LATEST NEWS ON 'The Royals'
March 2006
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  • 31st March 2006 - Rams Preview

    • Reading winger Glen Little is hopeful of making his comeback from injury as the newly-promoted Royals look to clinch the Championship title at home to Derby.

    Steve Coppell's side secured automatic promotion to the Premiership for the first time in their 135-year history with last week's 1-1 draw at Leicester, and could be crowned champions if nearest rivals Sheffield United fail to take maximum points at Stoke.

    Little has not started in the last six outings after sustaining a groin injury last month and a back problem ruled him out of the Foxes clash.

    Fellow midfielders Brynjar Gunnarsson (dead leg) and Steve Sidwell (thigh) are back to full fitness after run-outs at the Walkers Stadium.

    Young striker Shane Long did his chances of keeping his place in the squad no harm at all as he netted a hat-trick in the reserves' 9-0 hammering of Woking on Wednesday.

    Manager Terry Westley is set to name 17-year-old defender Mitch Hanson as part of the Derby squad.

    With right-back Marc Edworthy sidelined with a calf injury, Westley is expected to call on Hanson as cover for Richard Jackson.

    But though Seth Johnson and Michael Johnson are both making rapid recoveries from knee injuries, both are expected to be absent for the Madejski Stadium clash.

    Winger Lee Holmes is back from an ankle knock though.

  • 31st March 2006 - Kamara's View

    • Reading deserve every plaudit that has come their way in the past few days - and perhaps a few more.

    To become the earliest side promoted to the Premiership, the first to do so in March, to have lost just twice in 40 games, including a 34-match unbeaten run is an outstanding achievement.

    Perhaps the fact that since Christmas we have all known it is a question of 'when' and not 'if' means their achievements and promotion were taken for granted a little bit, but make no mistake it has been a phenomenal season at the Madejski Stadium.

    I also think the fact that Steve Coppell has been keeping everyone's feet on the ground has been reflected in the coverage of their season. But these final six games - and don't forget they can still get the Championship points record and secure the title this weekend - are the perfect chance for them to get the coverage they deserve.

    I know Steve and his staff will want to keep winning games and can't see them changing their approach, but hopefully it will be party time in the town.

    I am sure they will get a civic reception and I am sure the armchair fans will come out in force to congratulate them. I am not talking about the 25,000 that turn up week in, week out, but the rest of the town? They have a football team to be proud of.

    It was slightly disappointing to find out from Graeme Murty and Marcus Hahnemann on Goals on Sunday that the players can still walk down Reading High Street and not be recognised, but I think we can safely say that won't be the case now they are in the Premiership.

    As I say, a lot of that might have been to do with the way Steve Coppell and his players have gone about it. Although privately Steve will have been ticking off the games, publically he has refused to get carried away when it is human nature to do just that.

    It has been an incredible achievement to keep everybody's feet on the ground and make sure they didn't take their eye off the ball. He banned his players from talking about promotion and now they are reaping rewards for that level-headed approach.

    I think a lot of that has to do with last season when they were going so well, but saw it all go belly-up around Christmas. They were never going to make the same mistake twice.

    And it has been a team effort from everyone involved in the club. They might not have any stand-out stars, but they have all played their part and they have all played above themselves, all season long. Look through their team-sheet and there has not been one weaknesses.

    The keeper Marcus Hahnemann has been excellent, the two full-backs Nicky Shorey and Murty were never taken to the cleaners and their distrubution has been superb, while the centre backs Ibrahima Sonko and Ivar Ingimarsson have been outstanding and never looked like strangers to one another.

    In midfield they have been just as strong. Steve Sidwell and James Harper drive their team forward and out wide Bobby Convey and Glen Little are a threat. The options the four of them provide mean they have goals and creativity across the park.

    Then up front, we all know what they are about. You have to feel sorry for Leroy Lita who has missed out because of that horrific injury, but he, Dave Kitson and Kevin Doyle have all scored goals and all come in and done a great job whenever they have been called upon.

