Reading Academy have seen a major staff member depart this week, with former Head of Academy Operations Antoine Thompson leaving his role.

Arriving in 2022 after spending a decade with Cheltenham Town, Thompson was a vital cog in the prestigious youth set-up, especially at a time of great upheaval.

Having lost the fabled Category One status for the first time that year, Thompson was critical in helping the club achieve the operational levels required to earn their status back immediately while the on-field coaches continued to work wonders.

As a result, Noel Hunt's Under-21s finished in the PL2 play-offs last season and are now competing among the best in the continent in the Premier League International Cup.

Thompson has now departed Berkshire to become an auditor for the Professional Game Academy.

Confirming the news on his LinkedIn account, Thompson thanked Academy Director Michael Gilkes and spoke of the staff's sense of humour amid a turbulent two year spell.

T"hank you Michael Gilkes for believing, employing and giving me the opportunity to work for a top Academy," he said. "I always saw myself as the number 8 in midfield working hard, linking departments and doing whatever is required to give the academy the foundations to thrive.

"My best highlight is without doubt getting our Category One status back.

"I shall miss how we always managed to get things done! I will miss the staff sense of humour which kept spirits high and motivated us to do the best we could even through the hardship."