Reading defender Matt Carson has thanked everyone at the club for 'helping me as a player and a person.'

21-year-old Carson signed a short-term deal in 2023 following a short trial period and has been a regular for Noel Hunt's Under-21s side.

At the start of the 2023/24 campaign, the full-back made 17 first-team appearances under Ruben Selles as the left-back role continued to cause concern in League One.

Best-known for his crossing ability, the youngster has five assists to his name from full-back, including two for the first-team.

The Royals announced their released and retained list this week and Carson is to depart at the end of his contract, although he is able to continue playing for Hunt's youth team in the PL2 play-offs until the campaign comes to an end.

He is joined by Nesta Guinness-Walker, Clinton Mola and Sam Hutchinson in departing the club.

Taking to social media following the news, the Chester-born defender said: "Thank you to all the Reading fans for your amazing support in this difficult season and thank you to Noel Hunt, Ruben and everyone at Reading for everything they have done to help me as a player and a person. I wish the club every success in the future. Onto the next chapter"

Reading Under-21s host Nottingham Forest on Saturday (2pm kick-off) in the quarter-final of the PL2 play-offs and Marlow in the Berks and Bucks Senior Cup final on Wednesday, May 15 (7.45pm kick-off).