Reading
2007–08 season
ChairmanJohn Madejski
ManagerSteve Coppell
StadiumMadejski Stadium
Premier League18th
FA CupThird round vs Tottenham Hotspur
League CupThird round vs Liverpool
Top goalscorerLeague: Dave Kitson (10)
All: Dave Kitson (10)
Highest home attendance24,135 vs Manchester United
(19 January 2008)
Lowest home attendance21,379 vs Wigan Athletic
(22 September 2007)
Average home league attendance23,467 (3 May 2008)

The 2007–08 Reading F.C. season was only the second top-flight campaign in the club's history. The team suffered an extremely poor run of form in January and February 2008, losing a club-record eight league games in a row. The club was relegated on the final day of the season after Fulham's victory at Portsmouth saw Reading finish in 18th place.

Review and events

Pre-season

Reading travelled to South Korea to play in the 2007 Peace Cup. Reading lost to River Plate,[1] won against Lyon[2] and Shimizu S-Pulse,[3] and came second in Group B on goal difference.

In Didcot, a Reading XI won 2–0,[4] followed by a 6–1 hammering of Brentford.[5] Reading went away to Brighton & Hove Albion and won 3–1,[6] then a Reading XI drew 1–1 at a rescheduled game at Tooting & Mitcham United.[7] Reading's final pre-season game was against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux, which Reading won 3–2.[8]

August

A tough start to the Premier League season saw Reading travel to Old Trafford to play Manchester United. Reading secured a creditable 0–0 draw, despite losing Dave Kitson to a red card just seconds after the player had entered the game as a substitute; Kitson was dismissed for a lunge on Patrice Evra.[9]

Reading's first home game of the season was a midweek fixture against reigning Premier League champions Chelsea. Reading dominated the first half and led at half-time through André Bikey's first goal for the club, smashed home after Petr Čech and Steve Sidwell collided in the Chelsea penalty area. Chelsea scored two quick goals, however, in the second half, to win the game 2–1, and Reading again had a player sent off, Kalifa Cissé, this time for two yellow cards.[10]

The following Saturday, Reading gained a badly-needed win against Everton. Stephen Hunt converted from a looping throw-in in the first-half, and Reading secured a 1–0 victory.[11] In their final league fixture of the month, an injury-hit Reading, without Nicky Shorey and Graeme Murty in defence, lost 3–0 at Bolton Wanderers.[12]

On 28 August, Reading began their League Cup campaign with a 1–0 victory away to League One Swansea City. Reading again played some of the match with only ten men, after Sam Sodje was red-carded in the 58th minute, but Leroy Lita struck the winning goal in extra-time, converting a Dave Kitson cross.[13]

September

Reading fans could have been forgiven for expecting a victory from the opening league fixture in the month at home to West Ham United, having won last season's corresponding fixture 6–0. Two goals from Matthew Etherington, however, helped West Ham to a 3–0 victory, as Reading's defence continued to struggle.[14] Another defeat followed at newly promoted Sunderland, Dave Kitson scoring a late consolation from a Nicky Shorey cross, as Sunderland won 2–1.[15]

Reading returned to winning ways on 22 September, and moved out of the relegation places with a 2–1 home victory over Wigan Athletic, Dave Kitson becoming the first Royal to score multiple times in the season, and James Harper with a late winner.[16] The next league match was an away loss to Portsmouth in an 11-goal thriller, the highest goal scoring game in the history of the Premier League to date.[17] While the two sides were equal at 2–2 early in the second half, Pompey went on to a decisive 7–4 victory. Benjani scored a hat-trick for the home squad in this wild match, which included a missed penalty by Nicky Shorey and scoring by Dave Kitson, Liam Rosinor, Shane Long and Nicky Shorey (later given as a Sol Campbell own goal).[18]

Again, Reading played one cup fixture in the month. Despite a spirited showing by a number of reserves, they lost 4–2 to Liverpool at home in the Carling Cup third round, with Fernando Torres scoring a hat-trick.[19] John Halls and Bobby Convey scored Reading's goals.

October

Reading began the month with a home game against Derby County on 7 October. In what proved to be a scrappy affair, Reading came out with a 1–0 victory through a Kevin Doyle goal; Derby did not manage a shot on target the whole game.[20]

Next followed an away game against Blackburn Rovers on 20 October after the international break. Reading's defensive frailties away from home showed once again as they went down 4–2. Kevin Doyle netted twice after coming on as a substitute while Benni McCarthy scored twice with Roque Santa Cruz and Tugay Kerimoğlu getting the other two goals for Blackburn.[21]

Reading finished October with a home game against Newcastle United. Reading took the lead courtesy of a 53rd minute Dave Kitson goal but a clumsy Michael Duberry own goal in the 76th minute looked to have rescued a point for the Magpies, however a moment of tactical brilliance by Steve Coppell resulted in the winning goal. Shane Long was brought on in the 84th minute to promptly score the winning goal on his second touch of the ball.[22]

November

Following its victory over Newcastle, Reading travelled to Craven Cottage with hopes of a second consecutive league win for the first time in the season. A laboured performance, however, saw Fulham win the game 3–1, after Kevin Doyle's second-half equaliser had put the Royals back in it.[23]

On 12 November, Reading hosted unbeaten Arsenal under the Madejski Stadium floodlights, and were soundly beaten 3–1, Nicky Shorey slotting home a late consolation after substitute Shane Long had headed against the bar. The result ended a run of three consecutive home victories, and cemented the five-point gap in the table between Newcastle in 11th (on 18 points), and Reading in 12th (on 13 points).[24]

