This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

New Reading manager Mark Bowen is preparing his side for the visit of Preston North End this weekend, looking to end a run that has seen the Royals fail to secure a win in their last six outings.

Bowen looks like he is giving the whole squad a chance to impress with Chris Gunter, Garath McCleary and Sam Baldock all involved in first-team training under the 55-year-old Welshman this week, having been frozen out by previous manager Jose Gomes, as reported by Berkshire Live reporter Jonathan Low on Twitter.

So is Bowen making the right decision in bringing the exiled trio back into the first-team fold?

We discuss.........

Chris Thorpe

"I think so yes, he is bringing in a trio of experienced players who know the club inside out, which can only help the club's new additions to settle in at the Madejski.

"They will also provide some extra options for Bowen, with the current squad looking pretty thin this season, meaning that it would be a wise move to bolster the ranks.

"McCleary and Baldock still have the ability to win games on their own, which could work in the new manager's favour as he looks to turn things around for the Royals.

"Gunter will also give the defence a much needed leadership figure, with Liam Moore having so far failed to make an impact in his role as captain this term, meaning that Gunter could be the man to lead the Royals forwards, should Bowen choose to change skipper."

Kris Smith

“By bringing these three players back into the Reading fold, Bowen is bringing vast amounts of Championship experience back into the dressing room, which is what the club might need right now, given the turmoil.

“What these players would add to the Reading squad on the pitch is debatable with these players lacking any real momentum to properly hit the ground running. However, they do add some knowhow to a team full of youngsters who might need guiding through the season.

“Reading’s season has not been good by any means so far, so there is some logic to Bowen reintroducing players who have seen success at this division before.

“While the decision for Bowen to essentially appoint himself seems baffling, this team needed something to change on the pitch, so adding experience and seasoned Championship players into a largely inexperienced squad could pay dividends, regardless of their on-pitch impact.”

Luke Phelps

"Few managerial appointments have been met with as much stick as Mark Bowen’s at Reading this week.

"The club’s former Sporting Director seemingly sacked Jose Gomes and appointed himself, and he’s already made some bold calls in bringing outcasts Chris Gunter, Gareth McCleary and Sam Baldock.

"The trio hasn't played a full-90 minutes between them this season but have all been proven at Championship level, and their omission under Gomes was unnecessary.

"Reading clearly needs a mix-up and Bowen is planning just that. I think the trio’s inclusion in the first-team can only benefit the team as a collective - their individual experience will be vital in pulling the team out of the relegation zone."

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