Legg up for Hungerford's challenge

Reading's number 43 signs up for a season-long loan

READING goalkeeper George Legg this week officially joined Hungerford Town on a season-long loan after impressing in pre-season.

The 6 foot 5 inch shot-stopper signed a new professional contract with Royals in June and received his squad number of 43 last month. But he joins Hungerford’s squad to add depth ahead of Saturday’s National League South kick-off.

The 20-year old is no stranger to senior level football, having previously played for Hendon, Gosport Borough and Hampton and Richmond Borough, and he was was also part of Chesham United’s FA Cup giant killing team that reached the second round proper last season.

“It was a great learning curve for me both on and off the field,” he said, “so I’m keen to push on with Hungerford this season to refine more aspects of my game.

“Playing in the National League is quite different to under-21s football. It’s generally more physical and players have less time on the ball.

“I was made aware of the opportunity to potentially play for Hungerford back in May, as Bobby Wilkinson has good connections with Reading and many of its players, so he knew of me.

“After gaining promotion via the play-offs, Hungerford’s players will obviously have a lot to prove in the National League, so it’s a great shop-window opportunity for the management team and players to show people what they’re about and to make a name for themselves, including me.

“I enjoyed my loan-spells last season, but as a young goalkeeper it’s important to keep challenging yourself until the opportunity arrives to make that step up, which for me will be in the National League Premier Division or The Football League. When that opportunity presents itself, I need to be ready to take it with both hands.

“Right now, my focus is to help Hungerford be highly competitive in the National League South and to enjoy my time at Bulpit Lane, which I know I will. Bobby has clearly retained and recruited some very good players, so I see no reason why Hungerford can’t be competitive this coming season. I am looking forward to next month,” he added.