Claim made on Ben Elliot's Reading FC future - 'I wouldn't want him to go' | OneFootball

The Reading FC midfielder has seen his playing time decrease this term

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Reading FC midfielder Ben Elliot’s absence from the team this season has been questioned.

The Royals have experienced a mixed 2025/26 campaign thus far, with early-season struggles leading to a managerial change. Despite Dai Yongge’s controversial stint as owner still being in its final stages, Reading narrowly missed out on a play-off finish last term, coming just three points behind Leyton Orient in sixth.

After Dai Yongge’s reign was finally brought to an end, there was optimism that the Royals could push on and finish within the top six. That wasn’t the case however, with Reading scoring just 11 points in their first 11 outings.

Noel Hunt was relieved of his managerial duties on October 26, having won just three league matches at that point in the season. Leam Richardson was named as his replacement and has enjoyed slightly more positive results, picking up seven points from his first four league matches.

Ben Elliot’s Reading FC absence debated

There have been a number of operators who have seen their playing time fluctuate at Reading this term, which is natural considering that there have been two different managers in the home dugout.

However, one player who has hardly featured under either Hunt or Richardson is Ben Elliot. The midfielder joined Reading in 2023, after coming through the youth ranks with Chelsea and made 64 appearances during his first two terms at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

This year, Elliot has been limited to playing just eight League One matches, with only six of those being starts.

When queried on the subject, Football League World’s Reading FC fan pundit, Johnny Hunt, admits that it is odd to see Elliot sidelined so much, but also accepts that a sale could be the best thing for both parties in January.

“It's very surprising that Ben Elliot hasn't played as much both under Noel Hunt and the new manager,” stated Johnny. “The quality he's got, you'd think he would be first choice.

“Maybe there are attributes that don't fit into what they want as a team. Obviously, he's an ambitious young footballer; you want to be playing games.

“Whether I see him as part of a plan for the future, it's all ifs and buts, but I wouldn't want him to go.

“But if it's an opportunity to make money and bring other players in that suits the manager, then that's football.”

Although Reading have begun to edge away from the relegation zone under Richardson, they are still only three points clear of 21st.

There is a long way to go yet in the 2025/26 League One campaign and given the Royals’ position, they need all the quality they can get.

A thigh injury ruled him out for a large portion of last season, but if fit and ready to contribute, his talent should be utilised more by Reading.

Elliot has previously proven he is more than capable of operating out of a competitive League One midfield on a consistent basis. Even if Richardson prefers the likes of Charlie Savage and Lewis Wing, there must still be a place for Elliot to contribute towards the Royals’ cause.