READING FC have announced details of their pre-season plans as they bid to kick on from avoiding Skybet Championship relegation.

Jose Gomes' squad will return to training on Monday, July 1, with various UK-based friendlies still to be confirmed.

The players will then fly to Andalucia the following Sunday where they will stay for two weeks, playing a number of friendlies against unnamed opposition.

These may well include a number of double-header days featuring back-to-back friendlies, with all due to be played behind closed doors.

Pre-season will conclude against another as yet unnamed opponent, with the game taking place at Madejski Stadium on Sunday, June 28.

The Championship season starts the following weekend.

GOLDEN boot winner Yakou Meite has been named Reading Vice President's Player of the Season after his goals helped keep Royals in the Skybet Championship.

The Ivorian, who netted 13 times for the club this season, finished third behind Andy Rinomhota and Andy Yiadom in the Fans' Player of the Year category.

Meanwhile, wing Garath McCleary has been named Community Player of the Year for his work in representing Royals in the local area.

The Jamaican international regularly attends soccer schools, public appearances, school visits and much more.

Community Trust Manager, Dave Evans, said: “Garath engages with all the participants he visits and show’s a real caring attitude when delivering a player visit.

“He is always open to questions and more than comfortable with pictures being taken and never in a rush to complete visits, always showing time with participants.”

THE English Football League has confirmed the deadline for the summer transfer window for Championship clubs for permanent and loan signings will be Thursday, August 8.

League One and League Two clubs will have until 5pm on Monday, September 2, due to August 31 falling on a Saturday.

FORMER Reading player and groundsman Gordon 'Fred' Neate has passed away at the age of 78.

He enjoyed a staggering 53-year association with Royals after joining the club as an apprentice in 1956.

Neate was unfortunately forced to hang up his boots at the age of 25 due to injury, only for chairman Alf Smith to offer his a role as groundsman.

He performed that role – and the move from Elm Park to Madejski Stadium – until he stepped down in 2009, aged 68.

His long service and loyalty was recognized as he received a Canon League Loyalty Award in 1985 and a Football League Long Service Award in 1996.

The funeral will take place at Reading Crematorium next Wednesday (10.45am).