    Of course it has helped that they have only used 15 or 16 players, but that goes without saying. Teams do not win things using 30 or 40 players. You just don't get that consistency Reading have shown. And when players are brought into a settled side, they are desperate to do well because they know the chances are few and far between.

    Basically, they are just a very good side - I think Steve knew he had the nucleus there when he took over.

    I am genuinely pleased for the manager as well. He has nothing to prove to anyone and if you're talking about the nice guys in the game, in all my years I have never come across anyone in football who has nothing but good things to say about Steve Coppell. And I can tell you he is nowhere near as dour as he makes out!

    I am also pleased for his backroom staff. A lot of people don't think of Wally Downes, but that is only the people who don't know him. Those that do know him know he is as serious as the next man when it comes to his football and he knows his stuff.

    If you've watched him on the training ground, he's clever and organised and he knows what's required. Don't be misguided by Wally just because he likes a bit of fun.

    Kevin Dillon also deserves a lot of credit, because sometimes it can be difficult when you work for the previous manager (Alan Pardew) and a new guy comes in. But Kevin has nestled himself in perfectly and they clearly respect his judgement.

    The thing I like about the three of them is that they trust each other. One minute Wally will be screaming from the touchline, then it will be Kevin giving the orders and then Steve will emerge and... put his hand on his chin! Seriously though, they all know and do their own jobs and none of them questions the other.

    On top of all that John Madejski has been just as sensible and unflappable as the players and the coaching staff. He could have pushed the boat out and really gone for it, but he refused and trusted in Steve and the squad. A lot of people could have thrown money at it and seen it go wrong, but in the end it has paid off without having to pay astronomical wages.

    It means they are in good financial stead for the Premiership - and I am sure Madejski will be there as well. I know he wants to sell the club and you can't blame him. He is not essentially a football man but he has undertaken a huge committment.

    For someone like me who has been in the game all his life it is not a problem, but Madejski is a business man who has made his money and you could forgive him for packing it all in and enjoying the money he has earned.

    But that's easier said than done. I remember Simon Jordan saying he would stand down when Crystal Palace reached the Premiership, but he's still there!

    I don't think Madejski will have to splash out vast amounts next season either. Yes, they will probably be wise to do what Wigan did and buy a couple of defenders with Premiership experience and maybe a striker who has been there before, but Reading already have the nucleus of a decent side in place.

    If there is one criticism of Mick McCarthy at Sunderland it was that he bought players who are unproven in the Premiership and Wigan are the ideal blueprint to follow - although Steve Coppell has been there before and knows just what to expect.

    The encouraging thing is that there is no doubt that the gap between the Championship and the Premiership has been reduced. Massively. You only have to look at the success of West Ham and Wigan and of individual players like Heidar Helguson at Fulham and Curtis Davies at West Brom to see that.

    I don't doubt for a minute Reading will do well, but that is for next season. For now, let them enjoy the celebrations, they have more than deserved them.

  • 31st March 2006 - Promotion Party Details

    • The Club has confirmed that a promotion party will be held at Madejski Stadium and in Reading town centre on Bank Holiday Monday 1st May.

    The day's celebrations will start with the players boarding an open-top bus for a journey through the town centre, ending at Madejski Stadium. Timings and the route will be confirmed nearer the time.

    All season ticket holders are invited to Madejski Stadium free of charge, and season ticket Member Cards have been automatically updated, and their usual seats reserved. On this occasion, season tickets are transferable so they can be lent to family or friends.

    The remaining available seats are in the South Stand only, and they will be available to Member Card holders (one per person) on a first-come first-served basis for just £1. They will be on sale online at readingfc.co.uk from 3pm on Friday 31st March. The South Stand will be unreserved. Tickets will also be on sale from the North Stand ticket office from 11am until kick off before our home games with Derby (1st April), Stoke (17th April) and QPR (30th April). Please note these tickets are not available by phone.

    The Club is also hoping to arrange other on-pitch activities for the day and details will be confirmed soon.

