Reading City mean business: Ash Artwell checks in at the Rivermoor

Combined Counties League Premier Division North Reading City have made an eye-catching move for former England Schoolboy Ashleigh Artwell.

It’s a move that highlights a point Assistant Manager Dave Tarpey made in a recent club interview when he said: “The amount of the players that come from Reading, but go elsewhere to play elsewhere locally at Step 3, Step 4, they’re the players that we want to bring back into Reading and help this club get to where we want to be.”

Artwell fits that mould. The 30-year-old is a former student of the John Madejski Academy, played for Reading FC Academy and had trials with Manchester United.

He’s experienced life in the Vanarama National League with Hayes & Yeading United and Wealdstone and turned on the style locally for the likes of Bracknell Town and Marlow.

2024/25 was a difficult season for the Cityzens on the pitch. After several seasons of growth and a play-off spot a a year ago under Simon Johnson, Reading found themselves at the opposite end of the table but put a run together in the final 10 games to ensure survival.

Naturally after a top five finish in 23/24, players were scouted and several went on to a higher-level. 24/25 became a bit of a rebuild and an opportunity to bring some of the clubs burgeoning young players through.

In an interview with Football in Berkshire’s Dave Wright in February, Johnson said: “We have a brilliant group of people at the club. We have good numbers at training and do things together away from football, and the spirit in the squad will be an asset going into this tough end of the season.”

Wright wrote that Johnson has brought fresh young blood into the squad including Lucas Taplin, the under-18 side’s leading scorer, who has netted three goals in three first-team appearances, the latest having come in the 2-1 defeat by Hilltop this week. Teenager Jay Herbert made his full debut in that game.

Reiss Baker, who has been with the club since under seven, and Finley Meikle are others knocking on the first-team door, all reflecting highly of the club’s pathway programme.

The addition of Maidenhead United and non-league legend Dave Tarpey to the clubs coaching staff brings a wealth of knowledge and contacts from higher up the pyramid.

Artwell has been out injured for a period but was most recently with Basingstoke Town and will bring with him a wealth of experience.

Speaking to the club website, Johnson said: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Ashleigh Artwell to Reading City FC. He’s a dynamic player with proven quality and experience, and we believe he’ll add real value to our squad both on and off the pitch. Ashleigh’s work ethic and football intelligence align perfectly with the culture we’re building here, and we’re excited to see the impact he’ll make this season. We have been open with wanting to attract the best talent in Reading back to the club and this signing shows that. I’m really looking forward to working with Ash.”

Read more: Pride of Reading nomination for Ashleigh Artwell