LATEST NEWS ON 'The Royals'
May 2007
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  • 29th May 2007 - Key Dates 2007 / 2008 Season

    • Colour Key:
    Reading related = R
    England related = E
    FA Cup = F
    League (Carling) Cup = L
    Intertoto Cup = I
    UEFA Cup = U
    Champions League = C
    Draws for cup competitions = D
    Date Event Cat Date Event Cat
    Fri-01-Jun-2007 England v Brazil E Fri-05-Oct-2007 draw for UEFA Cup Group Stage D
    Wed-06-Jun-2007 Estonia v England E Sat-13-Oct-2007 England v Estonia E
    Sun-10-Jun-2007 Euro U21 Championships till 23/6 E Wed-17-Oct-2007 Russia v England E
    Thu-14-Jun-2007 Fixtures released D Tue-23-Oct-2007 Champions League Group Stage Match 3 C
    Sat-23-Jun-2007 Euro U21 Championships Final E Wed-24-Oct-2007 Champions League Group Stage Match 3 C
    Sat-23-Jun-2007 Intertoto Cup 1st Rd 1st Leg I Thu-25-Oct-2007 UEFA Cup Group Stage Match 1 U
    Sun-24-Jun-2007 Intertoto Cup 1st Rd 1st Leg I Tue-30-Oct-2007 Carling Cup 4th Rd L
    Fri-29-Jun-2007 draw for 1st & 2nd qualifying rounds Champions League D Tue-06-Nov-2007 Champions League Group Stage Match 4 C
    Fri-29-Jun-2007 draw for 1st qualifying Rd UEFA Cup D Wed-07-Nov-2007 Champions League Group Stage Match 4 C
    Sat-30-Jun-2007 Intertoto Cup 1st Rd 2nd Leg I Thu-08-Nov-2007 UEFA Cup Group Stage Match 2 U
    Sun-01-Jul-2007 Intertoto Cup 1st Rd 2nd Leg I Sat-10-Nov-2007 FA Cup 1st Rd F
    Sat-07-Jul-2007 Intertoto Cup 2nd Rd 1st Leg I Wed-21-Nov-2007 England v Croatia E
    Sun-08-Jul-2007 Intertoto Cup 2nd Rd 1st Leg I Fri-23-Nov-2007 draw for World Cup D
    Fri-13-Jul-2007 River Plate (Peace Cup) R Tue-27-Nov-2007 Champions League Group Stage Match 5 C
    Sat-14-Jul-2007 Intertoto Cup 2nd Rd 2nd Leg I Wed-28-Nov-2007 Champions League Group Stage Match 5 C
    Sun-15-Jul-2007 Intertoto Cup 2nd Rd 2nd Leg I Thu-29-Nov-2007 UEFA Cup Group Stage Match 3 U
    Mon-16-Jul-2007 Olympique Lyonnaise (Peace Cup) R Sat-01-Dec-2007 FA Cup 2nd Rd F
    Tue-17-Jul-2007 Champions League 1st Qual Rd 1st Leg C Tue-04-Dec-2007 Carling Cup 5th Rd L
    Wed-18-Jul-2007 Champions League 1st Qual Rd 1st Leg C Wed-05-Dec-2007 UEFA Cup Group Stage Match 4 U
    Thu-19-Jul-2007 S-Pulse (Peace Cup) R Thu-06-Dec-2007 UEFA Cup Group Stage Match 4 U
    Thu-19-Jul-2007 UEFA Cup 1st Qual Rd 1st Leg U Tue-11-Dec-2007 Champions League Group Stage Match 6 C
    Sat-21-Jul-2007 Intertoto Cup 3rd Rd 1st Leg I Wed-12-Dec-2007 Champions League Group Stage Match 6 C
    Sat-21-Jul-2007 Peace Cup Final R Wed-19-Dec-2007 UEFA Cup Group Stage Match 5 U
    Sun-22-Jul-2007 Intertoto Cup 3rd Rd 1st Leg I Thu-20-Dec-2007 UEFA Cup Group Stage Match 5 U
    Mon-23-Jul-2007 Didcot (A) R Fri-21-Dec-2007 draw for Champions League 2nd Rd D
    Tue-24-Jul-2007 Champions League 1st Qual Rd 2nd Leg C Fri-21-Dec-2007 draw for UEFA Cup 3rd & 4th Rds D
    Wed-25-Jul-2007 Champions League 1st Qual Rd 2nd Leg C Sat-05-Jan-2008 FA Cup 3rd Rd F
    Wed-25-Jul-2007 Brentford (A) R Tue-08-Jan-2008 Carling Cup Semi-Final 1st Leg L
    Sat-28-Jul-2007 Intertoto Cup 3rd Rd 2nd Leg I Tue-22-Jan-2008 Carling Cup Semi-Final 2nd Leg L