  • 27th March 2006 - An Apology

    • Over the past 2 years or so I have posted some very strong opinions about "the quiet one" on this web site. Specifically, comments made on 20/12/2003, 26/12/2003, 13/01/2004 and as recently as 19/02/2005 and 26/02/2005 were particulary biting. Whilst I maintain that those views were fully justified at the time, it is now time for me to eat humble pie. Having delivered the greatest dream never imaginable to someone who grew up following Reading through the dark, dark days of the seventies and early eighties, Steve Coppell now deserves the utmost respect. Obviously, he knew what he was doing all along and I know nothing.

    So I now offer my unreserved apologies for ever doubting "the extra special one" and can confirm that "Coppdross" has been erased from the Concise Oxford English dictionary.

    Steve Coppell is GOD! I will be eternally grateful for the joy that Saturday 25th March 2006 brought to me and many others - whatever happens from here.

    Stevie Coppell's Blue 'N' White Army
    Stevie Coppell's Blue 'N' White Army
    Stevie Coppell's Blue 'N' White Army
    Stevie Coppell's Blue 'N' White Army
    Stevie Coppell's Blue 'N' White Army
    Stevie Coppell's Blue 'N' White Army
    .... add infinitum.

  • 25th March 2006 - The Fat Lady Sings



    • A 1-1 draw with Leicester City enabled Reading to begin their Premiership promotion party as they secured a place in the top flight for the first time in their history.

    Royals fans began the day with any number of permutations swimming about in their heads, although Watford and Leeds' inability to win meant that a point was enough at The Walkers Stadium for Steve Coppell's triumphant outfit.

    The Foxes had taken the lead through Canadian striker Iain Hume but with time running out Kevin Doyle cued enthusiastic celebrations with his late leveller.

    A frenetic start to the game saw Doyle threaten, but Paddy McCarthy made two important interventions to stop the Irish hot-shot from notching early on.

    Hume also indicated he was in the scoring mood when denied by Royals keeper Marcus Hahnemann, and the American international was also at full stretch to deny Matty Fryatt.

    Fellow United States star Bobby Convey was unable to keep a free kick down as Reading pressed for an opener, but Joey Gudjonsson and Gareth Williams also went close for the home side.

    After 37 minutes Rob Kelly's men pushed in front when Hume converted inside the box after Fryatt capitalised on a poor header from Ibrahim Sonko, as Leicester took an unexpected lead.

    The crowd at The Walkers Stadium were almost treated to a second in quick succession when Icelandic midfielder Gudjonsson saw his free kick rebound off the woodwork.

    After the break the former Real Betis man seemingly found his range and one long range effort was only diverted wide by a touch from Hahnemann, but Reading remained dangerous and Ivar Ingimarsson and Convey both looked for an equaliser.

    The Royals' efforts bore fruit with five minutes to go when Doyle sparked mass delight as he headed home at the near post after Ingimarsson helped a James Harper corner on its way.



  • 24th March 2006 - Big Match Preview

    • Goalkeeper Rab Douglas is pushing for a recall ahead of Leicester's Walkers Stadium clash with Reading.

    A thigh injury has kept the Scot sidelined since Valentine's Day, but a midweek reserve-team outing plus some solid training sessions have convinced manager Rob Kelly of Douglas's fitness.

    And although Paddy McCarthy and Matty Fryatt spent the early part of the week receiving treatment for respective thigh and groin injuries, both have since returned to the Belvoir Road training pitches and have been cleared to play.

    Momo Sylla is available after recovering from a back injury but the game will come too soon for Danny Tiatto and Lee Morris, who are both getting over knee operations.

    Winger Glen Little is hopeful of being involved as Reading look to clinch promotion to the Premiership.

    Steve Coppell's side will guarantee themselves a place in the top flight for the first time in their 135-year history with victory at the Walkers Stadium, and could even be crowned champions if Sheffield United lose at home to Southampton.

