Late yesterday evening Southampton confirmed that a deal had been struck with Reading to loan them young winger Josh Sims for the remaining of the 2018/19 campaign.
The 21-year-old Academy graduate created an assist on his debut for Southampton back in November 2016 as he set up Charlie Austin’s winner against Everton, and he now heads out to work with Paul Clement for the remainder of the year in search of greater game time to keep his development ticking along.
#SaintsFC youngster @simsjosh12 has today completed a season-long loan move to #ReadingFC. Full details: https://t.co/ZYYShZYpOJ
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) August 20, 2018
He has 20 appearances in total for us so far and the spell in the Championship should go well for him as although he’ll need some time to adjust, his appearances for us in the Premier League should see him settle in well and not be overawed by the level in the second tier.
It will be a big learning curve for him though as it’ll be his first loan spell away from the club but I’m sure we’ll give him plenty of support, as will Reading.
Best of luck to the lad and here’s to hoping he flies with them.
We aren’t playing with wingers when we have 3 at the back so it’s a bit of a waste. This is a massive opportunity for him and I believe he’ll come back and stake his claim next season. More beneficial he’s playing rather than just training!
— Martin Ferguson (@MartFergie) August 20, 2018
Just loaned out some of the only pace we have in our side. Sound, cheers lads. Show them why they should've kept you Josh!
— Jack (@LesReedOut) August 20, 2018
Because he's at the age where he needs to play 90 mins regularly for his development.
— Richard Brereton (@RichardBrer) August 20, 2018
Josh Sims is good enough for our first team Saint by a long way!!!!
— Adrian (@APMSaint) August 20, 2018
Wanted to see Josh playing more this year. I guess this will give him more game time though. #SaintsFC
— Rich Prosser (@RichProsser) August 20, 2018
One of our most promising prospects, should be challenging for a first team place here imo.
— Lewis Burton (@lewisburton22) August 20, 2018
Sad day. Should be given a chance to play. He's quick, Intelligent and creative – something the first XI lacks badly
— Gary (@FreddieNonsense) August 20, 2018
Think the above comments say it all to be fair about how highly rated he is with us, but regular game time and starts will do more for him at this stage than odd substitute showings so over to him to seize that opportunity and announce himself properly.
