Manager: Steve Coppell
Odds to win: 8-1
2007-2008:
Position: 18th (Premier League) W:10 D:6 L:22 F:41 A:66 Points: 36
Top Scorer: Dave Kitson (10)
FA Cup: Third Round
League Cup: Third Round
Yellows: 61 Reds: 5
Results against Reds: (N/A)
2008-2009:
Name: Ian Holder (a.k.a RoyalsGoForth) www.reading-mad.co.uk
Club: Reading
Level of Interest: Exiled so when i can, usually 2 a month, 1 home, 1 away
How has pre-season gone for you?
Not too bad, 100% so far with Villa to come
Are you pleased with the signings your club has made?
If I'm honest no not really, more could be done with the money from the sale of Dave Kitson.
What realistically are you aiming for this season?
Thats a hard one, I suppose automatic promotion is the aim and it is achievable.
Which player has past his sell by date?
Have you got the right manager in charge?
For the Championship? Yes
What advice would you give him?
Don't be loyal, if it not working as it should, change it
Who do you see as your key player?
Who would you most like to beat this season?
Wolves
Where will you finish?
2nd
How do you rate Barnsley's chances next season and where do you think they will finish?
Barnsley will need to be on the pace from the start, a good footballing squad but I would say this season is about consolidation. Having said that I see a mid- table finish for the Tykes.
Name: Neil Burke (a.k.a Wycombe Royal)
Club: Reading
Level of Interest: Season ticket holder
How has pre-season gone for you?
Fairly well. We have won all our matches including a 3-1 win against Halmstads who are eighth in the Swedish top flight. All of our strikers have got on the score sheet. Just Aston Villa left now.
Are you pleased with the signings your club has made?
Noel Hunt looks to be a good acquisition at a decent price and will now team up with his brother. That is the only signing we have made.
What realistically are you aiming for this season?
Playoffs as a minimum, but as we all know the relegated sides don't always do as well as expected.
Which player has past his sell by date?
Unfortunately our club captain Graeme Murty. Hopefully he will pick up his game again this year under strong competition from Liam Rosenior.
Have you got the right manager in charge?
Definitely yes, but I do wish he would do a bit more in the transfer market to freshen the squad up.
What advice would you give him?
See my previous answer and also not be so loyal to underperforming players.
Who do you see as your key player?
Marek Matejovsky. A current Czech International who has the ability to unlock any defence with an incisive pass.
Who would you most like to beat this season?
Any team around us in the league.
Where will you finish?
6th
How do you rate Barnsley's chances next season and where do you think they will finish?
Just above relegation. You have a good manager in charge but do not have the resources to compete with the so called "bigger" teams in this division despite spending a million on Hume.