WEXFORD FC have confirmed a new link up with English League One side Reading.

A contingent from Reading FC including Michael Gilkes (Academy Manager), Jamie Greenwood (Head of Football) and ex-Ireland international Noel Hunt (U21 Manager and Head of Player Development) met the Irish club’s management on Saturday at the Talbot Hotel Wexford to announce the new partnership to local media.

The Royals have had plenty of Irish links in recent times.

Irish players who have had successful stints at the club include Wexford-born Kevin Doyle, Shane Long, Stephen Hunt and Noel Hunt.

Another former Ireland international Brian Carey is currently Reading’s Head of Recruitment, while the late Eamonn Dolan, twin brother of former Wexford Youths Head Coach Pat Dolan, was Academy Manager and Caretaker Manager of the club.

A Wexford FC statement added: “Going forward, we hope to learn from Reading’s extensive Football and Social Responsibility (FSR) programmes as well as assistance with coaching and player development.

“We are grateful to all at Reading FC who have made this possible and look forward to a great relationship between the two clubs in future.

“We express our gratitude also for the long-time friendship between Gary Dempsey and Noel Hunt that has brought the two clubs together, born from playing together at Waterford, Ireland U21s, and Dunfermline.”