Exclusive: Don Goodman gives new Reading FC owners Harvey Knibbs advice | OneFootball

Reading have work to do in trying to retain some of their best talents for the new season

Reading FC will be keeping a close eye on interest for forward Harvey Knibbs this summer.

Back in January he was already catching the eye of the likes of Oxford United, Portsmouth and Derby County, according to journalist Darren Witcoop.

But with the Royals narrowly missing out on the play-offs in League One, and their takeover saga now over, they may stand a chance of holding on to him.

We asked pundit Don Goodman about Reading’s chances of holding on to Knibbs.

Reading could struggle to hold Knibbs

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Goodman said: “Well, the first thing to say is, it's a new dawn for Reading.

“And the fact that they were able to finish seventh with 75 points last season under such horrific circumstances off the pitch is a real testament to Noel Hunt, his playing staff and the fans for keeping the club going.

“Look, obviously, Harvey Knibbs was very much a stand-out player, incredible amount of goals, and he's been a roaring success since he arrived at Reading from Cambridge.

“I think we all felt there was a good player there, but he's gone on another level or two.

“So it is going to be difficult for Reading to keep hold of him. But I should imagine that the new ownership will be very, very ambitious, and hopefully they'll be able to sell that project to Harvey Knibbs and keep him happy.”

A strong season for Knibbs

Given the difficult circumstances this season off the pitch, with the club trying to wriggle free of Dai Yongge’s ownership and at one point being at risk of being suspended from the league, players like Knibbs have put in a remarkable performance.

His 14 goals and six assists across the campaign are up there with the best in the league, leading naturally to thoughts of what he might be capable of in a more settled environment.

But with Rob Couhig now in control of the Royals, Knibbs may not need to move to find that settled environment.

Having almost hit the play-offs in this turbulent season, you wouldn’t bet against them being in and around the promotion spots next term with Couhig at the helm.

Knibbs’ contract situation provides Couhig an opportunity

The 26-year-old will soon enter the last 12 months of his contract at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

It means that the Royals still hold some control over his future this summer, but if he isn’t moving then a new deal will quickly need to be agreed, or they risk losing him for nothing this time next year.

Given a new contract would be timely for Knibbs, it gives Couhig a huge opportunity to plant his flag at the club.

If, as Goodman says, Couhig and his staff can convince Knibbs of the direction of the club and the future plans, and get him to sign a new contract, it would be a huge statement of intent.

Clubs coming in from the Championship won’t make it an easy deal to agree, and may be costly, but beyond securing a very talented player, it would also send very strong signals about the new regime in town.