Reading rounded up November with an away trip to Manchester City, many saw this game as a certain victory for the home team considering both City's home record and Reading's away record. City took the lead thanks to an 11th-minute goal by Martin Petrov only to be cancelled out just before half time by a well struck James Harper goal in the 43rd minute. Reading looked set to earn a hard-fought point but their hopes were dashed by a 94th minute Stephen Ireland strike. This result was Reading's sixth consecutive away defeat as they remained winless on the road.[25]

December

The month of December saw an improvement for Reading. They met Middlesbrough at home on 1 December; after an entirely forgettable first half, Dave Kitson gave Reading the lead, superbly lobbing Ross Turnbull. But with seven minutes remaining, Middlesbrough's Tuncay headed home Luke Young's cross for his first goal for Boro. The game concluded with a 1–1, just enough for Reading to stay out of the relegation zone.[26]

8 December saw an impressive and unexpected win for Reading over Liverpool. With a controversial penalty after Jamie Carragher fouled Brynjar Gunnarsson in the corner of the box, Stephen Hunt put the ball into the back of the goal, with Pepe Reina not standing a chance. Steven Gerrard eventually equalised after many failed Liverpool attacks before and after from Fernando Torres. A free kick was eventually awarded to Reading following an unsuccessful tackle by Gerrard, which Nicky Shorey floated into the area, and Kevin Doyle headed in. James Harper scored a fine third and Reading, with the help of the post, kept the Reds at bay for the remainder of the match.[27]

Following a 1–1 draw away to Birmingham City, in which Stephen Hunt earned Reading a point with his second goal from the penalty spot in two games.[28] Reading scraped a controversial victory over Sunderland at the Madejski Stadium. Leading through an Ívar Ingimarsson goal, Reading conceded a penalty when Ibrahima Sonko appeared to trip Kenwyne Jones. In the final minute, Stephen Hunt poked a Shane Long cross towards goal, and Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon appeared to palm the ball away. The assistant referee gave a goal, however, and Reading celebrated a 2–1 victory.[29]

On Boxing Day, Reading travelled to West Ham, leaving Upton Park with a creditable 1–1 draw. Dave Kitson equalized Nolberto Solano's opener after Brynjar Gunnarsson had been sent off for a two-footed challenge on West Ham's Hayden Mullins.[30]

Reading's final game of 2007 was against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane, where the teams threatened to eclipse the 11 goals in Reading's match at Portsmouth earlier in the season. Tottenham won the match 6–4, although Reading led three times in the second half with goals from Kalifa Cissé and Ívar Ingimarsson and two from Dave Kitson. Tottenham controversially regained the lead after Jermain Defoe headed home Robbie Keane's saved penalty, Defoe having been two yards inside the penalty area when the kick was taken.[31]

January

2008 started badly for Reading, as Ibrahima Sonko was sent off after only four minutes of a home match against Portsmouth on 1 January, for fouling Benjani in the penalty area. Niko Kranjčar missed the resultant penalty, but Sol Campbell bundled the ball over the line a few minutes later after a mistake from Marcus Hahnemann. Reading failed to make much impact against Portsmouth after that, and the extra work-rate required due to being a man down showed in the second half when John Utaka outpaced Nicky Shorey for a second goal after 66 minutes to give the visitors a 2–0 victory.[32]

Just a week after losing 6–4 to Tottenham Hotspur in the league, Reading had an opportunity to give a better account of themselves in a FA Cup Third Round match at White Hart Lane. Fielding effectively a reserve team, Reading earned a replay at Madejski Stadium through a 2–2 draw and another two goals for Stephen Hunt.[33]

Reading returned to league action at Villa Park, and despite an injury to Michael Duberry, and the absence of Ibrahima Sonko and André Bikey to the African Cup of Nations, Steve Coppell opted to play Brynjar Gunnarsson in defence in first half, and Kalifa Cissé in the second half, despite the availability of reserves team captain Alex Pearce. Reading fell to a disappointing 3–1 defeat to Villa, James Harper scoring a late consolation goal for the Royals.[34]

Soon Reading played Tottenham again in the third round replay at home. Robbie Keane scored the only goal as Tottenham Hotspur went to win 1–0 and go into the hat in the fourth round draw.

Next, Reading played Manchester United at the Madejski Stadium. Despite a spirited performance, Manchester United broke the deadlock on 77 minutes with a goal from Wayne Rooney. In injury time, Cristiano Ronaldo wrapped up the points after a second goal, condemning Reading to their fifth-straight defeat.

Reading then played Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea dominated the match and took a deserved 1–0 lead on a 33rd-minute goal from Michael Ballack, despite numerous chances, that was the final score.

February

February started miserably for the Royals. First, they lost against fellow strugglers Bolton Wanderers at home 0–2 with the goals coming from Kevin Nolan and Heiðar Helguson. After a seventh-straight Premier League loss to Everton, Reading dropped into the relegation zone.

Reading went to Everton trying to get a win. Everton proved too strong and beat Reading 1–0 through a Phil Jagielka goal just after the hour mark.

Reading's next game was at home to Aston Villa. Shorey scored Reading's first goal in five matches in the 90th minute for the Royals, but it was all too late—Villa had scored two goals earlier on in the match through Ashley Young and Marlon Harewood, condemning Reading to 2–1 defeat.