    Little has not started in the last five Championship outings after sustaining a groin injury last month, but Royals physio Jon Fearn is optimistic about the wideman's progress.

    "Glen was involved with light training earlier this week and the signs are good," he told the club's official website. "If all goes well we can ease him back into full training and fingers crossed he can have some involvement at the weekend."

    Fellow midfielders Brynjar Gunnarsson (dead-leg) and Steve Sidwell (thigh) will continue to be monitored and a late decision will be made on the pair.

    Young striker Shane Long staked his claim for a place in the squad by scoring the opener and setting up the other three as the reserves thumped Luton 4-0 on Wednesday.

  • 24th March 2006 - Lions Friendly

    • Reading have arranged a pre-season friendly away to Millwall on Wednesday 26th July (7:45pm).

  • 18th March 2006 - Magic Number 3



    • Kenny Miller's second-half equaliser granted Wolves a precious 1-1 draw in their hunt for a play-off spot as they denied Premiership-bound Reading another win at the Madejski Stadium.

    Bobby Convey's first-half goal gave the Royals the lead and the home side deserved more than a one goal for their efforts in the first 45 minutes.

    But Wolves hit back strongly after half-time and with Reading only losing once at home in the league all season, a point against the champions-elect may prove invaluable.

    The first chance of the game came in the 10th minute when John Oster met Nicky Shorey's cross inside the six-yard box but could not get a firm shot away, with Wolves keeper Stefan Postma collecting at the second attempt.

    Jeremie Aliadiere thought he had opened the scoring for the visitors on the 15-minute mark - the Frenchman taking a lay-off from Tomasz Frankowski inside the box and turning to fire home - but he was deemed to be offside.

    Reading hit back in the 22nd minute and took lead as Convey met Oster's pull-back to lash his shot home.

    Wolves could have levelled soon after as Mark Davies surged into the penalty area, only for home keeper Marcus Hahnemann to pull off a brave save.

    The American keeper was again in action in the 37th minute when he got down bravely to deny the prowling Frankowski from close range.

    Royals winger Convey again called Postma into action, with the Dutchman smothering his 25-yard shot in the 40th minute.

    Kevin Doyle's cross-shot flashed narrowly wide of goal as the home side finished the first half stronger.

    Reading started the second half how they ended the first, with Convey wriggling his way into the box before firing straight at Postma.

    Wolves responded and slack defending from the Royals allowed Frankowski to get in a shot from eight yards which Hahnemann had to tip over.

    And Wolves shocked the home fans when Miller capitalised on hesitancy inside the Reading box to slam a right-footed shot past Hahnemann. The Reading keeper had no chance with the shot which took the Scotland international to 11 goals for the season.

    Another fine save from Hahnemann denied Wolves the lead in the 72nd minute. Aliadiere looked suspiciously offside from Frankowski's through-ball, but the Royals keeper rushed off his line to snuff out the danger.

    Chances were few and far between in the final 20 minutes, with both sides looking to hit each other on the break.

    Aliadiere had a great chance in the 89th minute when he ran onto to substitute Carl Cort's flick-on but he succeeded in only poking his shot over the bar from close range. Cort also headed straight at Hahnemann deep into injury-time.



  • 17th March 2006 - Wolves Preview

    • Reading midfielder Steve Sidwell should end his two-game absence when Wolves visit the Madejski Stadium.

    Sidwell has overcome ankle and thigh problems and is set to go straight back into Steve Coppell's plans as the Royals look to take another step towards clinching promotion.

    Fellow midfielder Glen Little remains absent, though, as he continues to be hampered by a groin injury sustained during the 3-0 win at former club Burnley earlier in the month.

    Stephen Hunt is vying for a start with Dave Kitson, and Kevin Doyle is set to continue in attack with Leroy Lita (broken ankle) sidelined for the rest of the season.

    Wolves are hopeful over the fitness of Denes Rosa for the trip to face the champions-elect.

