The likes of Theo Walcott and Charlie Austin might have been playing for Reading if things turned out differently.
Arsenal’s Theo Walcott
Reading are having a positive season in the Championship and are looking likely to be in the play-off mix, despite a recent hiccup against Norwich City.
It has been a good time for Reading in the Championship, but looking at some of the players they have missed out on over the years, it is a wonder why they are not established in the top-flight anyway…
Theo Walcott
The England and Arsenal forward grew up in West Berkshire and did attend open trials at Reading when a youngster.
In the end he joined Southampton when he was 11-years-old, where he first made his name, before joining Arsenal in 2006.
Crystal Palace’s Connor Wickham celebrates scoring their first goal
Connor Wickham
The 24-year-old striker may have not yet lived up to his talents, but might have been one Reading could have nurtured.
He was at the club for four years, before joining Ipswich Town in 2006.
Southampton’s Charlie Austin scores their first goal from the penalty spot
Charlie Austin
It seems absurd now, but the Hungerford-born striker was released by Reading at age 15 for being too small.
Now a 6ft 2ins bullish striker, Reading must be scratching their heads.
He came through the ranks with various non-league sides, eventually finding his way to Swindon Town, Burnley, QPR and now, Southampton.
Matty Cash of Nottingham Forest in action with Liam Bridcutt of Leeds United
Liam Bridcutt
The Leeds United captain may have come through the youth academy at Chelsea but he was born in Reading.
He had the chance to return to Berkshire last summer, but instead chose to join former loan club Leeds permanently.
Dominic Solanke
Dominic Solanke
Born in Basingstoke, the talented young striker is another player that Reading missed out on to Chelsea.
The England under-21 international has been at the club since 2004, but looks likely to leave tis summer.
Perhaps Reading should coax him back.
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