Defender chats ahead of first pro season
Exeter City first-year pro Josh Read feels that all of the hard work that has gone on – largely unseen – during his time as an Academy player has all been worthwhile to lead to this point.Like fellow pro Joe Charles, Read joined the Grecians’ Academy as an Under-16, shortly after the closure of Yeovil Town’s Academy. For all of the players that come through the youth system, gaining a first-team contract is a credit to the effort put in by the individuals, their families, and the coaches at the Cat & Fiddle.
The defender, who hails from Bath, feels that any hardships and struggles along the way have all been vindicated by being rewarded with a shot at becoming a professional footballer.
And he also takes inspiration from his fellow ex-Academy teammates, who have already laid a pathway for him to follow into contention for a place in the squad.
“You look back at it, and I wouldn’t change it for the world – it’s all worth it,” Read said.
“All that travelling after school down to training; it’s all worth it – and to come to the Cat & Fiddle every day to play football, you can’t really complain.
“There are a lot of young players in the first team already – there are eight or nine players here that I’ve played with before, and that really helps because you gel with them the more you play with them and the more get to know them.
“When you see players like Connor Riley-Lowe and Matt Jay involved and playing in the first team, it gives you confidence and pushes you forward.”
You can watch the full interview with Josh on Grecian PlayerHD below.