    Rosa suffered a groin strain after scoring his first goal for the club in the 2-0 win over Cardiff last weekend, but manager Glenn Hoddle is "optimistic" about his chances of being fit.

    Kenny Miller has shaken off an ankle injury sustained in the same game and will keep his place in the side.

    Darren Anderton (hamstring) is a likely absentee, but Mark Kennedy (foot) could be fit.

    However, midfielder Seyi Olofinjana is out with a back injury, which looks likely to have brought his season to an early end.

    Reading V Wolverhampton Wanderers
    Top Lge Scorers Goals Saturday 18/3 @ 3pm Top Lge Scorers Goals
    Kitson 15 Referee: P Walton (Northamptonshire) Cort 10
    Doyle 14 Games: 33   Yellows: 99   Reds: 6 Miller 8
    Lita 11 Last 4 Meetings Ganea 4
    Sidwell 9 26/12/2005 Wolves 0 2 Reading Seol 4
    Convey 6 30/04/2005 Reading 1 2 Wolves Cameron 3
    Lge Discipline   Y R 04/12/2004 Wolves 4 1 Reading Lge Discipline   Y R
    Sidwell 5 0 14/05/2003 Reading 0 1 Wolves Miller 7 0
    Little 4 0 Kennedy 6 0
    Kitson 4 0 Head to Head Naylor 4 0
    Doyle 4 0 Reading Draws Wolves Ross 4 0
    Gunnarsson 4 0 League 11 4 12 Gyepes 4 0
    Lge Goal details:     FA Cup 0 0 2 Lge Goal details:    
    When: F A League Cup 2 0 0 When: F A
    first half 34 10 Total 13 4 14 first half 22 15
    second half 46 14 second half 20 15
    From: Games Since From:
    open play 42 16 1 a win 0 open play 21 16
    crosses 14 4 1 home win 0 crosses 15 4
    corners 6 1 0 away win 1 corners 2 6
    penalties 4 2 3 a defeat 7 penalties 2 1
    direct from free-kick 4 0 18 home defeat 6 direct from free-kick 1 1
    free-kicks 7 1 1 away defeat 3 free-kicks 0 0
    4 a score draw 6
    Total 80 24 0 a no score draw 1 Total 42 30
    2 conceding a goal 3
    1 scoring a goal 0
    Current Form (last 3 games - all competitions)
    11/03/2006 Watford Home Drew  0:0   11/03/2006 Cardiff Home Won  2:0
    04/03/2006 Burnley Away Won  3:0   07/03/2006 Stoke Home Drew  0:0
    25/02/2006 Preston Home Won  2:1   04/03/2006 QPR Away Drew  0:0


  • 16th March 2006 - Harper Deal Sealed

    • Speculation over the future of Royals midfielder James Harper has finally ended.

    has signed a new two-year contract to extend his stay at Madejski Stadium until 2008. The 25 year-old midfielder, who has only missed one League game this season, has signed a new two-year contract to extend his stay at Madejski Stadium until 2008. His previous deal was due to expire at the end of the current season.

    Harper, who joined for an undisclosed fee from Arsenal in March 2001, has now made more than 200 appearances for Reading and was named the fans' player of the season in 2002/3.

  • 11th March 2006 - Rare Stalemate


    • Gunnarsson hit a post for Reading, and Malky Mackay and Lloyd Doyley both made goal-line clearances - while Reading remain within touching distance of the Barclays Premiership and will not be too despondent.

    Reading made their intentions clear from the start, and Watford's defence quickly had their work cut out to keep their opponents at bay.

    Jay DeMerit - who was excellent at the back - did well to block the recalled Dave Kitson's 15-yard effort after John Oster had robbed Matthew Spring in midfield in the 13th minute, and a minute later Steve Coppell's men screamed for a penalty when Mackay tangled with Kevin Doyle following Oster's ball over the top.

    But the pace of Chris Eagles and Ashley Young meant Watford could always threaten on the counter-attack.