March

March began well for Reading, making a complete turn-around. Their first match was against Middlesbrough at the Riverside, a hard-fought match that seeming looked to finish in a draw. In injury time, however, James Harper scored the winner, making the final score 1–0. The victory took Reading out of the relegation zone and into 14th place.

Reading beat Manchester City 2–0, at home, to make it six points out of six. Shane Long and substitute Dave Kitson scored for Reading.

Reading then travelled to Liverpool, going up 1–0 up after a screamer from Marek Matějovský. Liverpool, however, won the game 2–1 in the end. In their next game, Reading beat Birmingham 2–1, as Bikey scored both goals for Reading, making Mauro Zárate's equaliser trivial. Reading then drew against Blackburn in their final game in March, with Matějovský being controversially sent off for two yellow cards.

April

Reading went to St James' Park to play Newcastle in the Premier League. The Royals were beaten 3–0 with goals from Obafemi Martins in the 18th minute, Michael Owen in the 43rd and Mark Viduka in the 57th. This was only the start of a bad month for the Royals. Reading played fellow relegation rivals Fulham at home. 24,221 fans saw a 2–0 defeat as Brian McBride scored within 25 minutes. The Royals' day was over after Fulham substitute Erik Nevland scored a 90th-minute goal to see the Reading's hopes of staying up getting harder by the game.

Arsenal away was next. The Royals were not on form on the road and it showed. Reading lost 2–0 to the Gunners, with Emmanuel Adebayor and Gilberto Silva scoring. Wigan away was next for the Royals, which finished in a fair 0–0 draw. If Reading lost their next game, they could have been in the drop zone.

May

Reading's goal drought continued into May, as the club slipped into the relegation places following a 1–0 home defeat to Tottenham. Robbie Keane's first-half goal was enough to seal all three points for Spurs, for whom Radek Černý made an important late save from a Liam Rosenior shot.

Reading were officially relegated to the Championship on the final day of the season, despite securing a 4–0 victory away to Derby. Reading's strikers found their form a little too late, as Dave Kitson, Kevin Doyle and Leroy Lita all added to James Harper's first-half goal. Fulham beat Portsmouth 1–0 in their final game of the season to condemn Reading to relegation.

