Between The Sticks: Reading’s ‘Keeper Conundrum

After relegation from the Championship last season, our goalkeeping union became limited. Previous first-choice ‘keeper Joe Lumley returned to his parent club Middlesbrough, before subsequently signing a contract with Southampton. Ruben Selles began the process to build up his team, and so goalkeepers were high on the priority list.

Dean Bouzanis started our campaign as our safest pair of hands, promptly being put between the sticks for our first match in League One against Peterborough United at the Select Car Leasing stadium. Despite playing strongly, we ultimately lost our first game.

However, this wasn’t really a concern, as Selles and the squad did not have a complete preseason, due to both off-field matters and limited bonding time for the players. Almost a month later, Reading officially announced a loan exit for Bouzanis, back to his former team Sutton United, situated in League Two.

Alongside this, fellow keepers Jokull Andresson and Coniah Boyce-Clarke also received improved contracts. On August 10, as well as extending his original deal by two years, Andresson temporarily signed for fellow league side Carlisle United. Also on this day, it was announced that Boyce-Clarke had received a professional deal, following his initial week-by-week rolling contract, also agreeing to a two-year stay. Since then, he has remained a Reading goalkeeper, making appearances during EFL Cup games against both Ipswich Town and Millwall, resulting in a draw and victory respectively.

Photo by Simon Marper/PA Images via Getty Images

Following his signing on August 8, due to his experience in the top flight, David Button was promoted to first-choice ‘keeper instantly. Fellow ‘keeper Joel Pereira began to train with the side at the start of pre-season, after becoming a free agent upon leaving Dutch side RKC Waalwijk. After a busy transfer window, the aptly named ‘El Gato’ joined the Royals on September 9.

Selection headache: Button or Pereira?

Since the start of the season, Selles’ goalkeeping rank held Button as first choice, followed by Pereira and Boyce-Clarke.

Starting a current total of 36 matches, it is clear to assume that Button has had quite an impact in goal. Playing usually with somewhat of a ‘sweeper keeper’ style, he has kept a total of eight clean sheets thus far. His distribution is perhaps his greatest strength, producing long balls which travel far down the pitch, which has previously led to quick-paced attacks by our forwards, helping to increase the pressure of the game.

Up until recently, his position had hardly being altered or questioned outwardly by the management. Fans on the whole collectively agreed to back Pereira, stating he deserved a chance in the league. His performances during cup games were nothing short of a joy to watch, proving his talent by blocking two penalties from being scored, alongside making key saves during the build-up, both against Charlton Athletic. Upon Button’s inability to feature due to illness at Pride Park to hosts Derby County, Pereira was finally handed his league debut.

Although we may not have come out victorious, many were pleased with Pereira’s composure and determination. The difficult and unlucky game did not falter Reading’s spirits, as they proceeded to beat Cambridge United 4-0 at home only four days later. Pereira once again provided a calm and confident performance in goal, shining among an elated Royals side against the unfortunate Us.

As of today, Pereira’s stint continues. He emerged victorious once again, against solid and clinical side Northampton Town, who sit comfortably in the middle of the table. His key saves in both halves, such as a direct shot heading toward the bottom left corner, or another on-target attempt being punched away, proved to be crucial in our efforts to keep our momentum.

As well as this, he produced another star performance against Bristol Rovers away at the Memorial Stadium before starting at Barnsley, being substituted for Button at half-time due to injury. So this begs the question: who is our number one?

If Pereira continues his solid defending and rapid reflexes, we may be seeing more and more of him for the last few games of the season. His contract expires at the end of the summer, unless choosing to activate his optional one-year extension, while Button still has another year with the Royals.

Loanee watch

On another note, it’s time for a round-up of our two loanee goalkeepers!

Totalling a current amount of 25 matches in League Two, Bouzanis has made 218 recoveries for Sutton, keeping a total of two clean sheets for the Us. As of now, his average of conceded goals per 90 minutes stands at 1.81, while his average saves per 90 sits at 2.4.

On the other hand, at League One opponent Carlisle United, although featuring in fewer games, Andresson has still been useful for his side.

Since joining the Blues, Andresson has been unfortunately sidelined for a shoulder fracture, occurring on two occasions, causing him to be out for a significant part of their season. However, during his playing time, he has amassed six starts and a clean sheet. On average, he has conceded approximately 1.13 goals per 90 minutes, as well as averaging 3.38 saves per 90.

What does this mean for Boyce-Clarke?

We’ve spoken about the two other goalkeepers, as well as our loanees, but where does this leave Boyce-Clarke?

Right now, his position is somewhat unknown. Potentially, he may be being kept to act as our substitute keeper if needed, however his playing time has been limited. We have seen him start in Noel Hunt’s under-21s’ side this season as well, although not consistently. Mid-season injury also kept him out of the side for an extended period of time.

Perhaps this prompts the need to send him out on loan next season, ensuring he is given the play time to improve and develop, while giving Reading the option to recall him if needed.

Since his recent commitment to being a Royal, as a fan, I see a permanent transfer not being as useful long term, for both him and the team. Additionally, he is a fairly young player with a lot of potential and has the chance to go even further, but as a club we cannot afford to lose him.