READING FC interim manager Noel Hunt believes that ‘the future will be bright for the club despite relegation to League One.
The Royals will be playing in the third tier of English football for the first time in more than two decades next season.
“We’ve got a lot of good players signed up and a lot of young boys coming through,” said Hunt.
“The future will be bright for the club no matter what.
“Look at the players we have signed for here next season. Coniah (Boyce-Clarke) getting his debut.
“Jay Senga coming on for his debut and I thought he was excellent when he came on.
“The young ones, Kelvin Abrefa and Mamadi (Camara) giving us a bit of life.
“Those are the things to look at as positives
“They gave us energy and legs. We’re hoping they are the future of the football club.”
The Royals boss confirmed that he took the decision to leave Andy Carroll at home due to injury.
He continued: “It was my decision ultimately that kept him at home.
“He’s been playing, taking injections and getting strapped up and we felt if he has a couple of extra days off then he will be flying for pre-season.
“He was chomping at the bit to come and play but with nothing riding on the game, I thought it was best to leave him at home.
“He’s put his body through so much selflessly for us this season.”