Released Millwall defender would jump at chance of Championship return to old stomping ground

Alex Pearce would “love” to return to Reading this summer.

The experienced defender has been released by Millwall. He made 64 appearances for the South London club during his three years at The Den.

“I’d love it, of course,” Pearce told Berkshire Live when asked if he would like to return to Reading. “I’d crawl back. I’d love to come back and I’d try my everything. Reading is in my heart, it’s my club. I’ll always, always love the club and it’s a special place.

“It’s only when you get older you realise how good that season [the 2011-2012 Championship title-winning campaign] was. Those seasons are so few and far between. I haven’t had another one like it. It just shows how rare they are.

“What a bunch of players we had – and what a group of staff, training ground staff. Everyone connected. It was just a monumental effort and I loved every minute of it.”

Reading held a legends game a couple of weeks ago where the 2012-winning side took on the 106 point team from 2005-06.

The 33-year-old added: “It was emotional. I had my whole family there, including my two kids, so for me to be back on the pitch, playing with the team we won the league with but also the team I grew up watching – a fantastic, memorable side – brought back the memories and all the good times.

“They are just great people with a fantastic spirit so it was a very emotional day. I couldn’t get enough of it and I was just relishing every last minute out there.”