Former Reading FC goalkeeper Alex McCarthy played a crucial role in Southampton’s promotion to the Premier League by securing a clean sheet in the Championship play-off final against Leeds United. The 34-year-old’s stellar performance at Wembley Stadium helped the Saints achieve a swift return to the top flight, just a year after their relegation.
As of now, McCarthy’s future with Southampton remains uncertain, with his current contract set to expire in the summer. The club has yet to announce whether they will offer him a new deal.
Alex McCarthy joined Reading FC on a scholarship at the age of 16. Following several loan spells, he made his first-team breakthrough during the 2010/11 season, where he featured in 13 Championship matches. That same season, Reading, managed by Brian McDermott, reached the Championship play-off final at Wembley but were defeated 4-2 by Swansea City, with McCarthy as an unused substitute.
In the subsequent season, Reading achieved promotion to the Premier League. During the 2012/13 campaign, McCarthy made 13 appearances, including a standout performance in a goalless draw against Liverpool, which highlighted his potential and talent at the top level.
In the season following Reading’s promotion to the Premier League, Alex McCarthy played 44 times, helping the team finish just one point shy of the play-off places.
In August 2014, he departed Reading to join Queens Park Rangers for an undisclosed fee. However, McCarthy struggled to secure regular playing time at QPR and subsequently at Crystal Palace.
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