YOUNG Reading FC full-back Tennai Watson has joined AFC Wimbledon on a season-long loan.

The 21-year-old defender heads to Kingsmeadow with a view to gaining some much-needed first-team experience under Neal Ardley, whose Dons side defeated Royals 4-2 in a friendly on Saturday.

Watson, one of 47 players to have come through Reading Academy to play for the first team, signed a new contract in February that keeps him at Madejski Stadium until summer 2021.

Reading Chronicle:

Tennai Watson signed a new three-year contact in February.

Watson made his senior Royals debut when he replaced Jordan Obita in a home victory against Preston on the opening day of the 2016-17 Championship campaign.

He then made his first start a few days later in a 2-0 home win over Plymouth Argyle in the EFL Cup.


In all, he made four starts and three subs appearances for the first team that season.

Sadly, last season was blighted with injury for Watson as he struggled with hamstring problems, which meant he did not feature in any first-team game.

He becomes the second depature at Madejski Stadium today after veteran striker Yann Kermorgant's contract was terminated by mutual consent.