It`s almost time… the footy is back. Gone are the weekend`s filled with shopping and cocktail bars, back are the beer fuelled football filled days that we adore. Reading are the first visitors to St. Andrew`s of the 2015/16 campaign.
Last season was a gigantic disappointment for Reading. Finishing just three places above the drop-zone in 19th and losing 22 games in the process wasn`t the season many had planned for the former Premier League outfit.
With the team languishing in the lower ebbs of the Championship, Nigel Adkins was dismissed ten days short of Christmas and former West Brom gaffer Steve Clarke was given the reins. After a topsy-turvy 234 days in charge, things are starting to settle down and Royal`s fans are optimistic once again.
Bolstered by seven new signings this summer, Clarke sets about moulding his side into genuine top-six contenders.
Reading`s last visit to St. Andrew`s was memorable for the home fans, but an afternoon to forget for the visitors as Blues ran out 6-1 winners leading to the sacking of Adkins. That day, Reading simply could not handle Demarai Gray who took home the match ball after his hat-trick.
A tough August is in store for Clarke`s troops as they face Leeds, Sheffield Wednesday, MK Dons and Brentford following the trip to the second-city. But confidence will be high after signing proven performers such as Ali Al Habsi, Stephen Quinn, Zat Knight and Andrew Taylor.
Last season wasn`t entirely a write-off though. A run in the FA Cup lifted spirits before succumbing to a narrow 1-0 defeat at the hands of eventual winners Arsenal in the semi-final at Wembley.
Reading`s squad has ability in abundance and on their day, team`s will find them difficult opponents. The hope for Blues fans is that we can catch them before they begin to gel as I fully expect Reading to be in or around the play-off places come May.
Twitter @TheWildeyShow
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