Squad

As of match played 11 May 2008
No. Name Nationality Position Date of birth (Age) Signed from Signed in Contract ends Apps. Goals
Goalkeepers
1 Marcus Hahnemann United States GK 15 June 1972 (aged 35) Fulham 2002 266 0
32 Adam Federici Australia GK 31 January 1985 (aged 23) Torres 2005 10 0
36 Mikkel Andersen Denmark GK 17 December 1988 (aged 19) AB 2007[35] 2009[35] 0 0
Defenders
2 Graeme Murty Scotland[lower-alpha 1] DF 13 November 1974 (aged 33) York City 1998 338 2
3 Nicky Shorey England DF 19 February 1981 (aged 27) Leyton Orient 2001 296 12
5 Ibrahima Sonko Senegal DF 22 January 1981 (aged 27) Brentford 2004 133 5
14 John Halls England DF 14 February 1982 (aged 26) Stoke City 2006 8 2
16 Ívar Ingimarsson Iceland DF 20 August 1977 (aged 30) Wolverhampton Wanderers 2003 206 11
19 Liam Rosenior England DF 9 July 1984 (aged 23) Fulham 2007[36] 2010[36] 19 1
22 André Bikey Cameroon DF 8 January 1985 (aged 23) Lokomotiv Moscow 2007 [37] 2010[37] 45 4
23 Ulises de la Cruz Ecuador DF 8 February 1974 (aged 34) Aston Villa 2006[38] 25 1
29 Michael Duberry England DF 14 October 1975 (aged 32) Stoke City 2007[39] 2008[39] 24 0
33 Scott Golbourne England DF 29 February 1988 (aged 20) Bristol City 2006 4 0
38 Adam Bygrave England DF 24 February 1989 (aged 19) Academy 2007 0 0
Midfielders
4 Kalifa Cissé Mali[lower-alpha 2] MF 9 January 1984 (aged 24) Boavista 2007[40] 2010[40] 25 1
6 Brynjar Gunnarsson Iceland MF 16 October 1975 (aged 32) Watford 2005 81 8
7 Glen Little England MF 15 October 1975 (aged 32) Burnley 2004 114 6
10 Stephen Hunt Republic of Ireland MF 1 August 1981 (aged 26) Brentford 2005 124 13
11 John Oster Wales[lower-alpha 3] MF 8 December 1978 (aged 29) Burnley 2005 90 3
15 James Harper England MF 9 November 1980 (aged 27) Arsenal 2001 320 22
17 Bobby Convey United States MF 27 May 1983 (aged 24) D.C. United 2004 103 8
20 Emerse Faé Ivory Coast[lower-alpha 4] MF 24 January 1984 (aged 24) Nantes 2007[41] 2010 (+1)[41] 11 0
28 Marek Matějovský Czech Republic MF 20 December 1981 (aged 26) Mladá Boleslav 2008[42] 2011[42] 14 1
30 Jimmy Kébé Mali[lower-alpha 5] MF 19 January 1984 (aged 24) Lens 2008[43] 2010[43] 5 0
34 James Henry England[lower-alpha 6] MF 9 July 1987 (aged 20) Academy 2004 1 0
42 Oliver Bozanic Australia MF 8 January 1989 (aged 19) Central Coast Mariners 2007 2009 0 0
Forwards
8 Leroy Lita England[lower-alpha 7] FW 28 December 1984 (aged 23) Bristol City 2005 88 31
9 Kevin Doyle Republic of Ireland FW 18 September 1983 (aged 24) Cork City 2005 121 38
12 Dave Kitson England FW 21 January 1980 (aged 28) Cambridge United 2003 147 60
24 Shane Long Republic of Ireland FW 22 January 1987 (aged 21) Cork City 2005 72 9
43 Viktor Illugason Iceland FW 25 January 1990 (aged 18) Breiðablik 2007 0 0
Radoslav Vasilev Bulgaria FW 12 October 1990 (aged 17) Slavia Sofia 2007[44] 0 0
Out on loan
18 Sam Sodje Nigeria[lower-alpha 8] DF 9 April 1981 (aged 27) Brentford 2006[45] 8 1
21 Graham Stack Republic of Ireland[lower-alpha 9] GK 26 September 1981 (aged 26) Arsenal 2005 2008 10 0
25 Alan Bennett Republic of Ireland DF 4 October 1981 (aged 26) Cork City 2007 0 0
26 Curtis Osano Kenya DF 8 March 1987 (aged 21) Academy 2005 2 0
27 Aaron Brown England DF 23 June 1983 (aged 24) Tamworth 2005 0 0
35 Alex Pearce Scotland[lower-alpha 10] DF 9 November 1988 (aged 19) Academy 2006 4 0
37 Hal Robson-Kanu England[lower-alpha 11] MF 21 May 1989 (aged 18) Academy 2007 0 0
39 Simon Church Wales[lower-alpha 12] FW 10 December 1988 (aged 19) Academy 2007 0 0
40 Jem Karacan Turkey[lower-alpha 13] MF 21 February 1989 (aged 19) Academy 2007 0 0
41 Ben Hamer England GK 20 November 1987 (aged 20) Academy 2006 0 0
44 Scott Davies Republic of Ireland[lower-alpha 14] MF 9 July 1987 (aged 20) Academy 2004 0 0
Left during the season
19 Seol Ki-hyeon South Korea MF 8 January 1979 (aged 29) Wolverhampton Wanderers 2006[46] 34 4
31 Simon Cox England[lower-alpha 15] FW 28 April 1987 (aged 21) Academy 2005 9 0
47 Péter Máté Hungary DF 2 December 1984 (aged 23) on loan from Debrecen 2006 1 1
  1. Graeme Murty was born in Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire, England, but qualified to represent Scotland internationally through his parents, making his international debut for Scotland in 2004.
  2. Kalifa Cissé was born in Dreux, France, but qualified to represent Mali internationally and made his international debut for Mali in March 2008, having previously represented them at U-20 level.
  3. John Oster was born in Boston, England, but qualified to represent Wales, making his international debut for Wales in 1997.
  4. Emerse Faé was born in Nantes, France and represented them at U-17 and U-21 level, but also qualified to represent the Ivory Coast internationally and made his international debut for Ivory Coast in March 2005.
  5. Jimmy Kébé was born in Vitry-sur-Seine, France, but qualified to represent Mali internationally and made his international debut for Mali in 2004.
  6. James Henry was born in Reading, England, but also qualified to represent Scotland internationally through his parents and has represented Scotland at youth level. However, he would later represent England at youth level.
  7. Leroy Lita was born in Kinshasa, DR Congo, but qualified to represent England, representing England at U-21 level.
  8. Sam Sodje was born in Greenwich, England, but also qualified to represent Nigeria internationally through his parents and made his international debut for Nigeria in 2004.
  9. Graham Stack was born in Hampstead, England, but qualified to represent Ireland, making his Republic of Ireland Under-21 debut 2003.
  10. Alex Pearce was born in Wallingford, England, but also qualified to represent Scotland and Ireland internationally through his parents and has represented Scotland at youth and U-21 level. He would, however, later be called up and make his full international debut for the Republic of Ireland in September 2012.
  11. Hal Robson-Kanu was born in Ealing, England, and represented England at U-19 and U-20 level, but also qualified to represent Wales through his grandmother and made his international debut for the Welsh U-21 side in May 2010 before making his full international debut for Wales five days later.
  12. Simon Church was born in High Wycombe, England, but also qualifies to represent Wales through his grandparents and made his international debut for the Welsh U-21 side in August 2007 before making his full international debut for Wales in May 2009.
  13. Jem Karacan was born in Lewisham, England, but also qualifies to represent Turkey internationally through his father and has represented Turkey at every youth level.
  14. Scott Davies was born in Aylesbury, England, but also qualified to represent Ireland internationally and has represented them at youth and U-21 level.
  15. Simon Cox was born in Reading, England, but also qualified to represent Ireland internationally though his grandmother and would make his international debut for the Republic of Ireland in May 2011.

Out on loan

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
18 DF Nigeria NGA Sam Sodje (at Charlton Athletic until end of the season)
21 GK Republic of Ireland IRL Graham Stack (at Wolverhampton Wanderers until end of the season)
25 DF Republic of Ireland IRL Alan Bennett (at Brentford until end of the season)
26 DF Kenya KEN Curtis Osano (at Rushden & Diamonds until end of the season)
27 DF England ENG Aaron Brown (at Walsall until end of the season)
35 DF Scotland SCO Alex Pearce (at Norwich City until end of the season)
No. Pos. Nation Player
37 MF Wales WAL Hal Robson-Kanu (at Southend United until end of the season)
39 FW Wales WAL Simon Church (at Yeovil Town until end of the season)
40 MF Turkey TUR Jem Karacan (at Millwall until end of the season)
41 GK England ENG Ben Hamer (at Brentford until end of the season)
44 MF Republic of Ireland IRL Scott Davies (at Aldershot Town until end of the season)

