Due to transfer restrictions, Reading bolstered their squad for the 2022/23 season by signing free agents and players on loan.
Jeff Hendrick demonstrated moments of skill at Reading but didn’t have a substantial overall impact.
Although he had a fair number of appearances, Hendrick faced criticism for his inconsistent performances and limited influence in midfield contests.
During the summer of 2022, Reading faced restrictions that allowed them to sign only free agents and loan players.
With these limitations, the Royals focused on these markets to bolster their squad ahead of the 2022/23 season.
After narrowly escaping relegation at the end of the 2021/22 season, Paul Ince, Mark Bowen, and other key figures worked hard to strengthen the team, achieving some notable additions.
Tom Ince joined on a permanent basis and became a valuable asset, while fan favorite Shane Long also moved to Berkshire. Sam Hutchinson and Naby Sarr were seen as promising signings, and Amadou Mbengue and Andy Carroll, who joined in September, made a notable impact.
Regarding their loan acquisitions, Reading brought in Joe Lumley, Tyrese Fornah, Jeff Hendrick, Mamadou Loum, and Baba Rahman during the summer.
On paper, Hendrick appeared to be a solid loan signing from Newcastle United, despite his underwhelming performance at Queens Park Rangers in the latter part of the 2021/22 season.
The Irish midfielder was expected to make a significant impact for Mark Warburton’s team as they aimed for a top-six finish, but he didn’t achieve the desired effect.
Jeff Hendrick’s Notable Moments at Reading FC:
Then-manager Ince (pictured above) relied heavily on Hendrick throughout the 2022/23 season, with the midfielder featuring regularly for the Royals.
Despite some challenges, Hendrick had standout moments at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, including scoring several impressive goals for the Berkshire side.
His stunning goal against Norwich City and a brace against QPR were crucial in securing additional points for the Royals. His first goal in the match against QPR, in particular, is worth watching repeatedly.
Hendrick also secured a draw against Watford with a spectacular volley, demonstrating that his loan spell at Berkshire had its highlights and shouldn’t be deemed a complete disaster.
He played a key role in setting up what could have been a vital away goal at Coventry City, which is another positive aspect of his time at Reading.
Jeff Hendrick’s Reception Among Reading Fans:
While Hendrick managed to stay fit for most of the season and conducted himself well, he may not be fondly remembered by Reading supporters. Some fans felt he was often absent in midfield, with the Irishman disappearing from certain games.
Many players struggled under Ince’s management, and Hendrick faced significant criticism for his performances. He found it challenging to make a strong impact in several matches.
| Jeff Hendrick’s 2022/23 season at Reading | |
|---|---|
| (Sofascore statistics – league games only) | |
| Appearances | 45 |
| Starts | 45 |
| Team of the week | 1 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Passing accuracy (%) | 78% |
| Interceptions per game | 0.7 |
| Tackles per game | 0.7 |
| Total duels won (%) | 49% |
Given his experience, the midfielder was expected to make a more substantial impact, particularly during the Royals’ battle for survival. However, he fell short of expectations, leading few supporters to advocate for his return after the club’s relegation last year.
Hendrick struggled to assert himself in midfield battles, with games frequently passing him by. If Reading had had more options in central midfield, it wouldn’t have been surprising to see him benched. Despite this, Ince remained relatively loyal to him.
Hendrick also had a challenging season at Sheffield Wednesday last year and will be hoping for a much improved performance in the 2024/25 campaign.