Derby County defender Alex Pearce has said that his departure should see a new era at Reading football club.

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Pearce feels it will be a new era at the Royals

The former Royal moved on this week after snubbing a new contract at his home town club and becoming one of the first signings for new Derby manager Paul Clement, along with Darren Bent.

He's the second out of contract star to leave the club on a free transfer, whilst rejecting a new deal, as goalkeeper Adam Federici moved to Premier League debutant's AFC Bournemouth on a free after ten years at the club.

Pearce himself is an academy product of the Berkshire side and has been at the club since the tender age of 12.

Pearce praised Steve Clarke and the existing players at the club, telling the Reading Chronicle: “I’ve moved on, Feds has moved on and if Jem moves on then that’s three home-grown players who would’ve left, so maybe it’s time for Reading to move on themselves, have a real reshuffle and get some players in over the summer, which I hope they can.

“They need to improve the squad in certain areas but there’s a good nucleus, some good players and a really good manager in Steve Clarke.

"He’ll be looking to do as well as possible with the players he’s got and hopefully they’ll do well.

“I think with everything in life there is a time to move on and that time has come with me.

“I’ve got nothing but fond memories of Reading as a football club and I’ll always thank them for giving me my chance before I went on to play over 200 games for such a great club.

“I just want to thank the fans, the players, the managers and coaches that I’ve played with and I wish them all the best for the future.

“I felt the time was right to move on. I’m 26 and ready for this change. I am joining a club with ambition to go to the next level and stay there. It’s a perfect fit and hopefully it’ll go well.”

Reading had a dire season under Pearce's captainship, after finishing seventh the year before, they ended up 19th, accumulating 52 points throughout the year.

Royals fans..... What do you make of this news? Do you agree with the words of Alex Pearce? Will it be a new era at the Berkshire club? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!