Left club during season

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
19 MF South Korea KOR Seol Ki-Hyeon (to Fulham)
31 FW England ENG Simon Cox (to Swindon Town)
47 DF Hungary HUN Péter Máté (loan return to Debrecen)

Transfers

In

Date Position Nationality Name From Fee Ref.
16 May 2007 MF Mali Kalifa Cissé Boavista €1,000,000 [40][47]
2 August 2007 MF Ivory Coast Emerse Faé Nantes £2,500,000 [41]
31 August 2007 DF England Liam Rosenior Fulham Undisclosed [36]
12 December 2007 FW Bulgaria Radoslav Vasilev Slavia Sofia Undisclosed [44]
7 January 2008 MF Czech Republic Marek Matějovský Mladá Boleslav Undisclosed [42]
28 January 2008 MF Mali Jimmy Kébé Lens Undisclosed [43]

Out

Date Position Nationality Name To Fee Ref.
31 August 2007 MF South Korea Seol Ki-Hyeon Fulham Undisclosed [48]
31 January 2008 FW England Simon Cox Swindon Town Undisclosed [49]

Loans out

Start date Position Nationality Name To End date Ref.
6 July 2007 DF Kenya Curtis Osano Rushden & Diamonds End of season [50]
24 July 2007 MF Republic of Ireland Scott Davies Aldershot Town End of season [51]
31 July 2007 DF Republic of Ireland Alan Bennett Southampton 13 January 2008 [52]
9 August 2007 GK Republic of Ireland Graham Stack Wolverhampton Wanderers End of season [53][54][55]
11 August 2007 GK England Ben Hamer Brentford 14 October 2007 [56][57]
31 August 2007 FW England Simon Cox Swindon Town January 2008 [58]
31 August 2007 DF Nigeria Sam Sodje Charlton Athletic End of season [59]
18 October 2007 MF Turkey Jem Karacan Bournemouth 6 January 2008 [60][61]
19 October 2007 FW Wales Simon Church Crewe Alexandra 19 January 2008 [62][63]
1 November 2007 DF England John Halls Preston North End 1 December 2007 [64]
2 November 2007 MF England James Henry Bournemouth 3 January 2008 [65][66]
2 November 2007 DF Scotland Alex Pearce Bournemouth 3 January 2008 [65][66]
6 November 2007 DF England Scott Golbourne Bournemouth 12 January 2008 [67][66]
20 November 2007 DF England Adam Bygrave Gillingham 22 April 2008 [68][69][70][71][72]
1 January 2008 GK England Ben Hamer Brentford End of season [73][74]
9 January 2008 DF England John Halls Crystal Palace 11 February 2008 [75]
29 January 2008 FW Wales Simon Church Yeovil Town End of season [76]
30 January 2008 MF England Hal Robson-Kanu Southend United End of season [77]
31 January 2008 MF England James Henry Norwich City 17 March 2008 [78][79]
31 January 2008 DF Scotland Alex Pearce Norwich City End of season [78]
5 March 2008 FW England Leroy Lita Charlton Athletic 19 April 2008 [80][81][82]
7 March 2008 DF Republic of Ireland Alan Bennett Brentford End of Season [83]
20 March 2008 MF Turkey Jem Karacan Millwall End of Season [84][85]
27 March 2008 DF England Aaron Brown Walsall End of Season [86]

Released

Date Position Nationality Name Joined Date Ref
16 May 2008 DF England Aaron Brown Yeovil Town 11 August 2008 [87][88]
16 May 2008 DF England Adam Bygrave Weymouth 25 May 2008 [87][89]
16 May 2008 DF Ecuador Ulises de la Cruz Birmingham City 3 March 2009 [87]
16 May 2008 DF England John Halls Brentford 25 September 2008 [87]
16 May 2008 MF Wales John Oster Crystal Palace 11 August 2008 [87]
16 May 2008 GK Republic of Ireland Graham Stack Plymouth Argyle 18 July 2008 [87][90]
20 June 2008 MF England Glen Little Portsmouth 20 June 2008 [91]
30 June 2008 DF Kenya Curtis Osano Rushden & Diamonds July 2008 [92]

Trial

Date from Position Nationality Name Last club Date to Ref.
17 January 2008 GK Poland Wojciech Kowalewski Spartak Moscow 27 January 2008 [93]

Competitions

Overview

Competition First match Last match Starting round Final position Record
Pld W D L GF GA GD Win %
Premier League 12 August 2007 11 May 2008 Matchday 1 18th 38 10 6 22 41 66 −25 026.32
FA Cup 5 January 2008 15 January 2008 Third round Third round replay 2 0 1 1 2 3 −1 000.00
League Cup 28 August 2007 25 September 2007 Second round Third round 2 1 0 1 3 4 −1 050.00
Total 42 11 7 24 46 73 −27 026.19

Last updated: 11 May 2008
Source: Competitions

Premier League

Results summary

OverallHomeAway
PldWDLGFGAGDPtsWDLGFGAGDWDLGFGAGD
38 10 6 22 41 66  −25 36 8 2 9 19 25  −6 2 4 13 22 41  −19

Results by round

Round1234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132333435363738
GroundAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAAHA
ResultDLWLLLWLWLWLLLDWDWDLLLLLLLLWWLWDLLLDLW
Position121571318181617121212121212121213121213131314161718181813141514161617171818
Source:
A = Away; H = Home; W = Win; D = Draw; L = Loss