    Sat-28-Jul-2007 Brighton (A) R Sat-26-Jan-2008 FA Cup 4th Rd F
    Sun-29-Jul-2007 Intertoto Cup 3rd Rd 2nd Leg I Wed-13-Feb-2008 UEFA Cup 3rd Rd 1st Leg U
    Tue-31-Jul-2007 Champions League 2nd Qual Rd 1st Leg C Thu-14-Feb-2008 UEFA Cup 3rd Rd 1st Leg U
    Wed-01-Aug-2007 Champions League 2nd Qual Rd 1st Leg C Sat-16-Feb-2008 FA Cup 5th Rd F
    Thu-02-Aug-2007 UEFA Cup 1st Qual Rd 2nd Leg U Tue-19-Feb-2008 Champions League 2nd Rd 1st Leg C
    Fri-03-Aug-2007 draw for 3rd qualifying round Champions League D Wed-20-Feb-2008 Champions League 2nd Rd 1st Leg C
    Fri-03-Aug-2007 draw for 2nd qualifying Rd UEFA Cup D Thu-21-Feb-2008 UEFA Cup 3rd Rd 2nd Leg U
    Sat-04-Aug-2007 Wolves (A) R Sun-24-Feb-2008 Carling Cup Final L
    Sun-05-Aug-2007 Community Shield F Tue-04-Mar-2008 Champions League 2nd Rd 2nd Leg C
    Tue-07-Aug-2007 Champions League 2nd Qual Rd 2nd Leg C Wed-05-Mar-2008 Champions League 2nd Rd 2nd Leg C
    Wed-08-Aug-2007 Champions League 2nd Qual Rd 2nd Leg C Thu-06-Mar-2008 UEFA Cup 4th Rd 1st Leg U
    Sat-11-Aug-2007 Premiership begins R Fri-07-Mar-2008 draw for Champions League Qtr-finals & Semi-finals D
    Tue-14-Aug-2007 Carling Cup 1st Rd L Sat-08-Mar-2008 FA Cup 6th Rd F
    Tue-14-Aug-2007 Champions League 3rd Qual Rd 1st Leg C Wed-12-Mar-2008 UEFA Cup 4th Rd 2nd Leg Leg U
    Wed-15-Aug-2007 Champions League 3rd Qual Rd 1st Leg C Thu-13-Mar-2008 UEFA Cup 4th Rd 2nd Leg Leg U
    Thu-16-Aug-2007 UEFA Cup 2nd Qual Rd 1st Leg U Fri-14-Mar-2008 draw for UEFA Cup Qtr-finals & Semi-finals D
    Tue-28-Aug-2007 Carling Cup 2nd Rd L Tue-01-Apr-2008 Champions League QF 1st Leg C
    Tue-28-Aug-2007 Champions League 3rd Qual Rd 2nd Leg C Wed-02-Apr-2008 Champions League QF 1st Leg C
    Wed-29-Aug-2007 Champions League 3rd Qual Rd 2nd Leg C Thu-03-Apr-2008 UEFA Cup QF 1st Leg U
    Thu-30-Aug-2007 draw for Champions League Group Stage D Tue-08-Apr-2008 Champions League QF 2nd Leg C
    Thu-30-Aug-2007 UEFA Cup 2nd Qual Rd 2nd Leg U Wed-09-Apr-2008 Champions League QF 2nd Leg C
    Fri-31-Aug-2007 draw for UEFA Cup 1st Rd D Thu-10-Apr-2008 UEFA Cup QF 2nd Leg U
    Sat-08-Sep-2007 England v Israel E Sat-12-Apr-2008 FA Cup Semi-Finals F
    Wed-12-Sep-2007 England v Russia E Tue-22-Apr-2008 Champions League SF 1st Leg C
    Tue-18-Sep-2007 Champions League Group Stage Match 1 C Wed-23-Apr-2008 Champions League SF 1st Leg C
    Wed-19-Sep-2007 Champions League Group Stage Match 1 C Thu-24-Apr-2008 UEFA Cup SF 1st Leg U
    Thu-20-Sep-2007 UEFA Cup 1st Rd 1st Leg U Tue-29-Apr-2008 Champions League SF 2nd Leg C
    Tue-25-Sep-2007 Carling Cup 3rd Rd L Wed-30-Apr-2008 Champions League SF 2nd Leg C
    Tue-02-Oct-2007 Champions League Group Stage Match 2 C Thu-01-May-2008 UEFA Cup SF 2nd Leg U
    Wed-03-Oct-2007 Champions League Group Stage Match 2 C Wed-14-May-2008 UEFA Cup Final (Manchester) U
    Thu-04-Oct-2007 UEFA Cup 1st Rd 2nd Leg U Sat-17-May-2008 FA Cup Final F
    Wed-21-May-2008 Champions League Final (Moscow) C


  • 29th May 2007 - Royals Draw River

    • Reading have been drawn in the same group as River Plate for the Peace Cup 2007. The full draw is as follows:

