Reading FC has been the best team among the 3 promoted to the premiership this season. Currently at 9th spot, John Madejski, Steve Coppell and the gang are pushing for a UEFA Cup place. With 3 more games to play, can they follow what Ipswitch Town did in early 2000s?

For those who didnt know, John Madejski makes millions by publishing a magazine call Auto Trader in UK. Here, the magazine is called Motor Trader Malaysia.

Any Royals supporters here? Hope to get feedback from you all about this team. TQ

---

Added on April 30, 2007, 10:20 amAmong the website you can go to:

Reading FC Official Website

Fan's View of Reading Football Club

I have been a supporter of The Royals since 1994-1995 season when they nearly got promoted to premier league. They lost 3-4 to Bolton during the Division One play-off final match at Wembley on 29 May 1995. At that time, their homeground was at Elm Park. They shifted to their current ground, Madejski Stadium during the 98-99 season.

Here's a summary of their league positions since 94-95 season:
1994/1995 Season: Football League Division One - Royals finish 2nd (Play-Off finalists)
1995/1996 Season: Football League Division One - Royals finish 19th
1996/1997 Season: Football League Division One - Royals finish 18th
1997/1998 Season: Football League Division One - Royals finish 24th (Relegated to Division Two)
1998/1999 Season: Football League Division Two - Royals finish 11th
1999/2000 Season: Football League Division Two - Royals finish 10th
2000/2001 Season: Football League Division Two - Royals finish 3rd (Play-Off finalists)
2001/2002 Season: Football League Division Two - Royals finish 2nd (Promoted to Division One)
2002/2003 Season: Football League Division One - Royals finish 4th (Defeated in play-off semi-finals)
2003/2004 Season: Football League Division One - Royals finish 9th
2004/2005 Season: Football League Championship - Royals finish 7th
2005/2006 Season: Football League Championship - Royals finish 1st - Champions (Promoted to Premiership)



This post has been edited by razlan: Apr 3 2011, 01:16 AM

I doubt you'd find any on this forum. They are the Wigans of this season aren't they? They finished last season with a massive gap at the top of the Championship last season and have continued with their winning ways. The gap between the Premiership and the Championship has been widening as each season passes and it's refreshing to see a team like Reading up there amongst the big boys. They'll need to bring in some faces before the start of next season though, and increase the size of their squad, else they want to follow in the footsteps of Wigan, who are amongst the relegation battlers this season.

lita like the way he played and he is only 22

During last year, many thought Wigan as a performance-based team as the team fought so hard against Chelsea in their first game but eventually lost out to a Crespo's strike...

But this season is totally a disaster for them and Jewell has been marked as a over-rated manager. Maybe because some of their good players left but this season is just too much for them, I guess....

Wigan's case taught us non-Reading supporters that don't expect too much until it is really a sure thing about a club. Things of course are honeymoon for Reading supporters now.

GREAT JOB READING THIS SEASON!!

good to know that there are few among us who followed Reading meteoric rise in the premiership. i would agree with you, Duke Red. If they don't increase their squad numbers and purchase higher rated player, they might follow and become like ipswitch and wigan.

The 64k questions are:
1) Will Sir John (what The Royals' supporters are calling John Madejski, the chairman) pump in more money for next season? There's rumours that he's looking for a billionaire to buy the club from him.
2) Is Reading's short track record in the premiership be enough to attract a billionaire investor?

Whatever happens, Sir John and Sir Steve (Coppell) & the players, we salute you for what you guys have done FOR the premiership this season.

I admire Reading so much.. This season they doing a good job.. With the players they have still can reach the top 10 of the table.. I remember they thumb West Ham 5-0.. hahaha.. Who would've thought they'll compete in UEFA Cup next season.. Steve Coppell is one of my favourite manager in England.. Good luck..

Steve Coppell is actually another ex-player who have played under Sir Alex. They'll need a 2nd season to prove that they are really capable to play side-by-side with sides like Tottenham, Bolton, Aston Villa and manbe in the future, Arsenal, Liverpool and Man Utd or Chelsea...

yep i know that.. i like their style of play also.. well, when Man Utd was not easy to beat Steve Coppell side at home.. last time 1-1 at Madjeski, in F.A Cup 2-3..

I think they're capable to challenge good spot in EPL next season.. and hopefully in UEFA Cup too..