Results

12 August 2007 1 Manchester United 0–0 Reading Trafford
16:00 BST (UTC+1) Report Seol Yellow card 22'
Kitson Red card 73'
Harper Yellow card 90'
Stadium: Old Trafford
Attendance: 75,655
Referee: Rob Styles
15 August 2007 2 Reading 1–2 Chelsea Reading
20:00 BST (UTC+1) Long Yellow card 13'
Cissé Yellow card 15' Yellow-red card 72'
Bikey 30'
Hunt Yellow card 37'
Ingimarsson Yellow card 52'
Report Carvalho Yellow card 26'
Sidwell Yellow card 31'
Lampard 47'
Drogba 50'
Wright-Phillips Yellow card 76'
A. Cole Yellow card 89'
Mikel Yellow card 90'
Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 24,031
Referee: Mike Dean
18 August 2007 3 Reading 1–0 Everton Reading
15:00 BST (UTC+1) Hunt 44'
Ingimarsson Yellow card 74'
Long Yellow card 85'
Report Lescott Yellow card 73'
McFadden Yellow card 81'
Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 22,813
Referee: Steve Bennett
25 August 2007 4 Bolton Wanderers 3–0 Reading Horwich
15:00 BST (UTC+1) Speed 31'
Anelka 54'
N.Hunt Yellow card 70'
Méïté Yellow card 76'
Braaten 90+1'
Report de la Cruz Yellow card 71' Stadium: Reebok Stadium
Attendance: 20,023
Referee: Mark Clattenburg
1 September 2007 5 Reading 0–3 West Ham United Reading
15:00 BST (UTC+1) Report Bellamy 6'
Etherington 49', 90'
Green Yellow card 55'
Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 23,533
Referee: Howard Webb
15 September 2007 6 Sunderland 2–1 Reading Sunderland
15:00 BST (UTC+1) Jones 29'
Wallace 47', Yellow card 47'
Report Gunnarsson Yellow card 49'
Bikey Yellow card 66'
Kitson 85'
Stadium: Stadium of Light
Attendance: 39,272
Referee: Steve Tanner
22 September 2007 7 Reading 2–1 Wigan Athletic Reading
15:00 BST (UTC+1) Kitson 29'
Ingimarsson Yellow card 30'
Rosenior Yellow card 43'
Harper 90'
Hahnemann Yellow card 90'
Report Brown Yellow card 35'
Bent 50'
Bramble Yellow card 90'
Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 21,379
Referee: Keith Stroud
29 September 2007 8 Portsmouth 7–4 Reading Portsmouth
15:00 BST (UTC+1) Benjani 7', 37', 70'
Hreiðarsson 55'
Taylor Yellow card 65'
Kranjčar 75'
Imgimarsson 81' (o.g.)
Muntari 90+2' (pen.)
Report Hunt 45'
Kitson 48'
Long 79'
Duberry Yellow card 90'
Campbell 90+4' (o.g.)
Stadium: Fratton Park
Attendance: 20,102
Referee: Mark Halsey
7 October 2007 9 Reading 1–0 Derby County Reading
14:00 BST (UTC+1) Ingimarsson Yellow card 30'
Doyle 63'
Report Davis Yellow card 38' Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 23,091
Referee: Lee Mason
20 October 2007 10 Blackburn Rovers 4–2 Reading Blackburn
15:00 BST (UTC+1) McCarthy 18', 82' (pen.)
Santa Cruz 22'
Kerimoğlu 32'
Report Doyle 80', 90+1' Stadium: Ewood Park
Attendance: 19,425
Referee: Andre Marriner
27 October 2007 11 Reading 2–1 Newcastle United Reading
15:00 BST (UTC+1) Kitson 53'
Long 84'
Report Faye Yellow card 71'
Duberry 76' (o.g.)
Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 24,119
Referee: Phil Dowd
3 November 2007 12 Fulham 3–1 Reading Fulham
15:00 GMT (UTC) Davies 16'
Stefanović Yellow card 34'
Omozusi Yellow card 50' Yellow-red card 90'
Dempsey 72'
Healy Yellow card 83', 90'
Report Doyle 54' Stadium: Craven Cottage
Attendance: 22,086
Referee: Mark Clattenburg
12 November 2007 13 Reading 1–3 Arsenal Reading
20:00 GMT (UTC) Gunnarsson Yellow card 85'
Shorey 87'
Report Flamini 43'
Adebayor 52'
Hleb 78'
Fàbregas Yellow card 79'
Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 24,024
Referee: Rob Styles
24 November 2007 14 Manchester City 2–1 Reading Manchester
15:00 GMT (UTC) Petrov 11'
Ireland 90+4'
Report Harper 43'
Hunt Yellow card 50'
Long Yellow card 86'
Stadium: City of Manchester Stadium
Attendance: 43,813
Referee: Steve Tanner
1 December 2007 15 Reading 1–1 Middlesbrough Reading
15:00 GMT (UTC) Murty Yellow card 44'
Kitson 54'
Gunnarsson Yellow card 55'
Report Johnson Yellow card 48'
Tuncay 83'
Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 22,262
Referee: Alan Wiley
8 December 2007 16 Reading 3–1 Liverpool Reading
17:15 GMT (UTC) Hunt 16' (pen.)
Doyle 59'
Harper 67'
Report Gerrard 28', Yellow card 58' Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 24,022
Referee: Andre Marriner
15 December 2007 17 Birmingham City 1–1 Reading Birmingham
15:00 GMT (UTC) Forssell 4'
Johnson Yellow card 39'
Larsson Yellow card 63'
Report Murty Yellow card 38'
Hunt 51' (pen.)
Stadium: St. Andrews
Attendance: 27,300
Referee: Lee Probert
22 December 2007 18 Reading 2–1 Sunderland Reading
15:00 GMT (UTC) Ingimarsson 69'
Hunt 90+2'
Report Murphy Yellow card 32'
Leadbitter Yellow card 38'
Jones Yellow card 61'
Chopra 82' (pen.)
Yorke Yellow card 90'
Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 24,082
Referee: Steve Tanner
26 December 2007 19 West Ham United 1–1 Reading Newham
13:00 GMT (UTC) Solano 42'
Green Yellow card 44'