    Group A
    Seongnam (Korea)
    Chivas Guadalajara (Mexico)
    Bolton Wanderers(England)
    Udinese (Italy)

    Group B
    S-Pulse (Japan)
    River Plate (Argentina)
    Olympique Lyon (France)
    Reading FC(England)

    12/7 7pm Seongnam v Bolton - Seoul
    12/7 8pm Chivas v Udinese - GwangYang
    13/7 8pm Reading v River Plate - Suwon
    13/7 8pm S-Pulse v Lyon - Busan
    14/7 8pm Seongnam v Udinese - SeongNam
    14/7 8pm Bolton v Chivas - Daegu
    16/7 7pm Reading v Lyon - Seoul
    16/7 8pm S-Pulse v River Plate - Busan
    17/7 8pm Udinese v Bolton - GoYang
    17/7 8pm Seongnam v Chivas - GwangYang
    19/7 8pm Lyon v River Plate - Suwon
    19/7 8pm Reading v S-Pulse - GoYang
    21/7 7pm Final - Seoul

  • 28th May 2007 - Peace Cup Line-up

    • The 8 teams to participate in the Peace Cup 2007 in South Korea this summer have now been confirmed. They are:

    Bolton Wanderers (Eng)
    Chivas de Guadalajara (Mex)
    Olympique Lyonnaise (Fra)
    Reading FC (Eng)
    River Plate (Arg)
    Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (S Kor)
    Shimizu S-Pulse (Jap)
    Udinese (Ita)

    The draw will be held in Seoul on Tuesday 29 May at 11am local time (3am BST), and the tournament will consist of two groups of four, with each team playing three games and the group winners meeting in the final. Venues will include four of the stadia that hosted fixtures in the 2002 World Cup Finals.

  • 26th May 2007 - Shorey Earns Full England Call

    • Following an impressive debut for the England 'B' team against Albania at Turf Moor on Friday night, Reading full-back Nicky Shorey has been rewarded with selection to the senior England squad for the forthcoming games against Brazil (1s June) and Estonia (6th June).

    Nicky has narrowly avoided a potentially very awkward clash of dates, with the game against Brazil at Wembley taking place the day before his wedding! He laughed, "I should be alright! We'll have the Brazil game on Friday and then hopefully have a bit of time off so I can get married before we go out to Estonia. I spoke to Steve McClaren and he said we can work around it. And it's not a problem with my fiancée Emily either - she's just delighted that I'm in the squad! So I've been quite fortunate with the timing because if the game had been on Saturday it would have been tricky!"

    Before meeting up with the England squad on Monday, Nicky also has the small matter of his stag party to contend with on Saturday but he admitted, "It's going to be a lot quieter than it otherwise might have been! I'll just meet up with the lads and have a bite to eat, and then go home and leave them to it!"

    David Beckham's return to the squad will grab the headlines, and the Royals ace said, "It's heightened the publicity around the game even more, but from my point of view it will just be nice to go out and train with players of that stature. The Brazil game couldn't be a better showpiece for the new Wembley Stadium, and I'm sure everyone in England will be tuning in to watch so it will be a great experience for me to be involved in. But really it all just leads up to the all-important game in Estonia, which is one we have to win."

    Wayne Bridge is likely to start at left-back with Ashley Cole absent, but McClaren admits he would have no hesitation calling on Shorey either, should circumstances demand as much. "His form has been good for Reading and last night, I think everybody saw that, going forward, he is a very good full-back," said McClaren. "Playing for England is totally different than playing for your club and can you handle that? Nicky Shorey proved last night that he can."

  • 23rd May 2007 - Stadium Plans Approved

    • Reading Borough Council have given the go ahead to the Club's plans to increase the capacity of Madejski Stadium to around 38,000. The plans were submitted earlier this year and were approved in a planning meeting on Wednesday evening.

    Chief Executive Nigel Howe told the official club site, "This is great news and we are extremely pleased that the Council have approved our plans. It's very exciting for both the football club, our fans and the region as a whole. The expansion will allow us to take the Club forward and further improve the facilities for our supporters as we aim to become an established force in the top flight. We will now consult with our contractors before deciding when construction will begin, and we will keep supporters fully informed at every stage."



    Side view of East Stand Levels (PDF File)

  • 22nd May 2007 - Sid Is A Pensioner

    • Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Reading midfielder Steve Sidwell. Sidwell will join The Blues on a free transfer following the expiry of his Royals contract on 1st July. Jose Mourinho has always been in the box seat to land the former Arsenal trainee, who also interested Newcastle. Sidwell passed a Chelsea medical this week and will now return to Stamford Bridge for pre-season training at the beginning of July.

    Sidwell could be the first of three new faces at Chelsea this summer. Chief executive Peter Kenyon revealed recently that the club are also in the market for a defender and a striker.

