The Loan Ranger

With the Reading squad seemingly becoming thinner by the day, Reading boss Steve Coppell has admitted he will look to take advantage of the loan system this year.

Under the guidance of Coppell, the Royals have seen many of their youngsters benefit from going out on loan, but Reading themselves have not taken advantage and have only had a handful of loanees during Coppell`s 4 year reign.

With the club likely to lose several more players before the new season, Coppell told the club`s official website that he will look to take make better use of the loan system in order to strengthen the squad.

He said, 'Ironically, one of the things I thought we had against us last season was that we had too many players. In the Premiership you have to have a bigger squad, but in the Championship there is more flexibility.

'In the Championship you have your squad and then with loans you can adjust in the season. We will have a smaller squad next season, but more ability to react.

'If you get a run of injuries or you're short in one position you can do something about it. We also hope our better players will have a bit more room to play than in the Premiership. The quality difference is enormous but it's a different kind of football.`

Meanwhile, with midfielder James Harper set to leave the club, the Royals have been linked with Luton midfielder David Bell, and recently transfer-listed Seyi Olofinjana of Wolves.

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