Former Luton Town striker Jacob Brown says he “can’t wait” for the new League One season to begin after sealing a move to Reading – with his first competitive match for the Royals set to come against his old club.
Brown has signed a two-year deal with Leam Richardson’s side following his departure from Kenilworth Road this summer, after the Hatters opted not to offer him a new contract after an injury-hit three years with Town.
The 28-year-old’s first chance to make an impression for his new club in the league will come when Reading host Jack Wilshere’s side at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Saturday 15 August in the opening fixture of the 2026/27 League One campaign.
Speaking to Reading’s official YouTube channel after completing the move, Brown admitted he is eager to put two frustrating years behind him.
“I think no matter who the game would have been against, I’m really looking forward to the first game of the season,” he said.
“I think it’s been a difficult period for me the last couple of seasons and I feel like I’ve worked hard to get myself in this position.
“I feel really ready to kick on now and just can’t wait to get training, obviously build up minutes in pre-season and then really kick on.”
Brown joined Luton from Stoke City in the summer of 2023 and made 60 appearances in all competitions, scoring seven goals. He featured in the Premier League during the Hatters’ historic top-flight campaign, but back in the Championship he suffered a serious knee injury that kept him out for nine months. After he returned to the field, with Luton slipping into League One in the meantime, he spent the second half of last season on loan at Portsmouth, where he helped the south coast club retain their Championship status.
Now beginning a new chapter in Berkshire, the Scotland international said: “It’s a fresh start for me. And even just from one day, I feel really at home.
“My wife gave birth a couple of weeks ago as well, so I’ve kind of got a new motivation now. My son’s here and I feel like that’s an extra fire in my belly to really go on and do well for my family.”
Reading manager Leam Richardson believes Brown’s versatility and experience will strengthen a side expected to challenge near the top of League One.
“We’re really pleased to bring Jacob to Reading,” Richardson told the Royals’ website.
“He’s a player we’ve admired for a long time because he gives you so much. He’s athletic, works incredibly hard for the team, can play in a number of attacking positions and has shown throughout his career that he can score goals at a high level.
“As well as his qualities on the pitch, he’s a brilliant character who brings a wealth of experience and will fit into the culture we’re building here.
“He has played at the top flight, has international experience with Scotland and has a real desire to come here and be part of what we’re trying to achieve.
“We’re looking forward to working with him. I know he’ll give absolutely everything for this football club and I’m sure our supporters will enjoy watching him in a Reading shirt.”
For Luton fans, Brown’s return to the opening-day spotlight adds another subplot to a fixture that already carried intrigue. The Hatters will be looking for revenge after Reading completed the league double over them last season, while Brown will hope to mark his Royals debut with a strong performance against the club where he spent the previous three years.
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