre-transfer contract with an interested club.

Personally, I think he's got the ability (and a good work rate) and maybe he needs to move on just to kick on his career....I reckon RFC might've become too comfy for him.

Sign the contract and get a loan move Churchie.

Lester Crinklesack
10/10/2012 at 12:56

Perhaps he wants to play football. It's good to see he is not prepared to sign a three year and play for the U21s

come on lads
10/10/2012 at 12:10

The final four lines of the article are both truthful and accurate.

He's a young player who needs pitch time with a club that plays to his strengths, and he's not going to get either here for the foreseeable.

It's a win - win if he takes Brian's advice.

ray northstander
10/10/2012 at 08:52

Tilehurst Ender, Church still has value in the market, even if he doesn't feature in the Reading first team. McDermott clearly recognises that and therefore wants him tied to a new contract so that in the worst case scenario Reading can sell him for a reasonable sum of money rather than have him walk away for nothing.

Whislt far too many Reading fans regard Church as worthless, their are clearly some good clubs that know better and are keen to secure his services.

HARB
09/10/2012 at 23:21

Why we let key players run down their contracts is beyond me! However, Simon has NOT performed well enough to earn a new contract, perhaps we are already planner for The Championship? Surely a Club with ambition doesn't need a striker who doesn't score.

Tilehurst Ender, Spencers wood
09/10/2012 at 20:13

Worrying again that McD continues to show faith in sub standard players who will never cut it in the Premiership.

Not saying he would probably have done much better, but Antonio was a much better prospect and yet he was off loaded.

Mind boggling.

Big P, Reading
09/10/2012 at 19:16

If he went on a freebie, would he be a bargain? IMO. no.

Tilidie (The Original One), Woodley
09/10/2012 at 17:52

Think Reading is being tight fisted. Lad has given good service to the extent of his ability. Give him now the chance of finding a new club where his abilities would be in demand. Do we really feel 'playing with his future' for the sake of a few bob is being fair. Surprised at u Brian.

Bingley, Woodley
09/10/2012 at 16:59

get rid of him he is rubbish what ive seen of him

baz boy
09/10/2012 at 16:50

Odd flash of goal scoring ability, but lacks any consistency. Cant see him making the first 11, let alone subs bench with any probability of getting on the pitch. My vote is to let him go.

PS, I'd like to see Alfie more at this level.

Danny0367, Chorley, Lancashire
09/10/2012 at 15:38

Just let him go and give someone else a chance will ya Bri?! It's not going to work out, I think by now he would have made a mark if he was going to be successful at Reading. Plenty of other academy prospects who could be given a chance.

Craigy Boy
09/10/2012 at 15:26

Get him off the wage bill.

Fishlips
09/10/2012 at 14:57

If I was Simon Church I'd go elsewhere. The lad needs more games, otherwise he's a wasted talent. He's not going to get into the side in the next couple of years, so McD let him go. Might aswell look at bringing up one of the youth team lads who can wait to break into the team.

Fraggle Rocks, Reading
09/10/2012 at 13:45

He's an avearge player being treated badly.

McD is behaving like a spoilt child - I don't want him but he's mine so no-one else can have him either.

Grow up and lt him go.