Cole Yellow card 64'
Report Gunnarsson Red card
Hunt Yellow card 44'
Kitson 60'
Shorey Yellow card 66'
Stadium: Upton Park
Attendance: 34,277
Referee: Peter Walton
29 December 2007 20 Tottenham Hotspur 6–4 Reading Tottenham
15:00 GMT (UTC) Berbatov 7', 63', 73', 83'
Malbranque 76'
Defoe 79'
Report Cissé Yellow card 8', 16'
Ingimarsson 53'
Kitson 69', 74'
Shorey Yellow card 77'
Long Yellow card 90'
Stadium: White Hart Lane
Attendance: 36,178
Referee: Keith Stroud
1 January 2008 21 Reading 0–2 Portsmouth Reading
15:00 GMT (UTC) Sonko Red card 3'
Murty Yellow card 23'
Cissé Yellow card 63'
Bikey Yellow card 81'
Report Campbell 9'
Hughes Yellow card 58'
Utaka 66'
Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 24,084
Referee: Mike Dean
12 January 2008 22 Aston Villa 3–1 Reading Birmingham
15:00 GMT (UTC) Carew 22', 87'
Laursen 55'
Report de la Cruz Yellow card 26'
Hahnemann Yellow card 48'
Harper 90+2'
Stadium: Villa Park
Attendance: 38,288
Referee: Uriah Rennie
19 January 2008 23 Reading 0–2 Manchester United Reading
15:00 GMT (UTC) Convey Yellow card 68' Report Ferdinand Yellow card 68'
Rooney 77'
Ronaldo 90+3'
Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 24,135
Referee: Steve Bennett
30 January 2008 24 Chelsea 1–0 Reading Walham Green
19:45 GMT (UTC) Ballack 31' Report Stadium: Stamford Bridge
Attendance: 41,171
Referee: Mike Dean
2 February 2008 25 Reading 0–2 Bolton Wanderers Reading
15:00 GMT (UTC) Lita Yellow card 34'
Kitson Yellow card 44'
Ingimarsson Yellow card 90'
Report Davies Yellow card 13'
Nolan 33'
Helguson 58'
Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 21,893
Referee: Phil Dowd
9 February 2008 26 Everton 1–0 Reading Liverpool
15:00 GMT (UTC) Jagielka 62' Report Stadium: Goodison Park
Attendance: 36,582
Referee: Mark Halsey
24 February 2008 27 Reading 1–2 Aston Villa Reading
12:30 GMT (UTC) Sonko Yellow card 42'
Matějovský Yellow card 52'
Shorey 90+4'
Report Young 45'
Gardner Yellow card 51'
Harewood 83'
Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 23,889
Referee: Martin Atkinson
1 March 2008 28 Middlesbrough 0–1 Reading Middlesbrough
15:00 GMT (UTC) Boateng Yellow card 30'
Wheater Yellow card 32'
Grounds Yellow card 73'
Downing Yellow card 77'
Report Bikey Yellow card 17'
Rosenior Yellow card 41'
Hunt Yellow card 65'
Shorey Yellow card 80'
Long Yellow card 90'
Harper 90+1'
Stadium: Riverside Stadium
Attendance: 23,273
Referee: Howard Webb
8 March 2008 29 Reading 2–0 Manchester City Reading
15:00 GMT (UTC) Long 61'
Kitson 88'
Report Hamann Yellow card 18'
Johnson Yellow card 43'
Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 24,062
Referee: Uriah Rennie
15 March 2008 30 Liverpool 2–1 Reading Liverpool
15:00 GMT (UTC) Mascherano 19'
Torres 48'
Report Matějovský 5'
Hunt Yellow card 59'
Ingimarsson Yellow card 65'
Bikey Yellow card 79'
Cissé Yellow card 87'
Stadium: Anfield
Attendance: 43,524
Referee: Andre Marriner
22 March 2008 31 Reading 2–1 Birmingham City Reading
15:00 GMT (UTC) Bikey 31', 79' Report Zárate 64'
Ridgewell Yellow card 79'
Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 24,085
Referee: Mike Riley
29 March 2008 32 Reading 0–0 Blackburn Rovers Reading
15:00 GMT (UTC) Hahnemann Yellow card 39'
Matějovský Yellow card 61' Yellow-red card 72'
Shorey Yellow card 77'
Report Nelsen Yellow card 39'
Warnock Yellow card 49'
Roberts Yellow card 52'
Reid Yellow card 58'
Khizanishvili Yellow card 90'
Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 23,374
Referee: Mark Clattenburg
5 April 2008 33 Newcastle United 3–0 Reading Newcastle upon Tyne
15:00 BST (UTC+1) Martins 18'
Owen 43'
Viduka 57'
Report Bikey Yellow card 41' Stadium: St James' Park
Attendance: 52,179
Referee: Lee Probert
12 April 2008 34 Reading 0–2 Fulham Reading
15:00 BST (UTC+1) Report McBride 24'
Stalteri Yellow card 79'
Nevland 90'
Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 24,112
Referee: Chris Foy
19 April 2008 35 Arsenal 2–0 Reading Islington
12:45 BST (UTC+1) Adebayor 30'
Gilberto 39'
Report Kitson Yellow card 28'
Bikey Yellow card 58'
Sonko Yellow card 70'
Stadium: Emirates Stadium
Attendance: 60,109
Referee: Peter Walton
26 April 2008 36 Wigan Athletic 0–0 Reading Wigan
15:00 BST (UTC+1) Taylor Yellow card 55'
Kilbane Yellow card 69'
Report Shorey Yellow card 30'
Hunt Yellow card 32'
Bikey Yellow card 53'
Duberry Yellow card 64'
Stadium: JJB Stadium
Attendance: 19,043
Referee: Martin Atkinson
3 May 2008 37 Reading 0–1 Tottenham Hotspur Reading
15:00 BST (UTC+1) Harper Yellow card 88' Report Keane 16' Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 24,125
Referee: Howard Webb
11 May 2008 38 Derby County 0–4 Reading Derby
15:00 BST (UTC+1) Report Harper 14'
Kitson 60'
Doyle 68'
Lita 90'
Stadium: Pride Park Stadium
Attendance: 33,087
Referee: Mike Riley

