Following a trial period, Williams will join up with Richardson’s Royals on a short-term contract until January 2026.
Subject to the usual ratification from the football authorities, the winger will be available for selection in tomorrow evening’s league fixture against Stevenage at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
The 28-year-old wide man can play on the wing or at full-back and has plenty of experience in League One, most recently with Leyton Orient.
Williams came through the youth ranks with Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace and Watford, and spent two loan spells with Wycombe Wanderers before signing permanently for Exeter City in 2019.
He won Player of the Season and was named in the League Two Team of the Season during his first full campaign at St James Park, he moved to Hull City 2021 having scored nine times in 87 appearances.
Making 20 Championship appearances for the Tigers, it is with Bolton Wanderers where Randell lifted silverware, featuring 81 times and winning the EFL Trophy at Wembley Stadium.
His most recent club was Leyton Orient, signing a short-term deal in February 2025 and scoring twice in 17 appearances as the O’s reached the League One play-off final.
Williams signing comes amid key Reading players being injured including James Marriott and Paddy Lane.