A graduate of the Royals' Academy, Tom Holmes' promise manifested itself in a first-team debut whilst aged just 17.

Six days before his 18th birthday, while still studying for his A-Levels at Maiden Erlegh, the centre-half was thrust into a starting role in a home match against Bolton Wanderers in March 2018.

As a result, becoming the 47th Academy graduate to represent the Royals’ first team - putting in a good showing to help Reading to a 1-1 draw.

That senior-team call-up came in part as a result for impressive displays for our Under-23 side earlier in the campaign.

He had worked his way up through the age-groups - initially joining the club in 2008 as an under-nine.

He spent the large part of 2018-19 recovering from a long-term injury - but returned to fitness to feature for Scott Marshall’s U23s in their promotion push to end that season.

Holmes enjoyed a loan stint with Belgian First Division B side KSV Roeselare during the 2019-20 season and registered 11 appearances during his time in West Flanders.

The 2020-21 season signified a breakthrough year for Holmes, as he kicked on under the guidance of Veljko Paunovic to make 39 appearances during the term, becoming a regular occupant of a starting berth in the Royals backline.

Holmes established himself in 2021-22, featuring 34 times, including scoring his first senior goal with an acrobatic overhead kick against Hull City in December 2021, as he helped the Royals secure another season in the Championship.

In the summer of 2022, Holmes signed a new three contract to take him through to 2025 and was confirmed as vice-captain ahead of the new campaign.

Holmes made 42 appearances during the 2022-23 season, captaining the side on several occasions in the absence of club captain Andy Yiadom.