Reading legend, and Under-21 manager, Noel Hunt has spoken out about how the players have coped with the stresses of the club's off-field situation and the importance of showing the club's 'fundamentals.'
Hunt played over 160 times for the club between 2008 and 2013, a key man of Brian McDermott's 2011/12 Championship-winning team.
Returning to lead the Under-21s side, and taking on a short spell as interim first-team manager, Hunt has led the youngsters to a play-off semi-final in the league as well as a Berks and Bucks Senior Cup title.
On Tuesday, the Royals made their return to the Premier League International Cup after a five-year hiatus and kicked off their campaign with an impressive 2-1 victory over Dutch giants Ajax.
This all comes against a backdrop of pain and suffering for the club as Dai Yongge continues his reign of terror.
A thin first-team squad has seen just 11 senior players named in the EFL squad and Ruben Selles' regularly naming entire benches made up of Academy graduates.
READ MORE: Reading FC withdraw from Under-21 cup to 'manage workload'
As a result, the Under-21s have pulled out of the controversial National League Cup in order to save the players' energies for other competitions.
Speaking after the Ajax win, Hunt emphasised the importance of the players' mentalities despite all odds being stacked against them.
Noel Hunt was full of praise for his Royals speaking after a special night in RG2…🎙️#REAAJX | #ReadingFC pic.twitter.com/rChHU6QPiC
— Reading FC Academy (@RFCAcademy) September 24, 2024
"It doesn’t matter what happens outside of here, we know what we’re doing inside the building," he told the club channel. "A lot of the boys might be going to the first team on Saturday and a lot of the boys will come and play with me on Monday. Some might even play on Saturday with the Under-18s. Right now, we are stretched, and we have bodies playing and doing whatever it takes for the team- and that doesn’t matter what team that is.
"These boys have been outstanding throughout all of the controversy and disappointments- these boys have been a shining light and it’s been a pleasure to work with them because they come in with the right attitude and want to work.
"That is the fundamentals of our club; the underdog mentality, the work rate and the desire to win."
Reading Under-21s face Everton in PL2 on Monday, although plenty will be involved in Saturday's League One meeting with Huddersfield Town live on Sky Sports.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here