Royals And United Share Points
Added by HNA? on 24/09/06
This was an excellent performance from the Royals that showed they are capable of competing with the cream of English football. Reading might even have taken the full three points after going ahead in the second half, but it was always going to be a tall order to hold out against Manchester United's multi-million pound force. It was a dream to watch as every Reading player gave their all to hold off the likes of Scholes, Ronaldo and Rooney. Reading excelled in defence - and showed quality over the rest of the field too. Early on there were signs of the quality of the opposition when Rooney's powerful effort was saved, but not held, by Hahnemann in the Reading goal causing early concern. However, as it turned out we had much less reason to worry as time and time again Reading's defence held firm and United were restricted to long range efforts that sailed harmlessly over the bar. The visitors were struggling to get in close and despite their early efforts Reading looked comfortable. After United's early dominance of the ball, Reading soon settled down to start playing some good attacking football ourselves, cheered on by a capacity home crowd generating some serious decibels. Lita had an excellent game up front and was chasing down everything to try and win possession - he had a good effort from the edge of the area that was narrowly wide of Van der Sar's right post. Moments later Doyle broke through and found himself deep in the box with just the keeper to beat but unfortunately failed to avoid the goalkeeper. It was probably the best chance of the opening forty five minutes. The second half saw Reading get off to the better start. After settling down and holding United it was time to carve out some more attacking moves. With just three minutes on the second half clock, a Soel cross from the right into the United area saw Gary Neville control the ball with his arm and the referee point immediately to the penalty spot. Doyle's shot was low and to the left and the keeper guessed the right way but couldn't stop it as it went through his hands and into the back of the net. Reading 1 Manchester United 0. The Madjeksi Stadium errupted. After the goal we expected an onslaught - but it didn't come straight away as Reading continued on the attack looking for a vital second goal. After already replacing the very poor Richardson with Saha Fergurson's double substitution with twenty minutes left to play saw O'Shea and Solskjaer join the action - and saw United step up the tempo for the last part of the game. Ronaldo had been showing off all evening with fancy step overs but had failed to get past Murty until 73 minutes on the clock, when the Reading defence was at last beaten. He cut into the box on the left and fired past Hahnemann for an impressive solo-goal and to make the scores level at 1-1. United at last had the initiative and we feared the worst. However, the Reading defence continued with the same outstanding job they performed for the previous seventy-five minutes. Gunnarsson, Hunt and Bikey came off the bench to break up the pattern of the game and shore up the midfield, and full-time eventually arrived for a deserved share of the points.

The Whiff Makes Return
Added by HNA? on 22/09/06
Reading's number one paper fanzine is due to make a return tomorrow as the Whiff hits the streets around the Madejski Stadium. The fanzine will be available from a select group of sellers before tomorrow's sold-out Premier League game against Manchester United - that kicks-off at 5:15 with live Sky TV coverage (of the game not the Whiff sellers). The fanzine, which should hopefully be a regular feature again this season, is still priced at just a pound if the cover preview on the website is anything to go by.

Royals Struggle To Penalty Win
Added by HNA? on 20/09/06
Reading struggled to a penalty win against ten man Darlington, after coming from behind three times, to reach round three of the League Cup. The visitors played nearly twenty minutes of normal time and the entire of extra time a man down but held out with an impressive defensive performance to take the game to penalties. It was Reading that got the luck in the penalty shoot out after Darlington sent two sailing over the bar and Hunt scored Reading's first kick after a retake when his first was saved. Bikey stepped up to fire home the winning spot-kick and wrap up the night's entertainment. Reading fielded essentially a full reserve side - and they took a very long time to get going. The Royals looked very weak in defence with the entire back line swapped out for Halls, Bikey, Mate, and De la Cruz. The latter three of those players were making their first team debuts. Although it is unfair to judge on one performance none of the players suggested they had enough to win a first team place with Mate very disappointing. Darlington looked nervous to begin as they failed to break out of their half for long periods but they got the break through after a shirt pull in the area saw them make it 0-1 from the penalty spot. A defensive header that went badly wrong allowed Lita to equalise when he was gifted the ball. However, Darlington had realised they could more than compete against Reading's trial eleven and the game came to life as they immediately hit back making it 1-2. Moments later Lita scored a second with an excellent finish to make it 2-2 at half time. After half time Darlington again took the lead with a corner from the right fired in from the near corner of the box as Reading's defence was left lacking again. Doyle replaced Lita up front, when perhaps Long - all effort and no end product - should have gone. Doyle had an immediate impact and a few minutes later looked to have broke clean through before being pulled back on the edge of the box. There was no doubt it was a red card for the Darlington defender and the game shifted Reading's way. We had to wait until four minutes before full time to make it 3-3 when a corner from the left managed to reach the far post where Mate managed to bundle it home. There were plenty of chances for Reading to seal the victory inside extra time with the game permanently in the Darlington half. With time running short Darlington looked the more composed side as they continued to frustrate Reading's attack. Little was firing over plenty of crosses and Doyle, Oster and Long all went close but couldn't stop the game going to a penalty shoot-out.

