Defender Rob Dickie becomes summer signing number 17
Cheltenham Town boss Gary Johnson has today made his 17th summer signing with Reading and England U19 centre-back Rob Dickie joining on loan for an initial one month period.
Johnson is delighted to finalise the deal after a slight injury to Dickie in pre-season had drawn out the process, "It's a relief to get it all sorted. I think some people were starting to think he didn't exist when I spoke about the mystery centre-back.
Reading wanted him to get some game time after his injury before joining, he played on Monday for their under 21s and scored so it shows his quality."
The Robins' boss knows the quality Dickie can offer and the options he provides, " He's going to be a top class footballer. Reading have high hopes for him. He's a big strong centre-half and it's an area that we need to improve our squad in.
He allows me to have more options at the back due to the fact that Daniel Parslow and Jack Barthram can play in a couple of positions. It just gives us a little bit more cover across the back.Â
Dickie himself is also pleased to join the club, " I'm really happy to finally sign and am looking forward to trying to help the team get back into League Two. It all seems great here, the Chairman has been kind enough to put me up and I can't wait to get out there and show everyone what I can do".
The young defender has represented England at U18 & U19 levels and has made nine appearances for Reading's U21s, scoring two goals for the team including in their fixture on Monday against Sunderland.
Last season Rob, who has been in the Reading academy since the age of 7, went on loan to National League South side Basingstoke Town, making 24 appearances and helping them to make the play-offs.
The new recruit could make his debut this Saturday, when Cheltenham host Barrow at the World of Smile Stadium.