Masterson moves up: Former Gillingham centre-back signs for Reading following Priestfield departure

Masterson has signed a short-term contract with Reading FC to join the Royals squad until January after impressing boss Leam Richardson during a trial period during the summer.

Now "Masto" has put pen to paper on a deal that sees him become the club's sixth new signing of the summer.

Masterson was a cornerstone of Gillingham's defence over recent seasons following his arrival at the club, initially on loan, from Queens Park Rangers.

The Irishman had two spells with the Gills on loan before making the permanent move to Priestfield at the start of the 2023/24 season following his release by the R's.

During his time at Priestfield, Masterson racked up 124 appearances, scoring 11 goals and assisting for three more as he quickly became one of the first names on the team sheet under a succession of Gills managers.

However, as time wore on, injuries started to limit his availability for action. Masterson missed 20 league games in the 2024/25 campaign. Then, last season, he missed 32 of the Gills' 46 league games.

While he finished the 2025/26 campaign with 12 successive starts for the Gills, the club decided to move on from Masterson, with his contract expiring in the summer.

Now Masterson has the opportunity to earn himself a more permanent stay in Berkshire with a short-term deal at Reading, with his work on trial leaving boss Richardson impressed enough to offer him that chance.

"Conor initially came in to train with us, help us with numbers and keep himself fit," Richardson told the official Reading FC website.

"He’s been excellent since he walked through the door. His attitude, his professionalism, and the level he’s shown every day in training have really impressed us, and over that period the situation has developed.

"He’s earned this opportunity. He’s got a lot of experience, and he’s a very good character to have around the group. We’re pleased that we’ve been able to get something agreed with him through to January, and he gives us another strong option defensively."