Highly-respected former Reading physio- Jon Fearn- has opted for a bold career move in joining Saudi Arabian side Al-Alhi.

Fearn, who spent nine years with the Royals in the 2000s, spent another 13 successful seasons at Stamford Bridge working under 11 Chelsea managers.

While in Berkshire and West London, Fearn helped the Royals to the Championship title in 2005/06 while also helping the Blues win 12 major trophies.

He had joined Premier League Nottingham Forest in July 2023 but departed the City Ground in February.

Alongside this work, he had assisted former Reading colleagues Luke Anthony and Dan Buchanan at their rehab centre in the town, Go Perform.

Al-Alhi, based in Jeddah, have not won the Saudi Pro League since 2016.

Their chairman is controversial former Reading CEO Ron Gourlay, who moved from West Brom last season, while former Reading boss Jose Gomes was in charge in 2016.

Their squad includes former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and former Newcastle United favourite Allan Saint-Maximin.