  • 18th May 2007 - Dillon Hits Back At Brown

    • Kevin Dillon has hit back at Scott Brown for claiming he rejected a move to Reading because he expects them to be relegated next season. The 21-year-old midfielder was a Royals target in January but elected to stay with Hibernian before clinching a £4.4million move to Celtic this week. Brown said: "If I had chosen Reading I would probably be fighting a relegation battle next season and then maybe disappearing into the Championship. In two years’ time people would have been saying, ‘Remember that lad Scott Brown – whatever happened to him’?"

    Brown’s comments have incensed Reading’s assistant boss, who phoned the Evening Post yesterday to set the record straight. Dillon stormed: "Who does he think he is? It is absolutely astonishing that he can come out with that. His comments are outrageous. I rarely get annoyed, but this really has annoyed and upset me. It reflects badly on everyone at the club, the supporters and the players. We have about 10 internationals playing for England, Ireland, Ecuador, South Korea, Iceland, USA and even Scotland. He wants to get his facts right. He’s 21 and played in Scotland all his career. He could have played for us in the Premiership, but he decided to go to Celtic. They are a great club – but good luck when he plays against the same team every other week. I know in Scotland they will probably say ‘only Man United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal can win the Premiership’ and they have an argument, but it is similar in Scotland. I find his comments outrageous. I don’t know who has advised him."

    Reading were in the hunt for Brown and also cast an eye over defensive midfielder Kevin Thomson, who left Hibs for Rangers. Dillon, though, reckons Reading had a lucky escape by missing out on Brown. He added: "I watched him a few times. He’s a good player, very aggressive, but he has a poor disciplinary record. Fair play to Hibs for getting the amount of money they did for him. Our interest probably drove the price up. I think it’s too much, though. I am grateful he turned us down, absolutely ecstatic. We had a lucky escape. It might sound like sour grapes, but he might have caused problems if he’d come here."

  • 16th May 2007 - Royals Make 1st Signing

    • Reading have signed Boavista midfielder Kalifa Cisse on a three-year-contract.

    The 22-year-old Frenchman, who has spent the last two seasons with the Portuguese side, becomes Steve Coppell's first signing of the summer. Royals director of football Nicky Hammond said: "Kalifa is a 6ft 2ins central midfielder who has also played in defence. He has real athletic ability and the technical attributes that should be well suited to the Premiership."

    Hammond, speaking to the club's website, added: "Having spent time with him and his family in Portugal, we believe he will adapt quickly to life in England and his personality will fit very well with the current squad."

    Royals chairman John Madejski believes the signing of Cisse, who will cost just under £1million, is another sign of the club moving in the right direction. He said: "To sign Kalifa so soon after the end of the season shows this club's ambition to do well in the Premiership next year. I'd like to welcome this highly-regarded player to Reading and I'm delighted we've secured his signature. He is also a very nice character, which is important."

  • 15th May 2007 - Coppell Wins LMA Award Again

    • Reading manager Steve Coppell has been honoured with the LMA’s highest accolade, by his fellow managers, for the second year running. At a packed Awards Dinner held at the Crowne Plaza hotel, Nottingham, Coppell was received the coveted LMA Manager of the Year Award, just 12 months after receiving the same award.

    The Royals followed a season in which they were promoted to the top flight for the first time, with an amazing 8th place in the Premiership, narrowly missing out on qualification for the UEFA Cup.

    In a poll amongst all Football League and Premiership managers, Coppell was the overwhelming winner.

    In the other Award Categories, Sir Alex Ferguson was the Barclays Manager of the Year. Roy Keane received the award as the Coca Cola Championship Manager of the Year, whist Yeovil Town’s Russell Slade and Hartlepool United’s Danny Wilson were voted Coca Cola League One and League Two winners respectively.

    The LMA Special Achievement Award was presented to long serving Crewe Alexandra manager Dario Gradi.

  • 13th May 2007 - Fantastic Finale - Proud To Be A Royal

    • Blackburn secured a place in the Intertoto Cup next season while Reading, who finished above them in the table, saw their dreams of Europe dashed after a pulsating 3-3 draw.

    Reading decided not to put their names forward for the competition in this their first campaign in the top flight. But such has been their good form this season they were in with a chance of a UEFA Cup spot going into this game. However, Reading failed to get the victory they craved, although they played some good football and displayed a never-say-die attitude. Their performance was typical of the approach they have shown all season and it was a proud day to be a Royals fan.

    Blackburn took the lead in the 21st minute with Benni McCarthy's 18th league goal of the season. He took full advantage after goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann collided with Shabani Nonda and spilled a cross from Morten Gamst Pedersen. The American was in some distress and came off to be replaced by Adam Federici.

    It was a double blow for Reading, who almost took the lead after four minutes when James Harper swung in a corner. It was headed clear by Blackburn midfielder Tugay but only as far as Nicky Shorey. The full-back, who has been included in the England B squad, rifled in a volley that curled around the post at the last minute.

