Football Season Review

Reading produced an electric second half to the season to easily win the Championship in style. In 2010-11 they had put together a similarly impressive run but this time it was more purposeful with an incredible 15 victories in 17 matches enough to blow their rivals away. Their rise owed a lot to having a settled side with Brian McDermott reluctant to change the nucleus of his side. A four man midfield of Jimmy Kebe, Jem Karacan, Mikele Leigertwood and Jobi McAnuff was too good for most sides to cope with and they were a constant threat from set pieces with Alex Pearce and Kaspars Gorkss strong at both ends and Ian Harte’s deliveries threatening. They did not have a settled strike force until Jason Roberts arrived midway through the season and his experience and partnership with Noel Hunt got them over the line. Initially signed as a replacement to Shane Long, Adam Le Fondre became a substitute but he got crucial goals coming off the bench to suggest that every aspect of the Royals’ game is now strong. Manager McDermott can also take a lot of credit for the way his side achieved their aim and his cool, calm approach should work well in the Premier League.

Player of the Season: Alex Pearce