Fan view: Reading

Rob Wildey speaks to John Street, a Reading fan, ahead of their visit to St. Andrews tomorrow evening.

WHAT’S YOUR OPINION OF JAAP STAM AS A MANAGER?

Fantastic. He’s got us punching above our weight and promotion is a real possibility. That is something I didn’t think I’d be saying back in August. He’s so grounded with it all as well. Great appointment who is destined for bigger and better things.

WHAT HAS HE DONE TO MAKE READING A CHAMPIONSHIP FORCE?

Firstly, we play football, we keep it on the deck and like to attack. But we haven’t lost our gritty side our our ability to scrape out results. Whatever he does in training clearly works.

WHAT WOULD REPRESENT A GOOD SEASON FOR READING?

If I’d been asked this in August, I’d have said anything north of mid-table. Now, it’d be a disaster if we don’t make the play-offs. It would have to be a complete capitulation if that happens.

WHICH READING PLAYER SHOULD BIRMINGHAM BE WARY OF?

Gareth McCleary is fast, skilful and makes things happen. He has eight goals along with Yann Kermorgant – not prolific by any means but both are big threats to any opposition defence.

IF YOU COULD SIGN ONE BIRMINGHAM PLAYER FOR THE READING SQUAD, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

To be honest, I struggle to see where any Birmingham City player would fit in at Reading. We have a decent squad punching above their weight and I wouldn’t swap any of them. You’ll see them strutting their stuff, teaching Birmingham a lesson on Tuesday.

WHAT IS YOUR PREDICTION FOR THE GAME?

3-0 to Reading. Easy peasy.