FORMER player Michael Gilkes has replaced Ged Roddy as Reading’s new Academy Manager.

GED RODDY has been sacked as Reading Academy Manager after less than two years at the club, TGG understands.

READING have released aerial footage of their new £50m training facility, which will soon be home to their first team, Academy and women’s sides.

GED RODDY, the architect of the EPPP system, says new figures showing an increase in playing time for English Under-21s in the Premier League prove “long-term investment in youth is finally paying off”.

READING have appointed Italian Gianluca Nani as their new Sporting Director following the departure of Brian Tevreden to Belgian side KSV Roeselare.

READING have been thrown out of the FA Youth Cup for fielding an under-aged player.

LEE HERRON is leaving Reading after 17 years to become Football Operations Manager at Arsenal’s Academy.