Paul Ince makes Reading FC player admission amid absence

Reading manager Paul Ince has admitted his side look much more solid defensively when centre-back Tom Holmes is in the team, speaking to Berkshire Live after their 3-0 loss against Hull City at the weekend.

22-year-old Holmes first made his proper breakthrough at the Select Car Leasing Stadium last season and has continued to be a regular this term, making 31 league appearances for the Championship side during 2021/22 but has missed the last two games through illness.

This has been a blow for the Berkshire outfit who have needed to switch Tom McIntyre back from being a defensive midfielder to a centre-back alongside Michael Morrison, with Tom Dele-Bashiru coming in to support Danny Drinkwater in the middle of the park.

During those two matches, the Royals have conceded seven goals in total, coming back from 4-1 down to draw 4-4 against Swansea City before suffering a 3-0 defeat against Hull City at the MKM Stadium on Saturday.

Currently holding the worst defensive record in the division, Ince’s side can perhaps count themselves lucky that they are already safe following Peterborough United’s loss against Nottingham Forest at the weekend.

Holmes has played a big part in that defence that has endured a torrid time this term, but despite that, the Royals’ interim manager believes they are much better defensively when he’s involved.

Speaking to Berkshire Live, he said: “We’ve looked more sturdy when he’s in there.

“To lose Tom Holmes is a major loss but fortunately, we’ve done enough to stay in this league.

“But hopefully, we can get him back for West Brom.”

The Verdict:

Holmes may have been part of a shoddy defence this term – but he has certainly shown flashes of brilliance and this is why it would be no surprise to see