Reading make double signing

READING added two defenders to their squad yesterday (Wednesday) with Ryan Nyambe joining on loan   until the end of the season while Haydon Roberts signed a permanent two-and-a-half year deal.

Nyambe, who is capable of playing anywhere in defence, has joined the club from Derby County, having made seven appearances for the Championship club so far this season.

The 28-year-old Namibia international   rose through the ranks with Blackburn Rovers and made 201 appearances over a 12-year association at Ewood Park.

Winning promotion from League 1 with Rovers in 2018 he repeated the feat with the Rams in 2023 after moving to Pride Park following a short spell working under Reading manager Leam Richardson at Wigan Athletic.

Speaking after signing the defender on loan, Richardson said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Ryan to the club. First and foremost, he’s a great guy and a real character to have around the group.

“He knows exactly what it takes to get out of League 1 and has hundreds of matches of experience at both League 1 and Championship level. Ryan brings quality, versatility and real professionalism, and he’ll add valuable depth to the back line for the remainder of the season.”

Later in the day the club announced the permanent signing of Roberts from the Robins for an undisclosed transfer fee. The 23-year-old is capable of playing anywhere across the back while predominantly featuring on the left-hand side.

A youngster who rose through the ranks with Brighton and Hove Albion, earning plaudits at international level with England U17s and U18s, Roberts made seven cup appearances for the Seagulls.

Learning his trade on loan in League 1 with Rochdale and Derby County, Roberts moved permanently to Ashton Gate in 2023.

A regular over the past two seasons, Roberts has made 13 appearances this season- including a cameo in Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat to Ipswich Town, and 62 appearances in total for the Robins.

Speaking of his appointment, Richardson said: “We’re delighted to welcome Haydon to the club on a permanent deal. He’s a player we’ve been aware of for some time and someone we feel will be a really good fit for what we’re building here.

"He’s already made a decent number of appearances at Championship level, which says a lot about his ability and mentality. He brings athleticism and versatility, particularly down the left side, and we’re looking forward to getting him settled in quickly and seeing the impact he can make.”

Roberts becomes the Royals’ third signing in the January transfer window with forward Will Keane joining the club last week.

Meanwhile on the pitch,   Richardson admitted his team were “outrun” and “outfought” in their 3-1 League 1 defeat at Leyton Orient last Saturday.

 Former Royal Dominic Ballard netted a hat-trick at the BetWright Stadium while Jack Marriott was on target for the visitors as Reading’s five-match unbeaten run came to an abrupt end in East London.

 Speaking after the defeat, Richardson said: “They outfought and outran us and that is a fundamental of football. That is why we went on our run, because we started with a good foundation, outworking teams and our football came to fruition. We never got going today at all.

“You have to respect the opposition and ourselves more. You can’t turn up to stadiums and expect to win because you think you are a good footballing team. You have to make sure you respect yourself and do the fundamentals.

“We have to win our duels, our headers, our races and our tackles. Once you do that, you can build from that platform and be a good team, which we have been doing.”

Reading aim to bounce back to winning ways on Saturday when they host Barnsley, kick-off 3pm. The Royals are also in action at home on Tuesday when Exeter City visit the SCL Stadium for an 8pm kick-off.