Maybe someone annoying with me now, but to be honest Reading is like my 2nd team now..

oh maybe 3rd team, 2nd team is Sunderland.. hehehe

aaahhhh... black cat's supporter. who's numero uno?

sorry.. i didnt mean to.. i just kidding.. sorry if hurt ur feeling bro..

u didnt hurt my feeling, no need to apologise everybody is entitled to their own opinion, right. as long as dont flame others.

u said sunderland is no 2, reading no 3, who is ur no 1 team?

btw, reading vs newcastle tomorrow morning at 2.50am, live on ESPN, Astro Ch81. Come on Reading!!!

Well, I've seen him a lot in the Man United thread so he is like me, a Red Devil...
Reading have the potential, just make sure that good players in the team don't get carved out by other bigger clubs...

u disable siggy function? lol.. my siggy tells all..

didnt disable siggy... only after posting i realised... kekeke... doohhhh

---

Added on May 1, 2007, 12:35 amwhile waiting for the reading vs newcastle game, i'm posting this picture of the Club's official team photo for the 2006/7 Barclays Premiership season



Back row (left to right): Selby Armstrong (Assistant Kit Manager), Ron Grant (Kit Manager), Scott Golbourne, Simon Cox, Shane Long, Curtis Osano, John Halls, Chris Makin (now Southampton), Curtis Ujah, Sam Sodje, Scott Davies, Pierre Joseph-Dubois, Jonathan Hayes, Andy Stanbury (Masseur), Stephen Brown (Video Analyst)

Middle row: Sal Bibbo (Goalkeeping Coach), Leroy Lita, Stephen Hunt, John Oster, Kevin Doyle, Glen Little, Adam Federici, Marcus Hahnemann, Graham Stack, Ibrahima Sonko, Aaron Brown, Seol Ki-Hyeon, Brynjar Gunnarsson, Bobby Convey, Jon Goodman (Sports Scientist)

Front row: Brian McDermott (Chief Scout and Reserve Team Manager), James Harper, Dave Kitson, Graeme Murty, Kevin Dillon (First Team Coach), Wally Downes (First Team Coach), Nick Hammond (Director of Football), John Madejski OBE, DL (Chairman), Nigel Howe (Chief Executive), Steve Coppell (Manager), Jon Fearn (Head Physiotherapist), Ivar Ingimarsson, Steve Sidwell, Nicky Shorey, Nigel Gibbs (Coach)

source: readingfc.co.uk

This post has been edited by razlan: May 1 2007, 12:35 AM

I am not really a fan of reading, but i like the way lite play =D

everybody can join, no matter Reading's supporter or other team's (read MU, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle etc) supporter

in my opinion, when lita is on form, he'll play really good football, just like in the early stages of the premiership. but when he is off form, he can't score even in an easy situation, just like in the middle stages of the premiership.


however, the player to watch for is Kevin Doyle. If Sir John can keep him at Reading, Doyle can help Reading achieve a higher level. Just look at how he scored 2 goals in the last 6 minutes to help Reading beat Bolton 3-1 at Reebok Std last week. This lost probably caused Allerdyce to quit his job? kekeke


pictures courtesy of readingfc.co.uk

Reading lead by 1 goal - Kitson

Reading play well in second half after they manage to score 1 goal. Newcastle rather risk owen (play for 90 minute) and play with so many attacking minded player. Siberski and Emre injury help Reading win the game.
Steve Cooper seem content with 1 point instead of 3. Trying out new player and formation. Is he trying to get Reading not to qualify for UEFA? maybe he worrie next season relegation battle and don't want UEFA distracting them

maxi ...dont sibuk sibuk in here lah u!!!

This post has been edited by cursed: May 1 2007, 07:42 AM

aiyahh.. really wanted to watch the match after waiting for soo long but, hehehe, fall asleep infront of the tv before the game start

reading won and thats 3 points in the bag and now their total is 54. another 6 to go. The balance 2 matchs are:
5 May 07 vs Watford (Home) - should be a no brainer, another 3 points
13 May 07 vs Blackburn (Away) - reading lost 1-2 to this team at home in dec last year, probably another 1 point here.

so, in total, 58 points. is that enough to secure 7th place?

Reading Still Not Thinking Of Europe

Source: Soccernet

First of all, good job for giving Owen a very 'welcoming' comeback...
UEFA Cup UEFA Cup, Reading players are unsure about it but I think they are capable since their form has been great this season...

see this thread will survivor till 2010 or not

this thread will be here irrespective of where they are, and your point is?

remember: Please read the rules and regulations for this sub-forum :

5) Criticism - When criticizing a team or a player, state the reason for it so that the fans of the particular team/player won't feel insulted and start a war.

