'You can never say never': Reading boss on January window and Hull City 'clause'
'You can never say never.'
Those were the words of Reading manager Noel Hunt as fears over January remain amongst those inside and outside the club as the transfer window looms large.
Last winter, key stars such as Nelson Abbey, Tom McIntyre and Tom Holmes were sold without the consent on boss Ruben Selles, a contributing factor to such fan unrest that a match with Port Vale was abandoned due to a pitch invasion from supporters.
Hunt is the new man in the hotseat, following Selles' exit to Hull City earlier in the month, but 12 months on it is still impossible to rule out such behaviour as the club remain locked in a loveless relationship with owner Dai Yongge.
Reading play three matches before January, with key stars such as Harvey Knibbs, Lewis Wing and Tyler Bindon already being linked away.
Speaking on the prospect of losing players, even without Hunt's permission, the playing legend commented: "You can never say never. You don’t know what is going to happen. The club know and we stand strong as a staff and unit that we don’t want players leaving, they’re so important to the football club and to the run-in. As much as we can, we want to keep as many as we can together. If we can keep the squad together, that would be amazing. If we could maybe add one, I know at the minute it is impossible, you never know.
"If that is the case [needed to raise funds], obviously we have to look at it. There are ways around it- if that is the case that one of our talented players go, can they be loaned back? These are questions I’ve asked. It’s tough to get answers but I just have to focus on the squad and try to pre-empt if something happens, what is Plan B or Plan C. Ultimately, we want to stick with Plan A."
The latest twist in a dramatic 18 months at the club was the departure of manager Selles, who commanded the love and respect from those inside and on the outside of the building.
Rumours have been rife with the Spaniard reportedly keen on taking some of his former players to the MKM Stadium with him next month, however the two clubs agreed a clause as part of his exit which should ensure it does not happen...at least, for the time being.
Speaking specifically on the existence of said clause and it's impact, Hunt added: "As far as I’m aware, there is. It was done through the clubs and as far as I’m led to believe there is something in place that means we can’t, or won’t, sell players to Hull."
Reading are looking at extending the loan deal with Chem Campbell, which is currently set to expire on January 5, but remain under transfer embargo from the English Football League.
