Reading Roars!

A long dark shadow has been cast across Reading, clouding the tremendous, and most unseasonal, Spring sunshine. 

After a glorious spell in the top flight of English football, Reading players saw their fairy tale end this afternoon, despite hammering four past Derby (surely the most atrocious team in Premier League history).

It’s now confirmed: the Royals are indeed relegated.  It was close, but deserved, in my opinion.  They have had a painful year.

So now what?  With the excitement over, now is the time for serious questions and sensible planning, even if that entails a whole new project.  No more niceties now.  Think Sir Alan and The Boardroom. 

About a year ago, the club chief executive Nigel Howe said that the club had the potential to be bigger than Arsenal, even describing getting into the Champions League as “achievable”.  He acknowledged that it would require a few years to realise this ambition.  Based on what I saw this season, it’s going to take a lot more than a few years. 

I believe that a reality check is in order.  Madejski has done wonders for the club and he is right in seeking a rich buyer (how else can a club compete these days?), but “filthy” rich?  Finding a billionaire interested in Reading will not be easy.  For a start, there aren’t that many billionaires about (despite that the club has grown in recent years) and then there’s Reading’s investment potential.  It’s all very good talking about the Reading “brand” but ultimately silverware is what matters most.  A few more trophies - or near enough - and corresponding bums on seats will help in growing Reading’s allure.

The Premier League was a tremendous experience for the club and there is no doubt in my mind that they will be back there, though a few years may pass before this happens (the Championship is no walk in the park, lest we forget).  We will all have to be a little patient.