Away Win As Doyle And Seol Score
Added by HNA? on 16/09/06
Reading recorded their first away victory in the Premiership after a blistering first half performance against Sheffield United. The Royals took the home side to pieces, to go two goals up at half time, but it could have been even more after an excellent opening forty five minutes. Reading were ahead after just sixteen seconds as Convey took the ball forward right from the kick-off - his ball over the top put Kevin Doyle clean through. Doyle was faced with just the keeper to beat and made no mistake making it 1-0 with his second goal of the season. The Royals didn't take their foot off the pedal with Ki-Hyeon seeing a shot saved by the United keeper and James Harper nearly making it two after his shot beat the goalkeeper but not the post. It was just a case of who would score the second after Sidwell nearly got on the score sheet. Ki-Hyeon did make it 2-0 with 25 minutes on the clock, when he picked up Lita's ball to twist and turn before burying it.
Sheffield United made two changes at half time in an attempt to get back into the game but Reading continued to look more dangerous and Lita twice went close. Ki-Hyeon put over a perfect cross for Lita to head towards goal only to see the home keeper save on the line. Despite Reading's earlier dominance in all areas, United were given hope just after the hour mark when the Reading defence was at last beaten with a cross that was tucked into the back of the net from close range. The home side enjoyed more of the ball in the second half after pulling the goal back, but still struggled to break through a solid defence with Ingimarsson and Sonko in excellent form. Gunnarsson, Little and Hunt come off the bench to shore up the midfield as Reading looked to secure the full three points. Reading might have won a penalty after Doyle was taken down in the area but the referee failed to give it - leaving a nervous finish for Reading after the referee played five minutes of stoppage time. Hahnemann, who had a decent afternoon collecting crosses, made an excellent save right at the end to secure the win. At full time Reading moved up to fifth in the Premiership table - one place behind Champions Chelsea and just below Manchester United who visit the Madejski Stadium next weekend.

Points Not Positives
Added by HNA? on 13/09/06
Matthew Williams is back with another article, reviewing Reading's excellent start to the Premiership season and looking forward to the trip to Sheffield United next Saturday. We had to look back on the positive elements of the two away defeats at Wigan Athletic and Aston Villa - as we played some good stuff despite picking up zero points. However, the Royals have made up for it with not only plenty of positive football but maximum points over our two home games to go eighth in the Premiership table. Not a bad start at all to life in the elite of English football. However after the trip to Sheffield United we face Man United, Chelsea and Arsenal at home - with trips to West Ham, Portsmouth and Liverpool inbetween. Welcome to the Premiership! It would be nice to take some points as well as positives from those fixtures, but it's going to be very tough indeed.

