Reading FC: 'Stupid money' claim made as Jack Marriott question raised | OneFootball

Reading fan pundit Johnny Hunt was adamant that the club must not sell Jack Marriott in the summer transfer window.

Reading fell to an opening day 4-3 defeat at home to Luton Town in what was arguably the game of the weekend in the EFL.

Leam Richardson’s side were on course for all three points against the Hatters thanks to a first-half hat-trick from Jack Marriott that had put them 3-1 up.

Yet, the Royals blew that commanding position, with a Kasey Palmer double and a last-minute Gideon Kodua effort sealing the points for Jack Wilshere and his team.

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The manner of the loss was tough for Reading to take, but there were positives for Richardson from the game, and the performance of Marriott was undoubtedly the main one.

Jack Marriott continues his fine form for Reading

The 31-year-old striker only joined the Berkshire outfit last year, but he enjoyed a fine individual first campaign with the club, as Marriott found the net 16 times in 24 games.

Unfortunately for the player and the club, injuries restricted the impact he was able to make, and with the team having finished 12th in the table, 12 points away from the play-offs, it’s natural to wonder where they may have been had Marriott been available for more games.

But, these things happen in football, and the ex-Derby man worked hard in pre-season to get himself ready for the opener, and he was clinical in front of goal with the chances that came his way.

Confident Jack Marriott transfer prediction made after fine Reading form

When you look at Marriott’s form for the Royals in the past year, combined with his pedigree in the EFL, it’s natural for some to speculate whether there will be interest in the player ahead of the transfer deadline.

We know how hard it is to find goalscorers, and Marriott has shown he can guarantee goals in the third tier, and there will be some who think he is still capable of doing a job in the Championship.

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But, when asked by FLW if there is a fear about losing Marriott in the coming weeks, Reading fan pundit Johnny Hunt explained why he thinks the forward will stay, as he also stressed it’s vital the club do keep their star man if they have ambitions of winning promotion this season.

“Clubs may be interested in Marriott but he’s definitely not for sale. We haven’t got anyone to replace him from a practical point of view, and we need to keep our best players if the aim is promotion - as our owner says!

“I think he’s settled in the area, and he seems to be enjoying himself at the club, and he has slotted into the team well, and he looks happy.

“So, clubs may show interest, but I can’t see him going anywhere unless it was for ridiculously stupid money which I don’t think will happen. He will be with us beyond the summer, I’m very confident.”

Jack Marriott is key to Reading’s promotion hopes

Obviously, the way Reading lost on Saturday was a real setback, but the performance of Marriott was a reminder of just how good he can be at this level.

It would be a shock if clubs weren’t keeping tabs on him given his form, but the reality is that Reading are in a strong position, as he still has two years to run on his contract, and, as outlined above, he seems to be enjoying his football right now.

So, most would agree that there won’t be huge concerns about him leaving, and the main worry will be enhancing the squad with players of a similar level.

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