    Then Shorey came within inches of making the breakthrough after 16 minutes with another powerful drive. This time his effort beat goalkeeper Brad Friedel but came back off the inside of the post.

    McCarthy put Blackburn ahead and almost added a second after 26 minutes, only to head wide of the post following a cross from Pedersen. Reading, however, drew level in the 36th minute from a set piece. Harper delivered a long corner kick from the right and Seol Ki-Hyeon powered in a header at the back post.

    Blackburn should have regained the lead after 40 minutes when Christopher Samba peeled away from his marker following a free-kick from Pedersen. But the big defender was left frustrated as he saw his header go marginally wide of the target. Blackburn were caught out in the 48th minute and almost paid the price. Seol released Stephen Hunt with a long diagonal ball and he raced in on goal but snatched at his effort and dragged the ball wide of the post.

    The home side hit back immediately and David Bentley stung Federici's fingers with his shot inside the area. Bentley then advanced into the penalty area in the 53rd minute and got on the end of a ball from Nonda only to clip his effort wide of the post. Bentley got his reward a minute later by putting Blackburn ahead. He will hardly score an easier goal as well, tapping it in after Pedersen's effort had come back off the post following good work by Stephen Warnock.

    Reading roared back again, however, and Kevin Doyle pulled them level in the 59th minute. He headed in his 13th goal of the season following a cross from Ulises De La Cruz. McCarthy then squandered a chance of putting Blackburn back in front after 64 minutes. He failed to take advantage of Pedersen's cross and scuffed a shot wide of the post.

    Blackburn went in front for the third time when Matt Derbyshire powered in a header in the 67th minute - 60 seconds after coming on - following a cross from Brett Emerton. Reading refused to give up and substitute Leroy Lita directed a header from a good position wide of the post in the 73rd minute. Four minutes later they were again level through Brynjar Gunnarsson, who delivered a low raking drive beyond Friedel to make it 3-3. Ivar Ingimarsson then found the net for Reading in the 86th minute only for his effort to be ruled out for an infringement.

    Blackburn manager Mark Hughes is determined to keep Benni McCarthy next season. The former Porto striker finished his first campaign in the Barclays Premiership with 18 goals after scoring in the 3-3 draw against Reading. It meant the South African finished second only to Chelsea's Didier Drogba. Blackburn will now compete in the Intertoto Cup but McCarthy was reported at the weekend saying if a side in the Champions League came calling it would be hard to resist.

    Hughes, however, believes the player's remarks were taking out of context. "It is another one of those from a Portuguese paper and the quotes are cherry-picked," said the Blackburn boss. "It is not a situation I am worried about as it was not the real message of the piece. I am as confident as I can be he will be here next season. I keep on trying to emphasise to people we are not a selling club. If we allowed Benni McCarthy to leave we would be weaker. He has had a fantastic season and it could not have gone better for him. We are delighted for him."

    Reading just missed out on a UEFA Cup spot after a marvellous first season in the top flight. They will also be without midfielder Steve Sidwell when they regroup in the summer. Manager Steve Coppell revealed he had left the club but refused to say what the player's plans were. Coppell said: "He's gone. I know exactly where he's gone but I am not allowed to say."

    Reading played some good football at Ewood Park despite losing goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann in the 21st minute. Brynjar Gunnarsson had the final word for Reading, who again showed a never-say die attitude. Coppell said: "We have got to be delighted with our season on reflection. Wherever we finished today was a tremendous compliment to the staff and the players. We are not in Europe but just to hit the post and come out, as it were, is a significant achievement. The players have probably more drive than me and keep pushing forward. Today was a case in point. We came back three times, it was like a cup semi-final. What an advertisement it was for English football."



  • 12th May 2007 - Rovers Preview

    • Blackburn manager Mark Hughes claims there is no merit in David Bentley playing for the England Under-21 team. Hughes would like the winger to rest in the summer - if he is not involved with the senior squad - rather than participate in the European Under-21 Championship. Bentley, 22, has been named by coach Stuart Pearce - the Manchester City manager - in a provisional 30-man squad for the tournament in June.

    The former Arsenal youngster has also been included in the England B squad for the friendly against Albania at Turf Moor on May 25. And Hughes claims that is now the right route for Bentley to take at this stage of his career. He said: "David has justified his inclusion. It is more than warranted. He has benefited from playing week in, week out. He is now viewed as a senior player and that has helped his development as well. Hopefully this will be a stepping stone to the full squad. That is where he needs to be playing. The Under-21 scene is not what he needs. I do not think that is something which will really develop David. For him to keep developing as an England international player, he needs to step up. I would prefer him to be involved in the senior level rather than going to the Euro Under-21 Championship. Failing that, he should rest his body for the rigours of next season."