Ingimarsson Puts Royals Eighth
Added by HNA? on 11/09/06
Ivar Ingimarsson scored the only goal of the game as Reading notched up their second Premiership victory to move into the top half of the Premiership table. After the visitors enjoyed most of the game in the opening twenty minutes, Ingimarsson's goal came against the run of play after Lita won a free-kick on the right. Convey's delivery was spot on as Ivar charged into the area to head home at the far post. Once Ingimarsson dusted himself down after flying into a City defender whilst scoring the winning goal, Reading were well on their way. The game was similar to the Middlesbrough victory on the opening day in the season in some ways, with the visitors looking the better side in the early exchanges against an uncomfortable Reading. The Royals were second to the ball, failing to make tackles and putting in mis-placed passes, but soon settled down after going ahead. Reading finished the first half much the stronger side and could have even gone in a few more goals to the good. Ingimarsson could have had a second after a great rising shot that needed an excellent gave from the Man City keeper. Moments later Ki-Hyeon headed right at the goal keeper from a left-sided corner - Ingimarsson might have done even better if Ki-Hyeon hadn't connected. After another nervous start Reading started to play some good football with a couple of beautiful passing moves that so nearly produced an end product. The visitors were growing frustrated, and picked up a series of yellow cards for some late challenges trying to stop Reading breaking out of their half. The second half saw City enjoy plenty more possession but again fail to do anything dangerous. Hahnemann did well to make a good save getting down quickly to his left - but in reality he was rarely troubled as Reading continued to look by far the more likely side. There were a few nervous moments but the game swung further Reading's way when City's Dabo was sent off with ten minutes left after elbowing Sidwell on the edge of the area. City's ten men looked even less likely to find their rhythm with time running out. Reading could have doubled their lead in the dying minutes when Doyle broke free and took the ball past the keeper only to find a defender slide in to block his goal bound shot.

Ten Man Reading Narrowly Beaten
Added by HNA? on 23/08/06
Reading may have had a slice of luck against Middlesbrough on Saturday when a possible equaliser was ruled out for off-side. Although we were by far the better side and deserved our first Premiership win we could have ended up with just the point. Tonight the luck turned against us as Sonko was very harshly given his marching orders with just half an hour on the clock, leaving the Royals to play most of the game with ten men. Without that sending off, and the resulting penalty kick that allowed Villa back into the game, it might have been a different result tonight. After Saturday's dream start in the Premier League we got off to another dream start against Villa - taking the lead after just four minutes. With the team unchanged except for the injured Kitson being replaced by Leroy Lita up front, the Royals were straight down to business. The early lead followed a positive start from the Royals. Soel Ki-Hyeon was superb on Saturday and set up Reading's goal with style, twisting past his man on the right win to deliver a perfect cross into the box. Doyle managed to find the space for a straight forward headed finish to make it 1-0. Reading could have extended their lead with a decent Sidwell effort going just wide of the far post before events took a turn for the worse. Villa's Moore broke through with Sonko with him and both players ended up on the floor in the Reading box with Sonko judged to have made contact as the player went through. If there was contact it was very marginal and certainly not deliberate. The referee stuck to the rule book, sent Sonko off and Angel cooly dispatched the penalty to make it 1-1. Coppell had no choice but to go for damage limitation and try and take at least a point and replaced Lita with Gunnarsson who moved straight into the centre of defence alongside Ingimarsson. It was always going to be a tall order but Reading looked like they might well be able to keep Villa out and nearly retook the lead themselves through a Seol effort in the second half. However, Villa would always be firm favourites at home playing against ten man Reading and the goal eventually came - with a header when the ball was crossed in just after the hour mark. In Reading style, heads never dropped and Reading stayed on the hunt for an equaliser throwing on Hunt and Long but it wasn't to be. So Reading recorded their first ever Premiership defeat - but there was certainly no shame. Villa drew with Arsenal on Saturday, while Reading defeated Middlesbrough who beat Chelsea tonight. There are already plenty of positve signs to suggest we do plenty more than simply avoid relegation this season.

135 Years But Worth The Wait
Added by HNA? on 23/08/06
Matthew Williams has produced another article following Reading's debut in the top flight on Saturday. The Royals 3-2 victory over Middlesbrough at the Madejski Stadium was definitely worth the wait as Reading made a positive start to Premiership football. Matt looks at the big picture to see how the Reading team fits together as a unit - and the outlook appears to be looking good with Steve Coppell at the helm.

