Reading FC's long-serving Andy Yiadom leaves the club
The former captain spent eight years at the Berkshire club
Last updated 5th May 2026
Reading's former captain Andy Yiadom is leaving the club after eight years.
The defender arrived from Barnsley in 2018 and has cemented himself as a club stalwart over the past eight seasons, winning Player of the Season in 2022.
Earlier this spring, he became the 35th player in the club's long and illustrious history to make 250 appearances, the first since Garath McCleary in 2019, and leaves with 253 to his name.
Andy was presented with a signed shirt and a specially engraved watch in a meeting with teammates and staff at Bearwood Park.
“Andy has been outstanding for this football club over a long period of time," said manager Leam Richardson. "He’s someone who represents everything you want in a professional - honest, committed and a leader both on and off the pitch.
“It’s a real shame that a small niggle kept him out of the squad on Saturday because he absolutely deserved that final appearance in front of the supporters.
“He leaves with the respect of everyone here and I’ve no doubt he’ll be remembered as someone who gave everything every single day for Reading Football Club.”
The news of his departure was confirmed as the club announced its retained list.
The club have activated a one-year option for Jeriel Dorsett meaning he will stay at least another year.
They've offered contracts to Kelvin Abrefa and Andy Rinomhota.
Along with Andy Yiadom the following players will depart the club upon the expiration of their contracts this summer.
Mamadi Camara:
Guinea-Bissau international Mamadi Camara joined the club back in 2020, originally linking up with the Academy, and went on to make 75 first-team appearances, scoring seven goals.
Ben Elliott:
A Chelsea youngster, Ben joined the club in the summer of 2023 and has developed into a fan’s favourite in the years since, departing with three goals in 79 appearances. While recovering from injury, the club will continue to support Ben with rehabilitation.
Michael Stickland:
A long-standing and well-respected Academy graduate, Michael made nearly 80 appearances for the Under-21s, captaining the side to Berks and Bucks Senior Cup success in 2024, before establishing himself in the first-team squad. The 22-year-old central defender departs with 22 appearances to his name.
Tivonge Rushesha:
Signed in 2023 from Swansea City, the versatile Zimbabwe international has made 38 appearances for the club.