"Fits in perfectly" - Jobi McAnuff, Reading FC claim made | OneFootball

FLW's Reading fan pundit pinpoints one former player that would be a perfect fit for Ruben Selles' side

Reading have made a positive start to the new League One season.

The Royals currently sit eighth in the table with seven points from their first four games, and will be looking to compete in the top half of the third division this year.

The takeover situation surrounding the Berkshire outfit is still yet to officially be finalised with Royals supporters hopeful for a resolution soon to the torrid Dai Yongge era.

When implemented, Ruben Selles will be hoping that the new owners can help him build a team capable of competing for a play-off place in League One.

However, they will have to wait until the January window to make any further signings after the summer deadline passed on 30 August.

Jobi McAnuff Reading claim

When asked which former player he would like to see in the team, FLW’s Reading fan pundit Johnny Hunt answered Jobi McAnuff.

He has claimed that the now 42-year-old back in his prime would be a perfect addition due to his versatility and leadership qualities.

“One player that would fit into our starting XI, I was thinking Nicky Shorey as a left-back, which we need, overlapping,” Hunt told Football League World.

“But the one that I’d actually pick, who can play perfectly in a three up front, he can play on the right, he can play on the right in midfield but can also play central midfield as well, if needed, and also from where the club is at, as a leader, as a human being, as a role model, as a person, captain, personality would just fit into this team perfectly, I think Jobi McAnuff.

“I think he’s just so well respected, and if we’re being realistic with the small squad that we have.

“Somebody that can play different roles, if you asked him to play right-back or in goals he probably would.

“I just think his personality, leadership, fits in perfectly with the team that we have.

“Especially with all the younger players coming through, I couldn’t think of a better role model for them to learn from.

“He’s a legend at Reading as well, I think he would really, really gel with the team perfectly.”

Jobi McAnuff’s Reading stint

McAnuff signed for Reading in 2009, making the switch from Watford, having spent two years at Vicarage Road.

He went on to make 189 league appearances for the club before departing in 2014 for Leyton Orient.

McAnuff helped the team gain promotion to the Premier League in 2012, contributing five goals and 11 assists from 40 appearances in the 2011/12 campaign.

He then went on to feature in all 38 of their top flight games the following year, but the club suffered relegation to the Championship with a 19th place finish.

McAnuff’s leadership skills would be excellent for Reading

While McAnuff’s versatility and general quality would’ve been a great addition for Selles’ squad to have, it is his leadership ability that might most be needed.

This is a young and relatively inexperienced Reading squad, so having someone like McAnuff available in the dressing room could’ve been huge.

He knows what it takes to play at the highest level, and helped the Royals gain promotion to the Premier League.

Having someone like that in the team is something Selles should look to add in January if they can find the right target under the new ownership.