A player has been left shocked at how his now former club told him of his exit, publishing a social media post stating his goodbyes.
He is one of five first team players to have been axed from Championship outfit Reading, who finished the season in 14th place.
Garath McCleary is now a free agent, and has been mentioned in today’s transfer talk, being linked with a move to League One playoff finalists Oxford United, the city being his birthplace.
View this post on Instagram
He said on Instagram: “@readingfc …….. what can I say!
“After 8 years and 270 appearances, my time at Reading FC has come to an end! The farewell wasn’t how I envisaged it would be, receiving a call whilst on my holiday after season finished, BUT…..
“I want to say a huge thank you to the all the players past & present I’ve played with (in football they say you never have friends but I’ve made some for sure) and staff especially the people behind the scenes.
“I’ve built up some great relationships across the years with kit men, canteen staff, pa’s, groundstaff and more so without naming you all you made my time that extra bit enjoyable. No matter who you are treat every person with respect I’m genuinely sad there are still so many people I haven’t seen to have a proper natter and hug.
“To the fans who’ve stood by me and stayed positive throughout all the drama, sometimes a message you may not think is seen always is and I’m touched by what’s been said. I’ve given my all as a professional and person so once again thank you guys ?? .
“It’s not a goodbye, it’s a see you soon in whatever capacity.
“Big up yourselves ????? #GMcC12”
The 33-year-old was close to joining Karl Robinson’s side at the start of last season, having watched a couple of games from the stands.
Instead, he managed to make a total of 24 appearances for Mark Bowen’s side, and getting on the scoresheet once, which came in a 3-0 win against Luton.
Fast forward to today and the Royals have now opted not to offer him a new contract.
MCCLEARY’S PLAYING CAREER:
Youth career
2004–2005 – Oxford United
Senior career
2004–2005 – Oxford City – 22 games (3 goals)
2005–2007 – Slough Town – 33 games (7 goals)
2007–2008 – Bromley – 24 games (8 goals)
2008–2012 – Nottingham Forest – 111 games (13 goals)
2012–2020 Reading – 234 games (23 goals)
National team
2013–2016 Jamaica – 24 games (3 goals)
He could be a good replacement for the U’s, who have just seen Jamie Mackie retire from football.
Oxford have had a strong link with Reading players in recent seasons, particularly since Sumrith Thanakarnjanasuth, who was previously part of a consortium at the Madejski Stadium, took over at the Kassam Stadium in 2018.
Rob Dickie, Sam Smith, Fabio Sole just some of those to have come in at Oxford from Reading.
After seeing player Garath McCleary left shocked at how the club told him of his exit, fans took to give their reaction…
Did he want them to wait until he got back from holiday before announcing it? Or was he expecting Nigel Howe to fly out and tell him personally?
— Pepe (@PepetheHorseman) July 27, 2020
He knew he wasn’t getting a contract long before even the virus interrupted the season. He also knew when the club promised him a final decision. He chose to be away at that time. This isn’t as bad it would be appear! Very misleading by the player.
— Ascension (@QTheStormUK) July 27, 2020
No way to treat a player who’s given 8 years to this club wtf is going on behind the scenes
— A ?? (@rfc_1871) July 27, 2020
I’m sure he is really upset sat on a nice beach somewhere with a healthy bank balance. Lets all feel for him
— Max Cruttenden (@maxiebadger) July 27, 2020
Not like McCleary to cause a fuss. He knew full well he was getting released; good riddance.
— Louis Stagg (@dinglouis_) July 27, 2020
He was told to leave when the club told Jose to get rid of him and the others a long long time ago so he always knew, do you think being face to face and risking COVID is a better way to find out?
— Adam Cox (@adamcox99) July 27, 2020
All these comments saying he knew, if it comes out that Obita was told the same way then everyone would be crying themselves to sleep!!
— Steve (@Steviep1871) July 27, 2020
What do you want us to do? Get Nigel Howe on a plane to the childish prick the good news?
— Royals 360 (@Royals_360) July 27, 2020
Couldn’t wait to get on that well deserved holiday ? great servant for the club but he’s well past his best, has hardly played for a while now and surely would’ve communicated with the club and even if he was completely oblivious, we all knew he was going. Wish him all the best
— Billybob0088 (@Billybob0088) July 27, 2020
The disrespect is crazy. With stuff like this happening, who would want to sign for us if that’s the way they might be treated?
— Luke (@Luke1871_) July 27, 2020
I believe that they should of gave him more respect than telling him over the phone while he is on holiday but it was obvious that he was getting released from the outside at least.
— ARB Reading FC (@ReadingRoyalFC) July 27, 2020
Sorry but he knew his contract was not being extended so he is playing a game
— Arthur Withers (@ACW52) July 27, 2020
Surely he knew he was going?
— Deck (@dsaunders_6) July 27, 2020
How did we all know he was leaving but he didn’t? Hmmmm ?
— Dinamo Reading FC (@yungpencilcase) July 27, 2020
He still can’t stop moaning. Why put the dig at the start. Bye
— マーク・ロブソン ✌️ (@MarkRobson15) July 27, 2020
Good luck Gareth in the future, sometimes we question why one door shuts but I’m sure others will open. You have always been a true professional for the club. God bless
— Michael Madigan (@BamadmanMichael) July 27, 2020
There are ways of telling someone they are no longer wanted. The club could, and should have done better. Thank you @gmccleary12 for all you have done while wearing the hoops. Especially that goal at Wembley in the FA Cup. Best of luck for the future.
— Hayden Wheeler (@Hayd_is_back) July 27, 2020
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