---

Added on May 1, 2007, 4:05 pmTo those who doesnt know where Reading is. Reading is located about 40miles west of London in the county of Berkshire. Below is the location map of Reading (circled in Red)


This post has been edited by razlan: May 1 2007, 04:05 PM

Referee sends off "confusing" mascot



http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/01052007/2/phot...ing-mascot.html



http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/e...rem/6578949.stm



Referee getting confused between the mascot and the players? Cant he diffentiate a LION head and a HUMAN head?

1-0 Kitson vs Newcastle [zshare] OR Dailymotion
Owen Offside Goal

Credits to Anty(tm) from SP

This post has been edited by alien2003: May 1 2007, 05:46 PM

what a joke when the referee cant tell a difference between a human and a lion. But in truth, it is against FIFA rule to have another person to wear the same jersey color with players on the pitch. it happened to me once while photographing a TM Liga Malaysia match. I'm wearing a shirt with same color as the home team. so the referee ask me to wear a vest that is different in color. it'll confuse them especially in situation where the match officials need to make a quick decision.

so what mike riley did was within FIFA rules.

I know it did violates the FIFA rules but to say the officials getting confused between the players and the mascot just make me laugh

Anyway, great performance by Reading so far this season

Well Mike Riley hasn't been known to have the best of vision, except amongst Man Utd supporters

a good win

haha..
this is the 1st time i see mascot got sent off ...


Reading are well organized...
Their set pieces @ heading are so
I salute the players @ manager ...

With the new TV deal, Reading will able to improve/expand their squad so that they can handle EPL, FA Cup, Carling Cup and may be UEFA Cup as well at the same time.

I hope they will keep their current squad (apart of Steve Sidwell who rumours say could be heading to Newcastle in summer?) because they will be the core for next season's team.

curious to know when did TS start support reading?

Not the most fashionable club to support I suppose, but not much worse than Bolton lol.

And erm, GG (Newcastle fan) Hope that win was the last nail in Roeder's coffin.

that's totally the opposite of what coppell said at the official site and i quote "Yes, we're going for Europe...honest!"

is coppell playing mind games?

---

Added on May 2, 2007, 11:54 amto me, there are 3 type of supporter out there
1) Those who support a team because they are famous. If the team is not doing well, they dont support them
2) Those who support a team because thats what their friends are doing
3) Those who support a team out of shear love, for whatever reason, of that football club

i know which type i'm and there's nothin fashionable about it

tachikoma, maybe you can enlighten us with what does 'fashionable' means to you.

This post has been edited by razlan: May 2 2007, 12:54 PM

The mascot's dismissal from the side of the pitch before halftime did not appear to hurt the team's luck as they still won 1-0.

It was unclear whether he would miss the next match through suspension.

lol wtf ??
mascot oso can get suspension ?

Coppell is upbeat about going into Europe to motivate his players work towards it. The headlines is quoted from Reading players. They dn't want to dream big now yet...

Europe not a priority for Coppell



http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/t...ing/6614363.stm

Whoah slow down, it wasn't meant to be an insult =P And my understanding of fashionable is the same as yours, like f**king Newcastle United is the latest bandwagon team to support anyway

This post has been edited by Tachikoma: May 2 2007, 06:03 PM

Hope Reading wont be like Wigan and West Ham next season since they play really good football.

then i wanna see reading play in europe ... see how coppell play the match

honestly typing, first time i read ur statement, i felt insulted. but, being a thinker, i read again ur statement and i dont felt insulted at all. thats why i asked what do u mean by fashionable cause i dont want to assume. i prefer to hear it from the horse's mouth.

The mascot gonna get suspension for 2 game only.

today, reading has a home game against watford. no live coverage on tv, so have to rely on certain website for updates.

Sidwell and Lita both set to start as Coppell prepares for tough Watford tie

Steve Sidwell and Leroy Lita are set to return to the starting eleven for our game with Watford on Saturday.

Sidwell was not involved against Newcastle on Monday, but boss Steve Coppell has confirmed he will start in what could be the midfielder's final game at Madejski Stadium.

The boss did say however that he would not pick Sidwell on sentimental reasons, it would be a decision made from a footballing perspective.

He said, "Sid will definitely be playing. It's not for those [sentimental] reasons, I have to do what I think is right.

"I probably selected the last six teams in one go, before all the games. I did it one afternoon because I wanted to see the combinations.

"I'm close to satisfying that now, and we've been in a luxurious position to test a few things.

"Leroy will almost definitely start as well. His suspension put a spanner in the works. He was retrospectively condemned for an alleged incident.

"I'll spread my different permutations up front over the final two games."