    In the 21st minute, Eagles chipped in a cross that home goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann could only palm into the path of Spring but, luckily for Reading, the midfielder shot wildly over.

    Reading wasted another chance to go in front four minutes later when Kitson raced onto Doyle's flick but fired over from close range after being forced wide by Mackay.

    Mackay was the hero for Watford eight minutes from the interval, hooking off the line after Ibrahima Sonko appeared certain to bundle in Kitson's flick after Bobby Convey's left-wing cross.

    The visitors then swept downfield and Nicky Shorey did superbly to block Young's fiercely-struck effort from 18 yards to concede a corner.

    Watford had another escape just before the whistle, Doyley hacking away Doyle's shot with goalkeeper Ben Foster stranded after ex-Hornet Gunnarsson had fired against a post.

    Reading continued to enjoy more possession after the break, but they were far less incisive - and Watford were creating just as little.

    As a result, the match went off the boil. Marlon King - surprisingly left out of Watford's starting XI - miskicked six yards out after replacing Anthony McNamee at half-time, and Eagles drilled a low shot straight at Hahnemann from 22 yards after good work by Spring.

    With the passage of time Reading's verve returned, but they could not make the breakthrough as Watford hung on for an important point.



  • 10th March 2006 - Hornets Preview

    • Reading youngsters Simon Cox and Shane Long are battling it out for the third striker's spot in Steve Coppell's squad ahead of the visit of fellow promotion hopefuls Watford.

    Both staked their claim as suitable replacements for the injured Leroy Lita with goals in the reserves this week as the Royals' second-string romped to a 5-1 win over their Aldershot counterparts.

    Lita will miss the rest of the campaign after breaking his ankle during the 3-0 win at Burnley last week, and Glen Little looks set to join him on the sidelines.

    The former Burnley winger aggravated a groin injury making a brief cameo appearance against his old club at Turf Moor and is not expected to be available.

    Fellow midfielder Steve Sidwell is doubtful with thigh and ankle complaints.

    Watford welcome back striker Darius Henderson from suspension.

    He missed the last three matches following his sending-off in the defeat at Leeds last month, but he is available to face his former club.

    But the Hornets will be without forward Hameur Bouazza for the Madejski Stadium clash.

    The Frenchman sustained a foot injury during last weekend's 2-2 draw with Derby that is likely to keep him out for some time.

    Midfielder Dominic Blizzard has played for the reserves following a viral complaint but is not yet match fit.

    Reading V Watford
    Top Lge Scorers Goals Saturday 11/3 @ 3pm Top Lge Scorers Goals
    Kitson 15 Referee: Steve Tanner (Somerset) King 18
    Doyle 14 Games: 28   Yellows: 114   Reds: 9 Young 12
    Lita 11 Last 4 Meetings Henderson 10
    Sidwell 9 27/08/2005 Watford 0 0 Reading Spring 8
    Convey 6 26/12/2004 Reading 3 0 Watford Carlisle 3
    Lge Discipline   Y R 25/09/2004 Watford 0 1 Reading Lge Discipline   Y R
    Sidwell 5 0 21/09/2004 Reading 0 3 Watford Carlisle 6 1
    Little 4 0 Henderson 4 1
    Kitson 4 0 Head to Head Spring 6 0
    Doyle 4 0 Reading Draws Watford Chambers 6 0
    Gunnarsson 3 0 League 36 15 34 Foster 3 1
    Lge Goal details:     FA Cup 2 1 2 Lge Goal details:    
    When: F A League Cup 3 3 5 When: F A
    first half 34 10 Total 41 19 41 first half 28 19
    second half 46 14 second half 39 24
    From: Games Since From:
    open play 42 16 0 a win 1 open play 37 25
    crosses 14 4 0 home win 1 crosses 15 6
    corners 6 1 0 away win 0 corners 5 2
    penalties 4 2 2 a defeat 3 penalties 1 6
    direct from free-kick 4 0 17 home defeat 5 direct from free-kick 4 1
    free-kicks 7 1 1 away defeat 1 free-kicks 4 2
    3 a score draw 0
    Total 80 24 26 a no score draw 11 Total 67 43
    1 conceding a goal 0
    0 scoring a goal 0
    Current Form (last 3 games - all competitions)
    04/03/2006 Burnley Away Won  3:0   04/03/2006 Derby Home Drew  2:2
    25/02/2006 Preston Home Won  2:1   25/02/2006 Cardiff Home Won  2:1
    17/02/2006 Luton Away Lost  2:3   18/02/2006 Brighton Away Won  1:0


