Exclusive: Sky Sports pundit reacts to double Reading FC transfer agreement | OneFootball

Lee Hendrie has told FLW his verdict on Reading's signings of Matt Ritchie and Jack Marriott

Lee Hendrie believes that Matt Ritchie and Jack Marriott both have the potential to help Reading kick on this season.

The Royals confirmed the arrivals of the attacking pair in the final days of the summer transfer window.

Noel Hunt’s side have struggled for goals in the opening weeks of the new campaign, scoring five from their opening six fixtures.

The Berkshire outfit will be hoping that the duo can hit the ground running and make an immediate impact in order to propel the club back up the League One table.

Lee Hendrie makes optimistic Reading transfer claim

Hendrie has highlighted the vast amount of experience Reading have added with the signings of Ritchie and Marriott.

He has claimed the two attackers could prove very good signings and help the Royals kick on in their bid to fight for promotion this season.

“Two good signings for Reading, for lots of reasons,” Hendrie exclusively told Football League World.

“Jack Marriott, goal scorer, and knows the league really well.

“Matt Ritchie, experience as well, particularly massive experience from him.

“Where they’ve both been on different levels and different scales, really, but I really think this is two good signings for Reading and this could really kick them on this season.”

Reading’s summer business

Reading had a very active summer transfer window, with the club’s new owners making sure fresh faces came through the doors.

A number of free agents were signed, including Liam Fraser, Paudie O’Connor, Derrick Williams and Jack Stevens.

Loan deals were also agreed to bring Finley Burns, Mark O’Mahony, Kamari Doyle and Matty Jacob to the club.

Marriott made his Reading debut last weekend in a 1-0 win over Port Vale, while Ritchie could feature for the first time on Tuesday evening in an EFL Trophy clash against Swindon Town.

Jack Marriott and Matt Ritchie signings are short-term solutions for Reading

Reading have added a 30-year-old who has suffered significant injury issues in the recent past and a 35-year-old who is well past his prime.

If they can keep both fit and healthy this season, then they could prove positive contributors, but they are far from long-term solutions for the squad.

Bringing them both in as free agents does mitigate the risk that they don’t work out, and it’s been a summer where Reading have done well to add to the squad while keeping costs down.

This has the potential to prove solid business for this season, but the club will need to start working towards better long-term plans once the new ownership have got the club’s finances in a healthy position again.