Phil joined the club ahead of the 2022/23 Season bringing with him experience of playing at Step 4 and reaching the FA Vase Final and soon established himself as a leader on and off the pitch.

The centre-back formally announced his decision to depart the Rivermoor on social platform X earlier this afternoon.

After 3 fun years with @simmydembels and the @ReadingCityFC lads, I’ve decided to leave

No action pictures of me as I all I did was head and hoof it. Cheers for having me ⚽️

— Phil (@PhilVeal1) May 5, 2025

Thank you for the memories Vealo and all the best for whatever comes next.

Once a Cityzen, Always a Cityzen.

First Team Manager, Simon Johnson had this to say following Vealo’s departure.

“Vealo has been an incredible servant to the club for the last 3 seasons.

He has been incredible both on the pitch and off it and has been a huge part of our most successful period as a club.

With things in his personal circumstances changing very soon, it makes complete sense for him to step away at this time.

Someone I will certainly be staying in touch with and I’m sure everyone who knows Vealo will join me in wishing him well.”