12 months ago, five Reading stars departed in January for pastures new.

In a regular season for any League One club, this might not be the big deal that it became in this corner of Berkshire.

However, in this particular winter, with the heat already turned up on owner Dai Yongge, the infamous 'fire sale' was the final straw for many.

Established and experienced professionals, Tom McIntyre and Tom Holmes, moved on for a pittance while up-and-coming prospects Nelson Abbey, Caylan Vickers and Taylan Harris all departed to continue their development elsewhere.

What really stuck in the knife in was that some of these deals were completed without prior agreement from manager Ruben Selles.

A year on, as the new manager Noel Hunt and supporters hope to avoid a similar month this time around, let's take a look at where those five exits are now and how they have fared away from the SCL Stadium.

(Image: Owen Humphreys)

Tom Holmes- Luton Town

The first to officially depart was Academy graduate Holmes.

Having made his debut back in 2018 but really making his name since 2020, the central defender had racked up over 100 appearances for his boyhood club but had struggled to nail down a starting spot under Selles in the early months of his reign.

Moving to the Premier League Hatters on January 17, Holmes returned to the club on loan until the end of the season and was a key part of the side which rallied and survived comfortably.

A regular at Kenilworth Road this season, the 24-year-old has a goal and an assist in 17 appearances as Rob Edwards' side battle relegation upon their drop back to the Championship.

(Image: David Davies)

Nelson Abbey- Olympiacos

Born and raised in Woodley, 21-year-old Abbey became a regular from the beginning of 2023/24 and was a firm favourite among supporters from the get-go.

Highly regarded, the central defender managed 26 appearances before joining the Greek giants on January 25.

Making four appearances until the end of the season, Abbey made a temporary loan move to Swansea City in the summer but made just one 58 minute cameo in a Carabao Cup match for the Swans.

Last week, the club confirmed that the defender returned to Olympiacos and it is unknown whether he will return to the EFL for another temporary deal.

With friends and family still local, Abbey has been spotted regularly watching the Royals this season.

(Image: Steven Paston)

Tom McIntyre- Portsmouth

Similar to Holmes, McIntyre racked up over a century of appearances for his boyhood club after breaking through in 2018 but struggled to guarantee a starting spot in the early days of Selles.

Moving to Fratton Park for just £75,000, the 26-year-old was sent off and suffered a season-ending injury on his debut as John Mousinho's men returned to the Championship for the first time in over a decade.

Pompey have struggled this season, battling relegation throughout, and the former Scotland youth international has made just 12 appearances, being an unused substitute for eight of the last 10 matches.

Caylan Vickers- Brighton and Hove Albion

20-year-old Vickers was a breakthrough star in the early days of Selles, stepping up from the Under-18s and making 22 appearances, scoring three goals including a League One winner against Bolton Wanderers.

Looking likely to become a regular in League One, the attacking midfielder departed on January 30 to sign a long-term deal with Premier League Brighton.

Yet to make his first-team debut for the Seagulls, Vickers made eight Under-21 appearances last season and has racked up another 12 so far this season, netting six goals including a hattrick against bitter rivals Crystal Palace.

Taylan Harris- Luton Town

Under-18 midfielder Harris looked to be a rising star, netting four goals in two games during the FA Youth Cup run and scoring on his full debut against Exeter City in the historic 9-0 EFL Trophy victory.

However, the Turkey youngster failed to make another appearance for the club.

Moving to the Premier League with Luton, the teenager was on the bench in April for a 5-1 defeat to Manchester City but is yet to make his debut for the club.