Graeme Murty will not play again this season, but Glen Little has a slim chance for Blackburn.



Nearing the end
This final home game of the season marks the penultimate match of a superb campaign, and Coppell has been delighted with our progress.

"It only feels a couple weeks ago that we started against Middlesbrough, but the reality is that it's been a long journey for us.

"Thankfully it's coming to an end, and a reasonably happy one at that.

"The players want to finish as strong as they can, and it could be a great finish if we play well until the end.

"We won't breeze through, we want to be as high as we can."



Facing the Hornets
Watford were one of only two teams we failed to beat in the Championship last season, and we have found it unusually difficult against Aidy Boothroyd's team.

Coppell said, "They're hard to play and we've not been able to get the three points against them.

"This is another test, and it's high on our agenda to pass that test. It's something we've not done before.

"It's hard to explain why we've found it particularly difficult. There are various things.

"It'll be hard, with a high tempo. I've got got great respect despite the season not working out as they would have liked. You can't question their commiment; they're so resolute every week.

"I don't know Aidy, but you see his incredible optimism. In that situation I would be fairly down on occasion, but what he does must resound around the place. There's so much energy, enthusiasm and commitment.

"It will be uncomfortable for us. They'd love to beat us, they want to go out on a high and Aidy will have an eye on the future. The game means a lot to both sides."

source: readingfc.co.uk

Perhaps a good performance from Sidwell will be the best way to thank the home supporters?

Reading should be able to win this one and cement their UEFA Cup spot if the other teams slip up.

This post has been edited by alien2003: May 5 2007, 04:53 PM

Where's Sidwell going to end up? 100% Newcastle?

This post has been edited by Soulsareworthless: May 5 2007, 05:04 PM

Rumours saying he could be heading to Newcastle in summer but will he become 1st choice there? I cant see Roeder/new manager break up the partnership of Parker & Butt/Emre

Not 100% to Newcastle but his departure from Reading shud be close to 100% unless he change his mind.

This post has been edited by alien2003: May 5 2007, 05:06 PM

hope not but if his heart is already somewhere else, no point in keeping him at reading.

anyhow, all the best to reading. it has been the best season ever for me as a Royals supporter. They are going to Korea for a summer tour. hope Motor Trader Malaysia will bring them here as well, not for playing friendly but maybe for a press conference to introduce Reading FC to Malaysia's soccer fans.

---

Added on May 5, 2007, 5:19 pmBoss excited by Korea but unsure about Europe!

Steve Coppell is pleased to be going to Korea this summer, but he's still not sure about playing in Europe in the autumn!

The Royals have this week confirmed their participation in Korea's Peace Cup pre-season tournament in July, and the boss is very much looking forward to what he believes will be a fantastic experience.

He said, "Football and travelling are both education, so to combine the two just shows how fortunate we are to be in this job.

"This is a great opportunity to play teams from South America & Asia, and when would we get that opportunity again? We were sounded out, we had various options but we knew this would be tasty.

"Also we've got enough time after the tournament to come back and get into English mode again.

"Finance wasn't the main reason, but it was a consideration, of course. There's a lot of money if you win it, Spurs got $2million in 2005. But it's just a unique opportunity for us and time to change the usual routine of going to Sweden."

Steve questioned the significance of any marketing opportunities in the far east, and said the decision to participate was purely made on football grounds.

He said, "We won't be taking a container load of kit! Call me naive, but I don't see how we can tap into anything out there. In the far east you can get any team's fake shirt for less than a fiver, so I don't think they'd pay full whack for our strip.

"Maybe there are other ways of making money, I don't know.

"I believe we do have a strong following out there, but it's not necessarily to do with Seol. That's what I've been told anyway.

"We're a new team so a lot of younger fans like us; we're different. I don't think it's to do with Seol, I really don't."

While he is looking forward to Korea, he remains unconvinced about the benefits of potential qualification for the UEFA Cup.

He said, "I suppose I've been ambigious, because I want us to finish as high as we can, but I still maintain my thoughts on the UEFA Cup.

"Firstly, we're not going to win the thing.

"Second, it's not a great money spinner for the Club.

"Third, we'd need more players and that makes us a more cumbersome unit.

"It's just not that beneficial. Yes, we can say we got into Europe, but it doesn't actually mean a great deal.

"We could have a party if we qualify, but that won't help us next season, will it?!

"The Premiership is 100% my priority. An away day might be great for someone else, but not me.

"A nice day in Seoul in July will do me nicely!"

