Former Reading coach Eddie Niedzwiecki has praised senior staff and, in particular, the club's prestigious Academy after his exit in January.

The 65-year-old former Chelsea goalkeeper has had three spells with the Royals, the first stretching back as far as 1991.

Most recently, the former Premier League coach was given the role of Head of Player Development between 2022 and 2024, but fell victim of the club's off-field struggles and was made redundant in January.

Speaking exclusively to The Reading Chronicle, Niedzwiecki wanted to make it clear how much he, and the other members of staff, appreciated the support of you- the fans.

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"First of all, I’ve got to say a huge thank you to the supporters who have stuck by the club," he started. "When you think of the trials and tribulations that have gone on, the supporters have been unbelievable. We had the third-best support away from home and that speaks volumes. The players and staff really appreciated that. Let’s hope that their backing throughout all this will give them better times in the future- I’m sure it will.

"In terms of on the field, they’ve got an outstanding manager with top staff around him and a wonderful Academy. The amount of work that they do in the Academy and how much money they’ve brought into the club in the last eight or nine years, it’s a jewel in the crown.

"I only hope that whoever comes in lets them get on with it because I know, having worked with them, the kind of people you’ve got there and the professionalism they show. With all my experiences in the game, I know what they’re doing is right.

"I just hope that whatever happens, the club and the Academy, get left to run itself because it is outstanding. The manager has done a great job to get the club where it was and the Academy reaching the semi-final and keep producing after having to sell, it’s outstanding."

(Image: jasonpix)

There was a particularly poignant message delivered to Head of Football Operations, Mark Bowen, the man who Niedzwiecki has called a friend and a colleague for over 25 years and the man who brought him back to Berkshire- twice.

However, even a close friendship was not safe from the destructive reign of Dai Yongge and Niedzwiecki was made redundant in January alongside assistant manager, Andrew Sparkes.

"He's a mate of mine and brought me to the club.," Eddie said. "He’s done a brilliant job in a very stressful situation. Obviously, I’m privy to some of the things that went on, but he has taken a lot on his own shoulders. He’s done an amazing job.

"To be totally honest, when I left the club in January, he was the one who told me. Can you imagine having to tell your mate that he’s losing his job? Mark has done a wonderful job to support everyone during this difficult situation."

Approaching his 50th year in football, Niedzwiecki still feels he has lots to give but is trying to 'get on with life.'