Table

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification or relegation
16 Bolton Wanderers 38 9 10 19 36 54 18 37
17 Fulham 38 8 12 18 38 60 22 36
18 Reading (R) 38 10 6 22 41 66 25 36 Relegation to the Football League Championship
19 Birmingham City (R) 38 8 11 19 46 62 16 35
20 Derby County (R) 38 1 8 29 20 89 69 11
Source: Premier League
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored.
For further information on European qualification see Premier League – Competition
(R) Relegated

FA Cup

5 January 2008 Third Round Tottenham Hotspur 2–2 Reading London
15:00 GMT (UTC) Berbatov 29', 49' (pen.)
Huddlestone Red card 82'
Jenas Yellow card 90'
Zokora Yellow card 90'
Report Duberry Yellow card 46'
Hunt 25', 77'
Convey Yellow card 82'
Stadium: White Hart Lane
Attendance: 35,243
Referee: Mark Clattenburg
15 January 2008 Third Round Reply Reading 0–1 Tottenham Hotspur Reading
20:00 GMT (UTC) Lita Yellow card 12'
Long Yellow card 86'
Report Keane 15' Yellow card 73' Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 22,130
Referee: Mike Riley

League Cup

28 August 2007 Second Round Swansea City 0–1 (a.e.t.) Reading Swansea
19:45 BST (UTC+1) Monk Yellow card Report Sodje Yellow card Yellow-red card 58'
Lita 105'
Halls Yellow card
Cissé Yellow card
Faé Yellow card
Stadium: Liberty Stadium
Attendance: 12,027
Referee: Kevin Friend
25 September 2007 Third Round Reading 2–4 Liverpool Reading
19:45 BST (UTC+1) Convey 28'
Halls 64'
Bikey Yellow card
Duberry Yellow card
Faé Yellow card
Report Benayoun 23'
Torres 50', 72', 86'
Leiva Yellow card
Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 23,563
Referee: Martin Atkinson

Statistics

As of match played 11 May 2008

Appearances and goals

No. Pos Nat Player TotalPremier LeagueFA CupLeague Cup
AppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
1 GK United States USA Marcus Hahnemann 3803800000
2 DF Scotland SCO Graeme Murty 2802800000
3 DF England ENG Nicky Shorey 3823621010
4 MF Mali MLI Kalifa Cissé 25111+1112010
5 DF Senegal SEN Ibrahima Sonko 16015+100000
6 MF Iceland ISL Brynjar Gunnarsson 20018+200000
7 MF England ENG Glen Little 200+200000
8 FW England ENG Leroy Lita 18210+412021
9 FW Republic of Ireland IRL Kevin Doyle 36634+260000
10 MF Republic of Ireland IRL Stephen Hunt 4063742210
11 MF Wales WAL John Oster 18012+600000
12 FW England ENG Dave Kitson 361034100020
14 DF England ENG John Halls 310+100021
15 MF England ENG James Harper 4163861020
16 DF Iceland ISL Ívar Ingimarsson 35233+121000
17 MF United States USA Bobby Convey 24112+802021
18 DF Nigeria NGA Sam Sodje 10000010
19 DF England ENG Liam Rosenior 19115+212000
20 MF Ivory Coast CIV Emerse Faé 1103+501020
22 DF Cameroon CMR André Bikey 24314+831010
23 DF Ecuador ECU Ulises de la Cruz 100602020
24 FW Republic of Ireland IRL Shane Long 3232932010
28 MF Czech Republic CZE Marek Matějovský 1411410000
29 DF England ENG Michael Duberry 1601301020
30 MF Mali MLI Jimmy Kébé 50500000
32 GK Australia AUS Adam Federici 40002020
33 DF England ENG Scott Golbourne 20100010
34 MF England ENG James Henry 10000010
35 DF Scotland SCO Alex Pearce 30002010
Players who appeared for Reading no longer at the club:
19 MF South Korea KOR Seol Ki-hyeon 30300000
31 FW England ENG Simon Cox 20001010

Starting 11

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