Football Season Review

Reading were beaten play-off finalists and will consider themselves very unlucky that they did not achieve promotion to the Premier League. The Royals started slowly but soon got into the groove and nine straight leagues wins around April meant they nearly sneaked into the automatic promotion places. Central to their fine season was the performance of Shane Long who netted 25 times but he is now set to depart for the Premier League. Wingers Jimmy Kebe and Jobi McAnuff were also key men in an exciting side. Boss Brian McDermott forged an excellent team spirit which made life easy for them at times. Adam Federici also impressed in goal. If Long does depart, it will leave Reading a little lightweight up-front with defender Ian Harte next top scorer with 11. Harte’s set pieces were a big asset and the former Leeds man appears to be getting better with age. He has relished his role in this side.

Player of the Season: Shane Long