Reading’s official Twitter account have announced that Lewis Ward has left the Madejski Stadium to join Aldershot Town, with the goalkeeper heading to the National League on-loan until January 3rd.  

The Reading prospect will link up with Gary Waddock’s side for the remainder of 2017, where he will be looking to gain some vital first-team experience with Aldershot, who currently sit ninth in the National League, six points behind leaders, Dover Athletic.

This move will be the 20-year-old goalkeeper’s second away from the Madejski already this year, after Ward enjoyed a spell in the National League South with Hungerford Town.

Ward has been impressive for Reading’s youth teams over recent years, particularly in the Premier League 2, and has previously tested himself in Iceland, where he enjoyed a loan spell with Fylkir.

Jaap Stam has not needed to call on Ward for the Reading first-team this season, with Vito Mannone and Anssi Jaakkola featuring in the Sky Bet Championship and Carabao Cup respectively this campaign.

Reading currently sit 18th in the Championship table after a tricky start to the season for Stam’s side.

The Verdict  

This is another positive move by Reading, and the club’s supporters will be delighted to see a youngster heading out on-loan in search of regular football.

The experience Ward will gain in the National League could be invaluable for the goalkeeper’s development, and taking into account he has already spent time abroad, he will have a pool of knowledge at a young age.

Extremely positive work from the Royals.

Reading fans… Let us know your thoughts!