    Bentley has been one of Blackburn's shining lights and his service to Benni McCarthy has enabled the striker to chalk up a remarkable 23 goals in his debut season in England. Rovers complete their programme tomorrow against Reading at Ewood Park, knowing victory would secure a place in the Intertoto Cup. The English representatives enter at the third-round stage with the winners qualifying for the UEFA Cup.

    Hughes said: "There is disappointment at not getting an automatic UEFA Cup place as we gave it a real go. We had a great run after the FA Cup defeat by Chelsea. It was a great response. We came very close to an automatic place and are very much of the mind we can still qualify through the Intertoto. Getting into the competition would be a good achievement and that is why it is important we defeat Reading."

    Reading defender Nicky Shorey believes his side could hardly be faced with a more formidable barrier to final-day glory than Blackburn. The Royals travel to Ewood Park tomorrow knowing UEFA Cup qualification hinges on getting a result there and one of Bolton or Tottenham slipping up elsewhere. A draw may turn out to be enough but it could also be the case that victory would still see Steve Coppell's side falling short.

    It all adds up to a fascinating scenario, particularly as Everton and Portsmouth are also keen to qualify for the same competition. Rovers dropped out of the equation on Thursday night when they could only draw at Spurs and now have nothing but pride to play for. But Shorey had not forgotten that Mark Hughes' side had been one of the most impressive visitors to the Madejski Stadium this season and came away with a deserved victory.

    He said: "They are definitely one of the best teams we have played this season. They work hard and they are good on the ball as well so it will be tough to play away at Blackburn. They have got quality all over the pitch so we are going to have to be on the top of our game to get a result."

    The Rovers match won't be Shorey's last outing of the season however as the 26-year-old has been selected in the England B squad to take on Albania in Burnley later in the month. England manager Steve McClaren has named a strong squad and Shorey was looking forward to the challenge. He said: "It is nice sometimes to give new players an opportunity and hopefully I can grab that. I want to go out there and play as well as I can. That's my only aim. I want to enjoy the whole experience."

    Coppell has opted to leave midfielder Steve Sidwell out of the travelling party, with the 24-year-old set to leave the club the moment his contract expires.

    Blackburn Rovers V Reading
    Top Lge Scorers Goals Sunday 13/5 @ 3pm Top Lge Scorers Goals
    McCarthy 17 Referee: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire) Doyle 12
    Nonda 7 Games: 41  Yellows: 133   Reds: 4 Lita 7
    Pedersen 6 Last 4 Meetings Sidwell 4
    Derbyshire 4 16/12/2006 Reading 1 2 Blackburn Hunt 4
    Roberts 4 02/05/1988 Blackburn 1 1 Reading Harper 3
    Lge Discipline       28/11/1987 Reading 0 0 Blackburn Lge Discipline      
    Total Fouls 510 14/04/1987 Blackburn 0 0 Reading Total Fouls 395
    Yellows 78 Yellows 39
    Reds 7 Head to Head Reds 3
    Lge Goal details:     Blackburn Draws Reading Lge Goal details:    
    For 49 League 2 4 1 For 49
    Against 51 FA Cup 1 0 0 Against 44
    Ave scored per game 1.32 League Cup 0 0 0 Ave scored per game 1.32
    Shots / Goals 404/49 Total 3 4 1 Shots / Goals 338/49
    Left Foot 7 Left Foot 11
    Right Foot 29 Games Since Right Foot 22
    Headers 12 1 a win 1 Headers 15
    0 - 10 mins 6 0 home win 1 0 - 10 mins 3
    11 - 20 mins 3 1 away win 4 11 - 20 mins 6
    21 - 30 mins 7 5 a defeat 0 21 - 30 mins 4
    31 - 40 mins 3 2 home defeat 0 31 - 40 mins 6
    41 - 50 mins 9 3 away defeat 1 41 - 50 mins 9
    51 - 60 mins 3 0 a score draw 12 51 - 60 mins 4
    61 - 70 mins 6 13 a no score draw 2 61 - 70 mins 2
    71 - 80 mins 5 0 conceding a goal 0 71 - 80 mins 4
    81 - 90 mins 7 0 scoring a goal 1 81 - 90 mins 11
    Current Form (last 3 games - all competitions)
    10/05/2007 Tottenham Away Drew  1:1   05/05/2007 Watford Home Lost  0:2
    05/05/2007 Newcastle Away Won  2:0   30/04/2007 Newcastle Home Won  1:0
    28/04/2007 Charlton Home Won  4:1   21/04/2007 Bolton Away Won  3:1


  • 10th May 2007 - Shorey's 'B' Date

    • Steve McClaren has finally heard the cries of 'Shorey for England'. He has selected the Royals left-back for the 'B' international against Albania at Turf Moor on Friday 25th May.

  • 7th May 2007 - Eurovision 2007

    • I have finally got around to updating the site in readiness for this week's Eurovision song costest. For all the details, visit the eurovision from the menu on the left.