Royals Stage Premier Comeback
Added by HNA? on 19/08/06
The Royals staged a Premier class comeback to come from two goals behind to win their first ever top tier fixture in stunning fashion. Reading's Premier League debut was worth the very long wait as the Royals defeated Middlesbrough 3-2 in a thoroughly absorbing game. In front of a full house, and plenty of media attention, Reading initially made a very nervous start. Despite fielding the same side that wrapped up the Championship title at the end of last season - with the exception of Soel Ki-Hyeon in for the injured Glen Little - we struggled to get going. The visitors seemed much more comfortable in the opening exchanges as Reading passes failed to reach targets and the defence made a number of mistakes under pressure. Middlesbrough took full advantage of Reading's stage fright moving ahead after just eleven minutes. A cross from the right saw Murty drawn into the middle and Downing free at the far post to make it 0-1. A couple of Boateng free-kicks caused problems before Reading conceeded another free-kick on the edge of the area that was driven low and on target. Hahnemann failed to hold it and it bounced out of his arms allowing Yakubu to prod it home and double the 'Boro lead. The second goal saw Reading eventually find their feet. Like we've seen so many times in the past under manager Steve Coppell, Reading failed to give-up and instead stuck to the task and eventually were playing the same football from last season - with the same effect. Passes were starting to find targets, the defence tightened up, Middlesbrough were being quickly closed down and Boro were on the back-foot under heavy Reading pressure. Soel put in two excellent free-kicks from the left that nearly sneaked in the near past before Reading got the breakthrough when Soel crossed from the right and Kitson scored from well inside the box. Just a minute later and Reading were deservedly level when the ball was crossed back to Sidwell to drive home. The goal sparked wild celebrations as the Madejski Stadium went mental. Kevin Doyle has been causing all kinds of problems for Middlesbrough and nearly put Reading ahead when he just failed to connect on Murty's near-perfect cross. The only worry at half time was an injury to Dave Kitson that saw Leroy Lita take his place for the second half. Reading carried on from where they'd left off. The nerves had evaporated and we were playing some fine flowing confident football. It was a joy to watch. A series of superb passes eventually saw Seol again released on the right, deep in Middlesbrough territory. His cross nearly saw Doyle score, but instead the ball came through to Lita with plenty of time to blast the ball into the backl of the net and put Reading 3-2 ahead. Gunnarsson and Hunt came off the bench as Reading looked to hold the lead but they were rarely threatened despite playing deeper in the last part of the game. Middlesbrough might have claimed a late goal that was ruled off-side, but there was no doubt this was the right result. This was a great game, and the perfect start to life in the Premier League for the Royals.

Premiership Predictions
Added by HNA? on 17/08/06
Ahead of the start of the new Premiership season, the Hob Nob Anyone? Prediction League is back again - for its 13th season. If you think you know the Royals then here's is your chance to prove it. It's simple enough - just pop in before each Reading game thoughout the season and enter your score prediction and list the names of the Reading scorers. Use the same name and e-mail address each work and we'll automatically calculate your score with regular updates through the season. Points are picked up for getting the right result with bonus points for accuracy and for picking the right Reading players to hit the net. It's free to play and a bit of harmless fun - just follow the link below to play:
Hob Nob Anyone? Prediction League 13
Rumour Rating: Definite

Hob Nob In The Evening Post
Added by HNA? on 17/08/06
For the third consecutive season Hob Nob Anyone? will be teaming up with the Reading Evening Post to get fans' options printed in the paper on a weekly basis. Each week the Post will print a selection of fans' views and opinions - all you have to do is submit your message through this website and it will be passed through to the post. Take this opportunity to have your say on matters both on and off the pitch - if you have a view on anything Reading FC related then this is your chance to share your opinion...
Evening Post Column - Send in your opinion
Rumour Rating: Definite

