Reading youngster joins Slough Town on loan
Reading FC youngster Shay Spencer has joined Slough Town on loan until October 12, 2026, as the midfielder looks to gain more experience in the National League South. The 20-year-old joins the Rebels ahead of the 2026/27 season and becomes the latest addition to Alan Julian's squad.
Why it matters for Reading
Spencer came through the Royals academy and made his first-team debut in August 2024, starting in midfield during the Royals' 3-1 Vertu Trophy victory over West Ham United U21s. He made his league debut two months later, coming off the bench in Reading's 4-1 win over Crawley Town, and went on to make five first-team appearances during the 2024/25 season, including three in the EFL Trophy and an Emirates FA Cup appearance in a 2-0 victory over Fleetwood Town.
What comes next?
Spencer signed a new one-year contract with Reading in July 2025 before gaining valuable National League experience during the second half of the 2025/26 season. He joined Wealdstone on loan in January 2026, making 13 appearances across the National League and Isuzu FA Trophy. Now, Spencer makes the move to Arbour Park, where he will link up with Alan Julian's squad for the next two months.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 10th in League One, 62 pts, 16W-14D-13L from 43 games, recent form LLDWL. Goals this season: 62 scored, 55 conceded (+7 goal difference). Title race: 31 points behind leaders Lincoln. Next fixture: vs Blackpool (away, 2027-02-13) (19th in the table).
