It has been the best part of a month since Reading endured that bitter disappointing defeat to Huddersfield in their attempt to play in the prestigious Premier League next term. 

The Royals' transfer business has also not taken off yet, with departures being the more likely in the near future especially as playmaker Danny Williams continues to be linked with a switch to the Terriers.

Unfortunately, they have also allowed promising attacking talent Craig Tanner to leave alongside Tariqe Fosu, whom have decided to opt for Motherwell and Charlton Athletic respectively.

Nevertheless, pre-season is swiftly upon us as first-teamers return to training and will be raring to go for the forthcoming Championship campaign.

Manager Jaap Stam should rightly be keen to add strength in depth and improve his squad to mount another promotion challenge, one which will be just as difficult last year.

However, these are TWO Reading FC fringe players that Stam needs to give a chance to in the club's pre-season schedule....

Tennai Watson

First-choice right-back Chris Gunter has definitely earned his critics in the last twelve months and supporters have furiously been getting on his back, which has led to speculation as to whether back-up Tennai Watson can make the step.

The 20-year-old has always been highly-rated at the Madejski Stadium since making his debut as a substitute for the injured Jordan Obita last August and should be raring to go for the new season.

Watson will thrive under Jaap Stam if the Dutchman presents an opportunity to impress in the coming weeks and months, so the boss needs to consider his options during the pre-season friendlies he has arranged.

Dominic Samuel

Dominic Samuel, 23, has found his time in Berkshire difficult to comprehend after continuing to sit on the bench or in the stands as he struggles to break into the first-team fold under Jaap Stam.

He spent the latter stages of the 2016/17 campaign on loan at fellow Championship outfit Ipswich Town but failed to influence fans' opinions on his ability, it looks likely he'll be shipped out again if he can't prove his worth.

That is why Samuel has to take full advantage of any chance given to him, whether it be in pre-season or not, his Reading future will be decided imminently if the striker cannot get in the good books of Stam.

Reading supporters, do these two deserve a second chance to prove themselves in pre-season? Who else on the fringes should be allowed the same opportunity? Let us get your thoughts in the comments below!