Reading FC writer Jonathan Low on January signings, recalling loan players and giving youngsters a chance

Reading FC supporters had plenty to talk about in this week's webchat.

Reporter Jonathan Low hosted the debate for fans on Wednesday lunchtime as the build-up to Friday's match at Sheffield Wednesday starts.

Royals' current position in the Championship, the latest on the club's transfer plans and squad selection were all on the agenda.

Here are some of the key questions from the webchat.

Transfers

Royal Number 1 asks: How long will it take to get a player? Deadline day?

JL: The million dollar question right now!
They've got just over a week to get things done so they are leaving it pretty late.
I imagine there could be a flurry of activity late on so any move will depend on others, no doubt.
So deadline day could be when something happens.

Lewis Grabban joined Royals on deadline day last January

Young players

Torbjörn Hopf asks: Reading Fc have a great academy, with young exiting players. We've had the philosophy that we should bring forward young players in the first team. Right now they hardly get a shot in the League.. even tho some of the experienced players are out injured or dont perform. Is it Stam who dont rate them high enough? Or is it a change in philosophy from the owners?

JL: Stam does like to give them chances but not too many.
As we've seen he likes to ease them in which is understandable to an extend.
Smith and Richards have both had chances while Stam has high hopes for Danny Loader.
The owners want to see young players come through too, that was one of their main aims when they started.
Stam possibly doesn't rate a few and prefers to see them develop in the U23s or out on loan first. It's a combination of factors overall.

Sam Smith

Andrija Novakovich

Simon C asks: Novakovich looks like he is doing well out on loan and scoring some goals! Can you see him pushing for the first team next season?

JL: Next season possibly, yes, but not this year and there's no chance of a recall.
He's doing well over there and that's all you can ask, although don't forget the opposition is not the highest of standards.
Hopefully he can come back in a confident way, push on in pre-season and hopefully we could see him get a chance in the first team next season.

Recap the webchat in full