Our players have frequently said they would love to play in Europe, but Steve says he is certainly not at loggerheads with his squad.

"There's no conflict because we all want to finish with as many points as we can.

"People might think I'm sabotaging from within, but absolutely not. Wherever we finish, be it 5th. 7th or 9th then brilliant. We'll have deserved it.

"But don't ask me to celebrate and say 'oh brilliant we're in Europe!'"

The boss said in his post-match press conference on Monday night that he would play his reserves in Europe, but the irony was lost in some of the subsequent reports!

"I said it jokingly, the same way I said we'd have £200million to spend but someone still printed it!

"I've not even thought that far ahead!

"First of all we've got to get there, and there's immense competition around us.

"We'll deal with it if it happens, but who's to say that it will.

"I'll talk about it in the same way that I've talked about FA Cup finals. Our Premiership games are the number one priority by a massive distance."

source: readingfc.co.uk

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Added on May 6, 2007, 2:42 amReading lost 0-2 to watford

This post has been edited by razlan: May 6 2007, 02:42 AM

Somehow the mascot bring more luck for Reading without him Reading lost to WATFORD????

Reading got push-out of top 7 by spurs, who won against charlton. now, they 8th

Chelsea made a move for Sidwell for free.. Is Reading becoming another Wigan?

http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=4...r+Blues+medical

This post has been edited by maxizanc: May 13 2007, 01:22 AM

If you mean in terms of selling their players like Wigan did then I don't think so.

Sidwell refused to sign the new contract and will become free agent in summer so Reading has no choice in this case.

yes that was i meant.. Selling or release their best player is not a good choice.. I heard that Sidwell tempted by 50,000 p/w salary offered by Chelsea.. hmm

Wow Reading almost made it to Europe...maybe can play INTERTOTO

No doubt, Chelsea's contract looks more juicy compared to Reading ones.

Reading lost a good midfielder.

yeah...reading lost a good holding player...not easy to find another quality player though...
good fightback from reading against blackburn but simply not enough

Reading did quite well so far in the season. Just they need more quality players to improve the current squad. now Sidwell has left the club, they need to bang in more investment in midfielder.

Royals capture Cisse

http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=4...S+CAPTURE+CISSE

I never heard of him.. so this is the replacement for Steve Sidwell?

Reading is the last season wigan..

Reading has a good back-up squad with their reserve being crowned 'Barclays Premiership reserve league champions'

The Royals were crowned national Barclays Premership reserve league champions last Friday night with a 2-0 win over Bolton.

Boss Brian McDermott told readingfc.co.uk, "It was a fabulous night. The Chairman was on the pitch with us, and he spoke to the boys before and after, which was a terrific lift.

"I didn't know all the fireworks were coming after the game, and I almost fell down a hole on the podium! I was ready to sue the Premier League!"

Brian wanted to pay homage to Nigel Gibbs, who coaches our reserves. "Watford's loss has been our gain. He has been terrific with the boys, as well as the first team. He's a great guy."

source: readingfc.co.uk

Reading to extend ground capacity



http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/t...ing/6687041.stm

Brand new artist impression images are released of proposed Stadium expansion

11:10am, Friday 1st June 2007

The Royals have released two new artist impressions of our proposed Madejski Stadium expansion.

They give an indication of how the Stadium will look when work is complete.

Work will not begin until the summer of 2008, and it is envisaged that one stand will be done each year.





source: readingfc.co.uk

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Added on June 16, 2007, 9:18 amExclusive pictures of our brand new away kit for the next Premiership season

readingfc.co.uk can now bring you full images of our brand new 2007/8 away shirt.

The full release will take place on Saturday 7th July, and pre-orders will be sent out in advance of that date.

The shirt is priced £38 for adults and £28 for children. Ladies shirts are £32.

The Premier League have launched new name & number printing for this season, as well as new sleeve badges, and you can order those with your new shirt.







source: readingfc.co.uk

This post has been edited by razlan: Jun 16 2007, 09:18 AM

reading's opening match for EPL 2007-08 season is against Man U at Old trafford on 12 Aug...

PREMIER TRIO CHASE KOLLER


source

marvellous opening game for reading with a 0-0 draw at old trafford. man of the match shud be marcus hahnemann, reading's goalkeeper

Congrat on a good game plan to stifle the champion. Great defensive play
Now to get points off from the Blues, Royals can do it

next game at home against chelski tomorrow...

