Reading ended their Championship season with a 2-0 defeat at Huddersfield Town. 

Here is the reaction from interim-manager Noel Hunt.

Hunt on the match

I felt we didn’t earn the right enough today in terms of how we’ve played the last few games; being front-footed and aggressive, turning teams and getting down the sides. I thought our quality on the ball, in terms of doing the basis well, weren’t there today. I can probably see why, getting the news we got on Thursday night and having to pick ourselves up. The damage had been done unfortunately and I felt we were a little bit sluggish.

Hunt on relegation news

It was [crushing blow]. Credit to Huddersfield, their form in the last four or five weeks has been excellent. To pick the boys up on Saturday morning, they were low, but they galvanised and stuck together. We had a meeting about it and prepared for today. Unfortunately, we came out second best.

Hunt on future of the club

Look at the players we have signed here for next season, Coniah [Boyce-Clarke] making his debut, Jay Senga coming on for his debut and lifting the game- I thought he was excellent when he came on. The young ones, Kelvin Abrefa, Mamadi [Camara] coming on the pitch and giving us some life. They are the things you look to for the positives. In the first 15 minutes we got down the sides and were quicker with the football, we hit the post and were an inch away from Jeff [Hendrick] scoring from Femi [Azeez]’s cross. For whatever reason we sat back. We had a go in the second half, bringing the young ones on to give a bit of energy and legs. They are Academy players who have come through, and we’re hoping they are the future of the football club.

Hunt on Andy Carroll

It was my decision that kept him at home. He’s been playing with injections and getting strapped up. We felt if we could get the extra couple of days off him that he would be flying fit for pre-season and get him sorted. He was chomping at the bit to play. With nothing riding on the game today, I felt it was best to leave him at home. I feel he gives so much and has put his body through so much this season for us selflessly that it was the right thing to do.

Hunt on future at club

I haven’t even thought about it. The guys behind the scenes, in terms of Mark Bowen, Eddie and the staff, Brian Carey with Jared Dublin. We are safe with that. This was until the end of the season and after that who knows. As far as I think I was pretty sure I’m going back to the Under-23s but I haven’t had that conversation, so I don’t know yet. Your guess is as good as mine.

Hunt on League One prospects

No one knows. I’ve seen teams go to League One and two years later be in the Premier League. Norwich did it and Southampton did it. Maybe it is what the club need, maybe the reset is going to be good. We’ve got a lot of good players signed here and a lot of young boys coming through, so the future will be bright for the club no matter what.

Hunt on supporters

They were great. To see how many we had in the stands just shows the class we have as a set of fans. I spoke to the players before and let them know that there was a recall date, 12pm on Friday, that the fans could get a refund and not come up but only 100 or so didn’t do it. Who would blame them? The ones that did turn out was fantastic all the way through the game, with some of the chants they were singing. We’ve got a strong fanbase who are loyal, passionate and believe in this club. With them with us, it’s only a good thing.