Reading FC: Royals fans purr over Josh Sims signing as Southampton supporters criticise club over loan deal

The 21-year-old – who could make his debut at Blackburn tomorrow night – is highly regarded by Saints fans and his capture is a major coup for Royals boss Paul Clement.

It also appears to have lifted the mood at Madejski Stadium after Reading’s worst start to a league season since 1959/60.

And Sims joining for the rest of the campaign certainly had Reading fans purring on social media.

Here’s a selection of the best tweets:

Josh Sims will be huge for us

— Saul22 (@SaulSmith22) August 20, 2018

Hats off to our owners etc, getting Josh Sims undercover. Feels like it’ll be a great signing for us

— 🦁 (@KingTiago_) August 20, 2018

Just seen we’ve signed Josh Sims, very happy with that! #readingfc #SimsSecured

— Luke Tizzard (@luke_tizzard) August 20, 2018

Josh sims is a cracking signing! Young, hungry, fast,creative. Him and barrow will tear wing-backs apart! Love it#readingfc

— TylerChilds2412 (@Tyler81766238) August 20, 2018

Josh Sims is a belting player for Reading. Like him a lot

— karl (@hcafckarl) August 20, 2018

But it seems many Saints supporters are sad to see Sims leave and believe he deserves to be playing for them.

Going to be honest, not very happy about Josh Sims getting loaned out, he’d definitely be around my match day squad. Best of luck to him though, he’ll make the first team football count for sure and i wouldn’t be surprised if he’s re-called in Jan. #saintsfc

— #HøjbjergDaily (Cam) (@CameronSFC) August 20, 2018

Josh Sims has joined #ReadingFC on loan from #SaintsFC today. Personally I’m not happy as I think he could play a role. Interested to hear the thoughts of fellow #southamptonfc fans and also #Royals fans to. @talkSAINTS

— Joe Ferrett (@joeferrett) August 20, 2018

Seriously is there any #SaintsFC fan who wouldnt rather have Josh Sims in the team than Nathan Redmond? Why isn't Redmond being loaned out to Reading for a season instead? Who made this decision?

— Issey Prada (@isseyprada) August 21, 2018

Been nearly two years since Josh Sims burst on to the scene with his fantastic performance against Everton, hasn't played much since then due to injury. 21 years of age, will improve at #readingfc. This is a good, postive move by #saintsfc IMO.

— Andrew (@andrew_saintsfc) August 21, 2018