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Added on August 17, 2007, 6:37 pmreading lost 1-2 to chelsea...hmmm first lost of the season but many many games to win after this

This post has been edited by razlan: Aug 17 2007, 06:37 PM

last night was reading's third straight lost after losing 0-3 to bolton last week. they were hammered by west ham 0-3 at home

what's happening to Reading....lost 3 games in a row...this one home game some more....

I think Steve Coppell didn't really strengthen enough his squad in the transfer window. He only brought in Emerse Fae, Kalife Cisse and a swap deal for Liam Rosenior from Fulham [Seol Ki-Hyeon to Fulham].

They were the surprise package last season but now he will face much tougher time with most teams already familiar with his tactics and playing style.

Hopefully not the "2nd season" syndrome like what Wigan had last season.

COPPELL TAKES STOCK AFTER HAMMER-ING


source

lost again, this time to sunderland 1-2 and they are 3rd from bottom


This post has been edited by sportsmalaysia: Sep 24 2007, 10:39 PM

after winning 1-0 against derby few weeks ago, they travel to blackburn today. currently 1 minute before half-time, reading is trailing the home team 0-3

won 2-1 against newcastle at home.

looks like this season, reading can only win at home. the statistic so far:-

4 wins (4 home, 0 away)
1 draw (0 home, 1 away)
6 lose (2 home, 4 away)

total points: 13
position: 12 out of 20 teams

I admire Reading becuase they have the dont give up atitude

second lost in a row for reading. last week they were down 1-3 to fulham away. this morning, arsenal beat them 3-1 as well at madejski std, better scoreline then last season's 0-4 defeat

good defending against arsenal before that goal from flamini. epl football cannot too much defending.

Yes.. good job from reading to defend well until that goal by flamini. actually s.hunt reali closed to defend the ball but sadly the ball go through. not to forget, nice goal by nicky shorey too. at least arsenal cannot get cleansheet. heh

today's match is against boro at home. score is still 0-0 at HT

Steve: I'll Copp out



http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport...ticle539850.ece

source: royals.org

Spurs Away In FA Cup

Reading have been drawn away against fellow Premier League strugglers Tottenham Hotspur in the third round of the FA Cup. The draw means that Reading will travel to White Hart Lane twice in the space of just over a week, with the FA Cup fixture on the 5th or 6th of January closely following the League game on 29 December. Last season eighth placed Reading lost out by a single goal - from the penalty spot in the league meeting.

congrats reading.. your player really2 gud last nite... especially stephen hunt...

p/s : can ask him to work out his hair style??

w00t. Reading did a good job on beating Liverpool. Congratz

Yeah

Harper's goal was the best

Made Reina look like a noob

congratz reading...impressive result last night

haha malaysia also got reading fans....ajaib

To my knowledge the player has a bigger advantage when faced one on one with the keeper but what do I know?

Where are the Reading fans anyway? All I see our fans of other teams. I must say I didn't even notice this thread until recently.

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Added on December 9, 2007, 2:47 pmTo my knowledge the player has a bigger advantage when faced one on one with the keeper but what do I know?

Where are the Reading fans anyway? All I see our fans of other teams. I must say I didn't even notice this thread until recently.

This post has been edited by Duke Red: Dec 9 2007, 02:47 PM

as usual. blaming the referee has become part of the excuses for the managers nowadays ...

As usual, you didn't read the post match interview. Rafa didn't blame the ref, he blamed ourselves for not putting our chances away.

Duke you are wrong, he did read post match but only selective reading

another point for reading...

Birmingham City 1
Reading 1
Scorer:Forssell (4) Scorer:Hunt (50 pen.)
Attendance: 27,300 FT (16:53)

Stephen Hunt's second-half penalty halted a run of six successive away defeats for Reading.

Hunt scored from the spot after he had been brought down by Birmingham City goalkeeper Maik Taylor following a weak back-pass from defender Mat Sadler.

That cancelled out Mikael Forssell's first-half strike but City had enough chances to have collected points with Royals goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann producing some crucial saves and Ibrahima Sonko making a spectacular clearance off the goal-line with the help of the underside of the crossbar.

It was Reading's first away point in four months since they drew with Manchester United at Old Trafford on the opening day of the campaign.

They enjoyed plenty of possession in the opening 45 minutes and looked full of confidence after their 3-1 home success over Liverpool last weekend.

But Hahnemann was the busier of the two goalkeepers with Forssell looking sharp in his first start under Blues manager Alex McLeish and Damien Johnson adding some steel in the centre of the park.

Reading made a positive start but after four minutes the Blues went ahead through Forssell in their first meaningful attack.

