Reading FC boss on motivation for Bolton win and praises ‘character’

The Royals had lost three straight games before into this weekend’s 1-0 victory over the Trotters, including a stoppage-time loss to relegation-threatened Burton after rallying from a two-goal deficit.

Smith, the leading scorer, was acquired by Wrexham on Friday for £2 million, adding insult to injury. Young Jayden Wareham was brought in at short notice to fill Smith’s big shoes.

After the victory, which was earned thanks to a penalty kick from Harvey Knibbs in the 89th minute, Hunt acknowledged that the team was shorthanded and that they had a pregame meeting to talk about Smith’s exit.

According to Hunt, “It was tough,” “They were a little depressed yesterday, but I’m really fortunate that my best trainer also happens to be my best player. Every day, Harvey Knibbs, Tyler Bindon, and Lewis Wing train as if it were a game. I’ve been telling the rest of the team that you need to outtrain the game. To make the games easier, you must put in more effort throughout the training. We will improve the more we adopt that mindset. We maintain our concentration.

“There was a slight lull, but we discussed it at a discussion yesterday prior to the team meeting, after Sam had left. As professionals, we know that these things happen throughout the transfer window and that this is how we strengthen as a squad going forward.” Hunt is looking for a player who can score a late goal so soon after losing to a late goal at the Pirelli Stadium.

“It demonstrates the group’s perseverance. I’ve saw teams fail before. When it came to how we intended to play and manage the game, I told the boys on Tuesday that I had fallen back in love with it. They deserve every bit of myself and the crew because they put their all into all they do every day, and tonight was the cherry on top. It’s critical that we remain united, continue to develop as a team, and keep going.”

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