  • 4th March 2006 - Victory Soured By Lita Blow



    • Lita appeared to pick up a serious injury on the stroke of half-time when he fell awkwardly while shooting, with medics carrying the striker off on a stretcher after he had received attention on the pitch.

    It was Lita's first appearance in the starting XI since he was injured in an attack in a nightclub, and the England Under-21 international could now miss the Royals' march towards the 100-point mark this season.

    The fixture was in danger of being called off until an inspection two hours before kick-off declared the stands safe for spectators.

    Michael Ricketts and Gifton Noel-Williams were left out of the Burnley squad, and in their absence the hosts were toothless in attack on a bitterly cold afternoon.

    Centre-back Wayne Thomas was the most threatening early on, surging forward after five minutes - but his shot from 25 yards was wild and wide.

    After Convey's opener from 25 yards, champions elect Reading looked comfortable - with Kevin Doyle getting behind the Clarets' defence but running into trouble.

    Kyle Lafferty fashioned Burnley's first real chance, but he sliced a shot after 19 minutes over the bar following a sharp turn in the area, with Frank Sinclair forcing Marcus Hahnemann into a simple save from a similar position.

    Chances proved difficult to come by, despite the enterprise of midfielder James Harper. The former Arsenal trainee looked dangerous with the ball at his feet - and on 33 minutes he was inches away from a John Oster cross from the right after good work from Graeme Murty.

    Kitson, who had recovered from concussion suffered in his last appearance, replaced Lita after the striker was carried off.

    Former Turf Moor favourite Glen Little was brought on for the set piece, the winger receiving a standing ovation on his return to his old club.

    The change inspired the visitors, and Harper forced a wonderful save from Brian Jensen after 55 minutes.

    Little's free-kick from the left was headed in by Sonko from close range a minute later as Reading cruised towards victory. Little was later taken off because of injury.

    Sonko could have doubled his tally but headed over, while Doyle found the side-netting from a position of promise.

    Lafferty forced Hahnemann to save in a rare Burnley attack, but Kitson tapped in during injury time to complete the scoring.



  • 3rd March 2006 - Harper Future Doubts

    • Reading midfielder James Harper has revealed that talks over his Royals future are still ongoing with the uncertainty prompting speculation of interest from Feyenoord.

    The affable Harper is yet to agree a new contract with the promotion hopefuls and has been linked with a move away from The Madejski Stadium in recent weeks.

    Harper admits he is none the wiser on the link with the Eredivisie giants but talks are underway with Royals' officials in a bid to thrash out a deal for a player who believes he is still to hit his very best form.

    "We're just talking about it still and my agent and [director of football] Nicky Hammond are having a chat, that's about it. I'm not saying any more. I don't know anything about it [the Feyenoord link]," Harper told Sky Sports News.

    "I was playing the best when Pards was here. I'm doing alright this season but the team doing better makes you look a better player - I was on song a couple of years ago."

    Harper also provided an insight into the one-game-at-a-time managerial philosophy of Steve Coppell despite the former Arsenal trainee's realisation that the club are poised for a first ever top flight campaign.

    "He's like 'don't look at the table' and all that, I don't either but I know he's boring," quipped Harper.

    Coppell exhibited characteristic caution when the former Manchester United midfielder emphasised the importance only of Saturday's Championship clash with Burnley.

    "We don't talk about it [promotion], we don't need to talk about it. We need to talk about Burnley," said Coppell.