Wish The Royals Luck
Added by HNA? on 16/08/06
The Royals kick-off their inaugural Premiership season this Saturday at 3:00pm as Middlesbrough visit the Madejski Stadium. With the new season just a few days away, here's your chance to wish the Royals luck for the start of the season. As the entire town of Reading – and the rest of Berkshire – gets behind the boys you can get your individual messages to the team printed in the Reading Evening Post. Just email your message to sport@reading-epost.co.uk with your name and address today or tomorrow and you may well it printed in Friday's paper.
Rumour Rating: Definite

BBC Radio Berkshire Back On Air
Added by HNA? on 15/08/06
After a fans' campaign to get BBC Radio Berkshire's Royals coverage back on-air, a new deal has been struck to allow the BBC to broadcast games live alongside Reading 107. Initially the club granted an exclusive license to sister company Reading 107 - however the decision sparked a determined fan fightback forcing the club to reconsider. The pressure led to new discussions between the club and BBC Berkshire which resulted in a deal being agreed. The good news means that more fans will be able to follow the Royals on the radio and fans will have a choice between two local stations. To celebrate, a new forum will soon be appearing on the Hob Nob Anyone? forums to allow fans to feedback directly to BBC Berkshire during and after all Reading's games during the new season. The BBC team will be popping in to Hob Nob Anyone? to view and contribute to their forum, and it will give fans the chance to have their views heard on air.

Win Ensures Unbeaten Friendly Run
Added by HNA? on 14/08/06
Reading completed their pre-season campaign with an impressive 2-1 friendly victory over Dutch team Feyenoord at the Madejski Stadium this weekend. The latest win completed Reading's programme of ten friendly fixtures with a record of nine wins and just one draw. The game against Feyenoord was Reading's only home fixture after returning from a tour of Sweden that saw the Royals secure three straight wins: 6-0 against Gallstads, 10-1 against Lanna, and a 2-1 win against Orgryte. On Saturday the Royals fielded a first choice side in preparation for the kick-off of the Premiership season - that starts in just five days time. Midway through the first half Reading went two goals up with Convey crossing from a free-kick and Kitson getting on the end of it to make it 1-0, before Ingimarsson scored after another Kitson effort came back off the post.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Seol Grabs Winner
Added by HNA? on 27/07/06
Seol Ki-Hyeon, Reading's million pound summer signing from Championship side Wolves, scored the only goal of the game as Reading's pre-season campaign continued with a win at Millwall. The Royals fielded a reasonably strong side but it was a long way off a first choice eleven. Lita and Seol got to try out their partnership up front with Seol scoring his goal in the first half after a defensive mistake. Federici played a full ninety minutes in goal, while the second half saw a number of fringe players make an appearance.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Winning Friendly Run Continues
Added by HNA? on 24/07/06
Reading notched up their fourth straight pre-season win as the first team defeated Northampton Town 4-1 at the weekend. The home side took the lead before Reading hit back with goals from Lita, Doyle, Gunnarsson and Cox. Reading fielded a near first choice side with Hahnemann and Convey both missing due to holiday. Just after the hour mark Reading made eight substitutions to try out fringe first team players. The win follows a 9-1 victory over Didcot, a single goal win over Bromley and a 3-2 victory over Rushden and Diamonds. Reading travel to Millwall during the week and then Swindon Town on Saturday before heading off for the usual pre-season Sweden tour. The Royals will be hoping to score a few against Gallstads who lost 14-0 to Aston Villa around this time last year. After facing Lanna and Orgryte in Sweden, Reading travel back for their only home pre-season fixture as Feyenoord visit the Madjeski Stadium on Saturday 12 August.
Rumour Rating: Definite

BBC Radio Coverage Ends
Added by HNA? on 21/07/06
Reading fans outside the central Reading area have been left disappointed with the news that the club will no longer allow BBC Berkshire to broadcast live coverage of Royals games. The club have agreed to provide exclusive rights to "sister company" Reading 107 FM - despite the fact the station provides only limited coverage to the local area. STAR (the Supporters Trust At Reading) today issued the following statement:

STAR has always worked closely and impartially with all media organisations, as we believe that the widest possible media coverage of Reading Football Club is important to both benefit the football club and to provide accessibility to Reading supporters everywhere. This, we believe, is even more important at a time when Premier League football means that watching Reading live is harder and more expensive than ever for many.