Gary McSheffrey's corner was flicked across the face of goal by Fabrice Muamba and, although Nicky Shorey blocked the recalled Forssell's initial header, the Finn bundled the rebound over the line for his third goal of the campaign.

The goal seemed to lift the home side and the confident Forssell twisted and turned to create an opening before having his eventual shot blocked.

Reading were forced to make a change after 27 minutes when midfielder Brynjar Gunnarsson suffered a knee injury and was replaced by Kalifa Cisse.

Fabrice Muamba made some good breaks forward and McSheffrey should have done better when he was found in space just inside the box as he sliced his shot across the face of goal.

Hahnemann came to Reading's rescue after 40 minutes when he blocked a low close-range effort from Forssell with his feet.

But it needed Taylor to ensure the Blues maintained their advantage at the interval when saving in similar fashion from James Harper.

After 50 minutes Hunt put the Royals level from the penalty spot after a mistake by City defender Sadler.

The left-back did not put enough power into his attempted back-pass towards Taylor, who brought down Hunt after he had seized on to the loose ball.

Up stepped Hunt to send the Northern Ireland number one the wrong way from the spot.

Birmingham tried to retaliate and a deep cross from Sebastian Larsson was met by Jerome but he sent his header over the crossbar.

Hahnemann produced a reflex save to keep out Jerome's close-range header from a McSheffrey centre and fisted away a curling Larsson free-kick.

Blues skipper Liam Ridgewell was yellow-carded for bringing down Bobby Convey and his fifth booking of the campaign will rule him out of next weekend's match at Bolton Wanderers through suspension.

McSheffrey was unfortunate when a 30-yard free-kick rattled against the Reading crossbar. The rebound fell to Larsson whose header was cleared off the line by Sonko, who directed the ball up on to the underside of the crossbar and out.

Reading substitute Shane Long could have snatched victory in the closing stages but he mis-hit his volley when completely unmarked as Steve Coppell's side finished in the ascendancy, with Hunt side-footing a late chance for a second goal wide.

source: premierleague.com

reading facing sunderland at home today

source: premierleague.com

Sunderland were hit by another late blow for the second week running after Stephen Hunt condemned them to a 2-1 defeat at Reading.

Roy Keane's side thought they had beaten Aston Villa at the death last week only to have the goal ruled out.

And they were dismayed when referee Steve Tanner consulted a linesman to award Hunt a goal that added to Ivar Ingimarsson's opener and made Michael Chopra's penalty equaliser redundant.

Reading dominated the first half against but were unable to find a goal.

Chances were rarer for the visitors but the best was theirs when Andy Cole was put clear by Dwight Yorke and it needed a smart double stop from home goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann to deny him.

With Royals skipper Graeme Murty having played him onside, the former England man saw his first shot blocked by goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann, who was able to gather when Cole had another - more hurried effort from the rebound.

Hahnemann was hurt in the process but was soon able to continue.

Reading replied with a snapshot from Bobby Convey at the other end that went wide. The American was impeded by Paul McShane just outside the box from the next attack but referee Tanner allowed play to continue and Dave Kitson fired a 25-yarder which beat Gordon but just cleared the bar.

Gordon, playing his first match since letting in seven at Everton a month ago, was hurt when Convey, sliding in to try to meet Kevin Doyle's ball beyond the Sunderland backline, hit him in the head with his boot.

The Scot was not down for long and showed he was not too groggy by catching Kitson's attempt to lob him from distance with ease.

Hunt thought he had opened the scoring in the 29th minute when Kitson, having crossed from the left of the box despite the presence of three Sunderland men, picked him out at the back post. Hunt out-jumped Danny Collins to plant a header from point-blank range that Gordon blocked with an arm.

The Reading man claimed a goal but although Gordon's body partially was behind the line, the ball didn't seem to have crossed it.

Set-piece opportunities were arriving regularly for Reading and a Shorey free-kick just eluded Sonko and then Gunnarsson at the back post.

Sunderland were at least more adventurous in the second half and Chopra hit the top of the net from 25 yards.

Hunt again came close, hitting Gordon's right-hand post with a drive from just outside the box on the right, having cut inside to fool his challenger.

The Irishman won a corner from the next attack but Sunderland had little difficulty in clearing this time.

Sunderland made a double change with Murphy and Cole replaced by Etuhu and Wallace in the 63rd minute and switched to a 4-5-1 formation.

Murty had to slide in to stop Jones's flick setting up Wallace in front of goal as Sunderland continued to look dangerous occasionally.

But Reading broke the deadlock in the 70th minute through Ingimarsson after Hunt had been fouled on the right touchline by Collins.

