Reading FC sign former Brentford defender on free transfer

Reading have confirmed the signing of experienced central defender Harlee Dean on a two-year contract.

Straight off the back of snapping up Tivonge Rushesha on a free transfer, for a one-year deal, Reading have brought in Harlee Dean. While it’s also a free transfer, Dean has agreed a two-year contract.

As with Rushesha, Dean has spent time with the Royals over the summer, although he didn’t take part in any pre-season matches. Still, it’s reassuring to see him sticking around for a contract to be sorted, following the end of Reading’s second transfer embargo of the summer.

Unlike Rushesha, Dean is a vastly experienced player who’ll bring plenty of know-how to Reading’s squad. The 32-year-old has hundreds of games’ worth of experience with Brentford and Birmingham City, although he also spent part of the 2021/22 season on loan at then-third-tier side Sheffield Wednesday.

That experience will come in handy for a side that generally lacks that quality in the backline. Tom Holmes and Tom McIntyre could both benefit from playing alongside a veteran partner, while youngsters such as Jeriel Dorsett and Nelson Abbey will also learn a lot from him.

Head of football operations Mark Bowen said:

“Harlee brings many different qualities to Reading with him. He is another senior character and guiding voice in the dressing room, and he is a born leader with a track record of success. And most importantly, he is a hard-working, dependable footballer who loves the art of defending, and he will add quality and steel to Rubén’s team.”

Welcome to Reading, Harlee!

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‘Stay with us’ Ruben Selles sends message to Reading FC fans ahead of League One opener

READING FC manager Ruben Selles has urged fans to stick with his team ahead of the new League One season.

The Royals have faced several hurdles throughout the summer which has led to complications with transfers and has led to fans forming protest group ‘Sell Before We Dai’ to urge Dai Yongge to sell the club.

The fans plan to protest following the final whistle in Reading’s opening match against Peterborough on Saturday.

“I will always respect the fans, they will always have an opinion on the club of their lives,” said Selles.

“They have the right to do it. They were here before us and for sure will be here after me.

“It’s the club they love and have passion for and if they are not happy with the situation, that’s the way for them to express that. It’s their choice and I understand all of the passion.

“If I pushed a bit after the Swansea game it’s because I needed things to be done from inside to outside. Everybody can read after the game what was the situation.

“I come here to be Reading manager, I am honoured to be Reading manager, I want to give identity to the team.

“I don’t know the future, maybe the club will decide to change at some point but in my plans it’s not to go anywhere and to try and make the best of this football club.”

Selles reiterated that the club’s situation has improved over the last few days which has allowed him to add to his squad.

He continued: “Stay with us. Let’s enjoy the games. Put in some good performances and find a team that they can be proud of. My message is stay with us and let’s have fun together.

“We are ready to compete and the situation is much better than it was last week.

“I expect to see a good performance to set the standard for the rest of the season.”