Simon Church

Simon Church is a young striker who came through the academy ranks at Reading. He signed his first professional contract for the Royals in July 2007 and after loan stints at Crewe Alexandra, Yeovil Town and Wycombe Wanderers, his final loan spell with Leyton Orient was dramatically cut short when Steve Coppell recalled him to start in Reading's play-off semi-final second leg against Burnley. He impressed, out on the right wing, and featured regularly in the starting line-up under both Brendan Rodgers and Brian McDermott, famously scoring from close range to take Liverpool to an FA Cup third round replay in January 2010.