Harper fired in the free-kick, Sonko headed it goalwards and when Gordon could only parry his fellow centre-back made no mistake from two yards.

Doyle fired across goal and wide again as a second goal beckoned.

Jones was on target from more than 20 yards out at the other end but fired straight at Hahnemann.

But from his next attack he went down under a Sonko challenge and referee Tanner pointed to the spot.

Up stepped Chopra to beat Hahnemann from the spot to record his first goal since the second match of the season.

Chopra almost won it with a drive that Hahnemann had to tip over and the American was required once more to deny Jones after the Reading back-line were caught cold.

But Hunt had the final say in stoppage time when he was on the end of a cross from substitute Shane Long, who had replaced Convey. Again Gordon blocked - but this time the ball was judged to be over the line

current table position (source: www.royals.org)


This post has been edited by razlan: Dec 23 2007, 05:59 PM

West Ham United 1 - Reading 1
Scorer:Solano (42) Scorer:Kitson (60)
Attendance: 34,277 FT (14:55)

Reading held West Ham United to a draw at Upton Park after battling for more than an hour with 10 men.

The Royals may still be without an away win all season - but a point was the least they deserved for their bold approach to the match after Brynjar Gunnarsson was sent off.

The Icelandic midfielder was shown a straight red card after 28 minutes for a two-footed lunge on Hayden Mullins.

West Ham took advantage with a strike from Nolberto Solano just before half-time but they could not shake off a Reading side short on numbers but not on work rate or determination.

Dave Kitson scored the equaliser after turning onto a neat through-ball from Nicky Shorey to beat Robert Green.

West Ham threw everything forward in the closing minutes and Dean Ashton saw his header hit the post but they could not break down a resilient Reading defence.

Ashton slipped the ball to Mullins who charged towards the edge of the Reading box, where he tested Marcus Hahnemann with a low drive.

Solano then curled a dangerous free-kick just wide of Hahnemann's near post after Ashton had been fouled by Reading centre-back Ivar Ingimarsson.

Kevin Doyle had kept Green alert with an early snap-shot from 20 yards and should have done better with a header after he was picked out in the box by Kitson.

Centre-back Ibrahima Sonko was forced into a near-post clearance but when the West Ham corner fell to Lucas Neill at the far post he drilled his shot high over the bar.

Jonathan Spector was beaten on the edge of the West Ham box as Doyle rose to get his head to a long-ball from Hahnemann.

The flick-on fell to Kitson who linked again with Doyle to set up Bobby Convey, whose strike from six yards out was well blocked by Green at point-blank range.

Spector may have been under pressure at the back but he did spark a quick West Ham move with a drilled ball down the middle to Freddie Ljungberg.

George McCartney pushed forward and his cross was headed back across the area by Cole but Ashton had just crept offside.

Reading were then reduced to 10 men after Gunnarsson was given his marching orders for a challenge on Mullins as both midfielders hunted a loose ball in midfield.

Hammers defender Matthew Upson almost got his head to the lofted free-kick and had he done so, Hahnemann would have been horribly out of position.

Scott Parker kept the pressure on as he broke into the box and picked out Ashton, who could only hook a difficult pass onto the roof of the Reading net.

West Ham took the lead three minutes before the interval after Solano pounced to beat Convey's challenge with a delicate touch before lifting the ball over Hahnemman.

West Ham had carved the opening well as Parker linked with full-back Neill on a diagonal run across the box. Although Cole lost his footing after receiving the lay-off, the ball fell to Solano and two deft touches later it was in the back of the net.

Reading were making themselves a nuisance when in possession and Kitson managed to knock the ball down for Hunt, whose long-range strike skewed wide.

Parker did escape into the Reading box but was guilty of ignoring Cole and Ashton, who were both unmarked and in prime position, when he drilled a near-post shot straight at Hahnemann.

Reading continued to stretch West Ham and their enterprise paid off just before the hour when Kitson turned onto a through-ball from Shorey and fired past Green to draw the Royals level.

Upson's clearing header fell to Shorey outside the West Ham box and the England full-back worked space cleverly before lifting his pass through to Kitson.

West Ham were spurred into action and Ljungberg latched onto a through-ball from Parker but his low drive was deflected one-handed over the bar by Hahnemann.

But West Ham lacked invention, particularly after Solano was replaced.

As the clock ticked down Parker wasted a golden chance after working space inside the box when his weak shot was easily held by Hahnemann.

Ashton rose well to meet a near-post corner but saw his header rebound off the post as Reading held on for the draw.

source: premierleague.com