    Coppell hopes to be able to call on Harper next season and has urged the all-round midfielder to put pen to paper.

    "I think he knows how important he is to us and how much we'd like him to sign but I think he's also quite excited that there might be a bit of variety out there for him," added Coppell.

    "He's been good and scored some some vital goals for us. He's complemented his all-round play with good finishing and good creation. But he's been one cog amongst many cogs who have played very well."

  • 3rd March 2006 - Clarets Preview

    • Burnley welcome back experienced defenders John McGreal and Wayne Thomas for the meeting with Championship leaders Reading on Saturday.

    The pair both missed last weekend's 1-0 defeat at Coventry City through suspension, with Frank Sinclair and Michael Duff taking over in the heart of defence.

    Manager Steve Cotterill has major doubts over midfielders Garreth O'Connor and Graham Branch, who have been working with the club's physio this week.

    Cotterill will assess the fitness of both players before naming his side, as he seeks to end a run of three consecutive defeats.

    Reading winger Glen Little hopes to return from injury in time to face his former club at Turf Moor.

    Little is back in training after missing the last two games with a groin injury, but the trip to East Lancashire could come too soon for him.

    Should he miss out then John Oster, another former Claret, will keep his place on the right wing.

    Steve Sidwell (dead leg), Dave Kitson (concussion) and Ibrahima Sonko (thigh) have all been struggling with injuries but are expected to be fit.
    Burnley V Reading
    Top Lge Scorers Goals Saturday 4/3 @3pm Top Lge Scorers Goals
    Akinbiyi 12 Referee: Michael Jones (Chester) Kitson 14
    G O'Connor 7 Games: 32   Yellows: 95   Reds: 5 Doyle 14
    J O'Connor 3 Last 4 Meetings Lita 11
    Spicer 3 29/08/2005 Reading 2 1 Burnley Sidwell 9
    Elliott 3 15/01/2005 Burnley 0 0 Reading Convey 5
    Lge Discipline   Y R 02/10/2004 Reading 0 0 Burnley Lge Discipline   Y R
    Sinclair 10 0 24/02/2004 Reading 2 2 Burnley Sidwell 5 0
    Hide 7 0 Little 4 0
    Harley 7 0 Head to Head Doyle 4 0
    Thomas 2 2 Burnley Draws Reading Kitson 4 0
    G O'Connor 4 1 League 5 9 11 Gunnarsson 3 0
    Lge Goal details:     FA Cup 1 1 0 Lge Goal details:    
    When: F A League Cup 1 0 0 When: F A
    first half 19 22 Total 7 10 11 first half 33 10
    second half 22 22 second half 44 14
    From: Games Since From:
    open play 24 16 3 a win 0 open play 41 16
    crosses 6 12 1 home win 0 crosses 13 4
    corners 1 3 9 away win 2 corners 6 1
    penalties 6 5 0 a defeat 1 penalties 4 2
    direct from free-kick 2 3 0 home defeat 17 direct from free-kick 4 0
    free-kicks 1 5 0 away defeat 0 free-kicks 6 1
    7 a score draw 2
    Total 41 44 4 a no score draw 25 Total 77 24
    0 conceding a goal 0
    2 scoring a goal 0
    Current Form (last 3 games - all competitions)
    25/02/2006 Coventry Away Lost  0:1   25/02/2006 Preston Home Won  2:1
    14/02/2006 Wolves Home Lost  0:1   17/02/2006 Luton Away Lost  2:3
    11/02/2006 Ipswich Away Lost  1:2   14/02/2006 SheffieldUtd Away Drew  1:1


  • 1st March 2006 - Games Remaining

    • All Royals fans will know that the 'magic number' for Reading to gain promotion to the Premiership currently stands at 14, and 19 for the Championship title.

    The following link details all remaining fixtures for teams in the top 6 places of the Championship. You can use this spreadsheet to keep track of results as they are played, or predict future scores to see the impact this would have on the Magic Number.

    Games Remaining Spreadsheet