Therefore we must express our extreme disappointment with the decision announced yesterday that Reading FC has awarded exclusive rights to broadcast live commentaries of Reading's home and away matches to the radio station "Reading 107" - for many years these rights have been non-exclusive, and both Reading 107 and BBC Radio Berkshire have broadcast live commentary of Reading matches.

STAR appreciates the need for Reading FC to maximise revenue in order to compete in the Premier League, but we believe that the negative impact of this decision upon Reading fans, the loss of goodwill it is already causing, and the significant loss of the Reading FC "product" to a large number of Reading supporters will more than outweigh any short-term financial income.

There is no doubt that this decision will make it much harder for Reading fans to hear live commentary of Reading's matches - as an "incremental station" Reading 107's license restricts them to a local broadcast area only. According to RAJAR March 2006 statistics, the number of people over 15 who live within Reading 107's Total Survey Area is 257,000 people, whilst that of BBC Radio Berkshire is 771,000. Similarly, BBC Berkshire, backed by the technical resources of the BBC, provides DAB Digital Radio coverage, whilst Reading 107 has no facilities to offer this service.

Effectively this means that free, non-internet, access to live commentary of Reading's first season in the Premier League will now be unavailable to over half a million people who live outside "Reading and the Greater Reading area" - Reading 107's stated catchment area. This includes the large numbers of Reading supporters (and, of course, potential Reading supporters!) in towns such as Newbury, Thatcham, Hungerford, Didcot, Maidenhead, Slough, Windsor, Bracknell and Basingstoke, etc.

We would therefore call upon Reading FC to review this decision to make live radio broadcast rights exclusive, and to revert to the shared coverage of previous years - so that live coverage of Reading FC is once again as accessible to fans as it has been over the many years when Reading FC were not as successful.

Seol Completes Signing
Added by HNA? on 11/07/06
Seol Ki-Hyeon today completed his transfer to Reading Football Club in a deal worth up to £1.5 million to Wolves - a club record for the Royals. The initial fee of £1 million was agreed last week, and personal terms were signed today to complete the move. Seol had two years left to run on his contract at the Championship club but was keen to move into the Premiership. Wolves were rumoured to have received a couple of offers from Premiership sides but Reading offered the best deal for the player who didn't perform to his full potential last season. Steve Coppell will be hoping Seol settles in quickly to live in the Premiership - along with the rest of the squad.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Royals Agree Seol Ki-Hyeon Fee
Added by HNA? on 06/07/06
The Royals are hoping to tie up the signing of South Korean international Seol Ki-Hyeon from Championship side Wolves, after the clubs agreed a one million pound transfer fee for the player. Seol Ki-Hyeon has been on international duty in the World Cup finals for South Korea and is expected to arrive in Reading next week to discuss personal terms, and hopefully complete his signing. The winger originally signed for Wolves from Anderlecht two years ago, in the summer of 2004, for £2M. His appearances for Wolves have included fifty first team starts in the league and a further nineteen from the bench. His Wolves career has also included ten goals. In the World Cup finals Seol Ki-Hyeon failed to get into the starting eleven but did make two appearances in the group stages from the bench - including a full second half against finalists France. The transfer fee of £1M, if the transfer goes ahead, would match the current club record, previously set when Leroy Lita signed. Wolves would be entitled to further money depending on appearances that could see a further £0.5M heading their way.
Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

Players Extend Contracts
Added by HNA? on 05/07/06
Ahead of Reading's first season in the top flight, a number of players have followed Steve Coppell's example and have put pen to paper to extend their contracts with the Royals. John Oster was the latest player to confirm his new deal, securing a contract that will keep him at Reading for a further full season. Stephen Hunt and Chris Makin were both also out of contract this summer and signed one year extension last week. Both players were reported to have had offers for longer contracts at Championship clubs but opted to fight for their place with Reading in the Premier League. Rumours of new signings continue to float around with nothing certain yet. However, a big plus point is the existing squad, that performed so well last season, staying together to continue their good work.
Rumour Rating: Definite

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