Ash Artwell Check -in in Rivermoor

The combined Premier Division of the North Reading City City League has made an interesting step for former British school children Ashleigh Artwell.

This is a step that highlights the assistant manager of Dave Tarpey in this new club interview when he says: “The number of players who come from reading, but go to other places to play elsewhere locally in step 3, step 4, they are players we want to bring back to reading and help this club reach the place we want.”

Artwell matches the mold. The 30 -year -old player is a former student of John Madejski Academy, playing to read FC Academy and test with Manchester United.

He experienced life in the Vanarama National League with Hayes & Yeading United and Wealdstone and turned on local styles for people like Bracknell Town and Marlow.

2024/25 is a difficult season for Cityzens on the field. After a few seasons of growth and place of AA play-off last year under Simon Johnson, Reading found themselves at the end of the opposite table but ran together in the last 10 matches to ensure survival.

Naturally after the top five finish on 23/24, players are reduced and some proceed to a higher level. 24/25 becomes a little rebuilding and the opportunity to bring several clubs that are developing young players.

In an interview with football at Davshire’s Dave Wright in February, Johnson said: “We have a group of people who are brilliant at the club. We have a good amount in training and do things together from football, and the spirit in the squad will be an asset that enters the end of this season.”

Wright wrote that Johnson has brought fresh young blood into the squad including Lucas Taplin, the top scorer of the U-18 team, who has scored three goals in three first team performances, the latest came in a 2-1 defeat by Hilltop this week. Teenager Jay Herbert made full debut in the game.

Reiss Baker, who has been with the club for under seven years, and Finley Meikle is someone else knocking on the door of the first team, all of them reflect the club’s path program.

The addition of Maidenhead United and non-Liga Tarpey legend to the club’s coaching staff brought a lot of knowledge and contact from the higher the pyramid.

Artwell has been injured during a period but recently with basingstoke town and will bring a lot of experience.

Speaking to the club’s website, Johnson said: “We really like to welcome Ashleigh Artwell to read City FC. He is a dynamic player with proven quality and experience, and we believe he will add a real value to our squad both in and off the field. We will read this season. This signing shows that.

Read more: Pride in Reading Nominations for Ashleigh Artwell