  • 5th May 2007 - Anti-Climax

    • Reading's hopes of qualifying for next season's UEFA Cup suffered a blow when they were beaten 2-0 at home by relegated Watford.

    Despite dominating for much of the match, Steve Coppell's team could not find a way past Watford's outstanding goalkeeper, Ben Foster, and they were sunk by second-half goals from Dan Shittu and Marlon King. Reading were furious that Shittu's goal was allowed as there appeared to have been a foul on Ivar Ingimarsson, but King's close-range header - the fit-again striker's first goal since last October - was made possible by a handling error from goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann.

    This was only Watford's second away win of the campaign in the Barclays Premiership, and although they rode their luck, it will give manager Adrian Boothroyd optimism for next season's promotion push.

    Leroy Lita returned from a three-match suspension to replace Kevin Doyle in attack, while midfielders Steve Sidwell and James Harper came back into the team, and Greg Halford came in for Ulises de la Cruz at right-back. For Watford, French centre-back Cedric Avinel made his debut in place of the suspended Clarke Carlisle and Marlon King captained the team in the absence of Gavin Mahon and Jay DeMerit.

    Shortly before kick-off, Reading defender Ingimarsson was named the club's player of the year, with left-back Nicky Shorey the runner-up. Watford were forced into a change after only 10 minutes. Brazilian midfielder Douglas Rinaldi took a whack in the face and had to be replaced by Mahon.

    Avinel was struggling to contain the pace and strength of Lita, who drew a foul from the young Frenchman in the 11th minute which brought the first yellow card of the match from referee Dermot Gallagher. Halford's resulting free-kick from the left appeared to be going wide, but Foster, caught off balance, was taking no chances, and tipped the ball behind for a corner.

    Watford were grateful for Foster's sharpness in the 17th minute, when the recently-capped England keeper raced out of his goal to claim the ball at the feet of Lita, who had been released by Sidwell's through-ball. Watford looked uncertain in defence and it seemed only a matter of time before Reading took the lead. They went close in the 28th minute when Halford picked up the ball on the right and embarked on an eye-catching run, beating two players before slipping the ball into the penalty area, where Foster was again quicker than Lita or Dave Kitson to the ball.

    Four minutes later Kitson drifted away from the marking of Shittu to meet Shorey's left-wing cross with a looping header which beat Foster but hit the top of the bar.

    Avinel had found life difficult throughout the first half and it was no surprise that he was replaced by Adrian Mariappa for the second 45 minutes. But the early signs were not good for Mariappa against Lita, who held off his new marker with ease in the 48th minute before unleashing a powerful angled drive from 15 yards which Foster did well to palm away.

    Lita gave the visitors' defence another scare a minute later, shooting against Mariappa from close range after Sidwell had flicked on Seol's corner from the right. At the other end, Hahnemann was forced into his first save of the match in the 51st minute, holding on to Lee Williamson's follow-up from eight yards after Smith's goalbound volley had struck his team-mate Henderson. Reading were soon testing their opponents once more, Foster diving to stop a hard, low drive from Michael Duberry following more good work from Lita.

    But to the surprise of virtually everyone at Madejski Stadium, Watford took the lead on the hour mark. When Williamson swung over the free-kick from the right, Ingimarsson appeared to be blocked by Darius Henderson as he tried to run out of the penalty area to catch King and Shittu offside. With Ingimarsson stranded, the Watford pair were in a legal position and Shittu had the simple task of stroking the past Hahnemann to put his team in front.

    Foster bailed out Watford again in the 75th minute, denying Seol with his legs from close range after the South Korea international had beaten the offside trap and collected Halford's cross from the right. Watford kept their cool and five minutes from time King made the game safe for his team with a simple close-range header after Hahnemann had failed to catch Smith's cross from the left. After scoring, King raced to celebrate with Watford's medical team as a thanks for their part in his recovery from the knee injury he sustained last November.

    Reading manager Steve Coppell tonight launched an attack on the transfer system after Watford's on-loan Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster inspired his relegated team to a 2-0 win at Madejski Stadium. Second-half goals from Dan Shittu and Marlon King helped the Hornets to only their second away victory in the Barclays Premiership, but it was the performance of Foster which was vital.

    Coppell believes Foster should not have been allowed to stay with Watford after he helped them to promotion from the Coca-Cola Championship last season. "I have a big issue with the loan situation," Coppell said. "It is a nonsense that the big clubs can stockpile players, then farm them out to continue their education. The big clubs should decide who are their best players, then stick with them. To allow the situation to continue in this way is wrong. Why should young players not make their progress at the big clubs, instead of doing it elsewhere and to the disadvantage of others? It is a case of trawling talent, and that is not beneficial. This is not sour grapes against Ben Foster, who is a terrific goalkeeper, and England might benefit from his education at Watford. But everything is geared towards the big clubs. The big clubs should only be allowed to loan players out to rival Premiership clubs if they have no first-team experience. If this were the case, it would be a far healthier game."

