FANS' favourite Mikele Leigertwood has returned to Reading FC to take up a key role at the club's Academy.

The popular Championship title-winner has been gaining his coaching badges with non-league Hungerford Town FC since injury forced him to hang up his boots two years ago.

But the ex-player whose goal against Nottingham Forest sent Royals into the Premier League in 2012 is now back at Madejski Stadium to drive home the club's Academy Loan Strategy which aims to ensure youngsters make the most of loan moves.

The position was previously occupied by Reading-born ex-Royals loanee Hayden Mullins, who left recently to become assistant coach of Watford Under 21s.

Leigertwood joined Reading on loan from QPR in 2010 before the combative midfielder sealed a permanent move that summer.

In all he scored 10 goals in 106 league and cup appearances including the decisive strike against Forest that sent Brian McDermott's Royals back to the Premier League in 2012.

Just last month Reading celebrated winning Category 1 status for the fourth year running.

Meanwhile, Reading will be looking to keep their winning pre-season run going when they travel to AFC Wimbledon this Saturday (3pm ko).

Jaap Stam's young side secured a 2-1 victory at Swindon Town on Tuesday night thanks to late goals from Deniss Rakels and Jack Stacey.