Exeter City explains why Reading FC deal with turned down.

Jayden Wareham, a former Reading striker, feels Gary Caldwell’s plans for the forward influenced his decision to transfer to Devon.

Despite being given a contract to stay in Berkshire, the 22-year-old accepted a two-year agreement at St James Park after scoring seven goals for the Royals last season.

This leaves Noel Hunt’s team without a designated striker, with Wareham taking over the starting striker job following the January departure of fan favourite Sam Smith.

Wareham was questioned why he made the move when he returned to the ground of his first League One goal, which came inside a minute of Reading’s 2-1 victory in October. “I’m a youthful, hungry striker who recently turned 22. I want to play as many games as possible.

At my age, you want to play games, and that’s what I’m hoping to find here. I was informed it would be incredibly beneficial to me, so I’m excited to get started.” Caldwell, formerly of Wigan Athletic and Rangers, was interested in the forward and spoke with the Chelsea youngster over the summer.

Speaking about the former Scotland international’s influence on his decision, Wareham said: “It’s been a long process, but as soon as I heard the manager wanted me–and I had a call with him a few weeks ago and he was really positive about his ambitions and goals for this year–I wanted to be a part of that.”

Reading will travel to Devon to face the Grecians in October, hoping to reunite with the striker.

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