Reading Under-23 manager Noel Hunt is "really looking forward" to the beginning of a "new chapter" as he leads his side into his first pre-season.

Taking over from Mehmet Ali in late winter, the former Republic of Ireland international picked up some impressive PL2 wins and took the side to Berks and Bucks Cup glory in May- the club's first win in the competition since 1994.

Formerly a Royal himself, playing more than 150 times between 2008 and 2013, Hunt now prepares his young side for not only the prospect of more youth minutes- but the potential for some first team minutes due to the club's embargo in the transfer window.

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Speaking to the club media, he said: "Today is the start of a new chapter so I’m really looking forward to it.

"It’s about setting your stall out now in the first day, the fundamentals, the hard work, the desire, the hunger to come in here and make that step across to the first team.

Reading Chronicle:

"A lot of these boys don’t know how lucky they are to play for Reading Football Club. There should be a real sense of pride to them. They’ve got to give everything they have to give their all for the shirt.

We’ve got a fantastic Academy. We’ve got players coming through, I think we’re the highest in the Championship for players coming through and playing in the first team level, so it’s a huge credit to the guys in the building but for us it’s about pushing these boys and getting them ready for the first team environment and trying to show them what it takes to get there and stay there.

"We’re Reading Football Club, that’s how we build our success; through being an underdog, outworking teams and letting our football come through."

Not to only staff member experiencing his first pre-season at Bearwood, first team boss Paul Ince has to navigate a campaign under strict financial restrictions and currently just nine first team players under contract.

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39-year-old Hunt, who won promotion to the Premier League with the club in 2012, believes the young stars of the future could get their chances this season- but will have to work hard for it.

"The gaffer will have his ideas and will have players coming in," he started. "So for these boys they have to do it every day. Every day is an opportunity to go and show us and then if they’re good enough and they’ve earned the right they’ll go over to the first team. That’s what our Academy should be about earning the right. If you’re good enough, you should be stepping up the levels and hopefully we’ve got a few going up to the first team.

"You’ve got a badge on your chest that you should feel so proud to wear and feel so lucky to have the opportunity to play for one of the greatest Academies and Football Club’s in England.

Reading Chronicle:

"It’s been tough last couple of years but the pride that these kids should have coming through, and the excitement to see Tom Mac [McIntyre] and Tom Holmes- it’s unbelievable for the club.

The former Leeds United and Dundee United striker, who always wore his heart on his sleeve, summed up by saying: "Most of these boys have more ability in their little toe than I had in my whole body throughout my whole career. But they need to realise that it isn’t enough. It’s not enough to be talented, you have to work hard and graft."