Royals Begin Pre-Season Training Today

Forster: Still troubled by injury

Alan Pardew's team will be back in action for the first time since May today when they begin their preparations for the season's start on August 11th.

However, they will not be getting the footballs out just yet. The squad will be participating in fitness tests to see how well they have kept themselves fit over the summer so the management team know what levels they are at.

It is likely that Player of the Year James Harper could come out on top in these tests. Last season the 22-year-old former Arsenal midfielder actually made himself ill from over-training in pre season, such was his desire to make an impact on the first team after a somewhat disappointing start to his Reading career.

Whilst Harper may well come out on top, expect Forster to perform worst in these tests, despite being an extremely committed player. The former England Under 21 player has been unable to do any fitness work over the summer having suffered from an ankle injury. Indeed, he may not be able to resume full training with the rest of the team next week. You can read our story on Fozzy's injury here.

Meanwhile, there won't be any new faces around at the sessions because the Royals are let to complete the signing of any players for the new season. However, the team could soon be joined by the likes of Richie Partridge, Danny Cullip, David Connolly and Scott Murray, all of whom are thought to be set to sign for the Royals.

Several familiar faces will be missing also. The club released a number of players this summer who have been deemed surplus to requirements. Adi Viveash, Anthony Rougier, Steve Warren, Sammy Igoe and Phil Whitehead will not be around having been let go by the club. Jamie Cureton is another player who is unlikely to make an appearance.

It may still be more than a month until the big kick off but the hard work for the Reading team starts now!