    Defeat dented Reading's chances of qualifying for the UEFA Cup, as they are now only two points above Tottenham having played two more games. Reading complained bitterly about Shittu's goal as they believed Ivar Ingimarsson had been fouled in the build-up, but Coppell chose instead to praise the attitude of his opponents, whose relegation was confirmed last month. "The players felt Ivar was blocked, but if you live by the sword, you die by it," Coppell added. "But Watford deserve credit for their mental resilience. They have lost a number of games, but they remain competitive. I have a lot of respect for them, and I am glad we will not have to play them next season."

    Foster returns to Old Trafford in the summer to challenge Edwin van der Sar for a place in Sir Alex Ferguson's side. Finding an adequate replacement is Boothroyd's priority and he is already examining the transfer market for alternatives as he tries to chart a route back to the Premiership next season. Boothroyd said: "We have a couple of ideas because we have known the situation for a long time and we have been working hard. But whether we can bring in our targets is another matter. I send Sir Alex regular letters about how Ben is doing, about his lifestyle, and about what he is doing well and what he can improve on. The situation is a bonus for Manchester United, because we are sending an international goalkeeper back to them. It is good for us, because when big clubs want to loan out young players of immense talent, they might think about sending them to Watford."



  • 4th May 2007 - Hornets Preview

    • Reading manager Steve Coppell admits he cannot guarantee the fans a farewell feast of goals as he prepares for a fixture that has not seen a single one netted since Christmas 2004. Already-relegated Watford will be this season's final visitors to the Madejski Stadium, and although Reading are still on course for a UEFA Cup spot they have found the Hornets ultra-stubborn opponents in recent times. Indeed, the last three clashes have all failed to produce a goal, with the two sides having ground out a forgettable Vicarage Road stalemate last December.

    Coppell said: "I wouldn't say we have struggled against Watford but they are hard to play against and we have as yet not been able to get the three points against them. It is another test for us and something we have got to put high on our agenda to achieve. We certainly won't be reflecting on the positions in the table. Getting the better of them is just something we have not been able to do and I can't really say why not other than they are just hard to play against. None of the games have been great spectacles."

    Watford manager Adrian Boothroyd is confident the boardroom upheavals at Vicarage Road will not have a negative impact on the club. Watford revealed this week that directors Giacomo and Vincenzo Russo had been removed from their position 'with immediate effect'. But the brothers, who had been on the board since 2004, hit back yesterday claiming they were dismissed 'without any justification'. But Boothroyd insists the Hornets are still in good health and remain a club that 'is very much going in the right direction'.

    He said: "I think that there is always going to be challenges in any club. I've got to sit down with the chairman and the board and discuss what will happen next season. There's nothing to worry about. I work for great people and as a manager you need that. With the club growing as it is off the pitch and the plans we have for on it, Watford is a great place to be. I want to be here, I like it here and I think it's the place I can grow at. I get the chance to make mistakes here and because of that you get a better manager - the same thing goes for the players."

    Boothroyd has also learnt a great deal from studying Reading's blueprint for Barclays Premiership survival as he plans to bounce relegated Watford straight back into the top flight. Watford face a Royals side who are closing in on UEFA Cup qualification from their debut season in the Premiership.

    "I've done a case study on Reading in terms of what they do and how they've done it. I think they're a great model for Championship teams," said Boothroyd. "The first question I ask is 'why are we at the bottom and why are they seventh?' Then you get into all the factors that surround that. What we did was terrific in getting promoted but we've been on a hamster's treadmill in many respects. Reading would probably be the only team, with Bolton, that have come into the Premier League, stayed in the Premier League and done well without any kind of sugar daddy."

    Reading V Watford
    Top Lge Scorers Goals Saturday 5/5 @ 3pm Top Lge Scorers Goals
    Doyle 12 Referee: Dermot Gallagher (Oxfordshire) Bouazza 6
    Lita 7 Games: 30   Yellows: 59   Reds: 5 Francis 3
    Sidwell 4 Last 4 Meetings Henderson 3
    Hunt 4 09/12/2006 Watford 0 0 Reading Young 3
    Harper 3 11/03/2006 Reading 0 0 Watford Demerit 2
    Lge Discipline       27/08/2005 Watford 0 0 Reading Lge Discipline      
    Total Fouls 385 26/12/2004 Reading 3 0 Watford Total Fouls 508
    Yellows 3 Yellows 44
    Reds 3 Head to Head Reds 2
    Lge Goal details:     Reading Draws Watford Lge Goal details:    
    For 49 League 36 17 34 For 26
    Against 42 FA Cup 2 1 2 Against 58
    Ave scored per game 1.36 League Cup 3 3 5 Ave scored per game 0.72
    Shots / Goals 324/49 Total 41 21 41 Shots / Goals 313/26
    Left Foot 11 Left Foot 8