It's fair to say Reading have had a tough time of it in the Barclays Premier League so far this season.
Bottom of the league, just one win on the board and an increasing points gap between themselves and that all-important red dotted line that represents the difference between safety and relegation, it's understandable that the Madejski Stadium isn't exactly blessed with bucketloads of Christmas cheer.
So cheeky bookies Betfair have paid the Royals a visit to prove that the great escape is still possible.
Following their roasting by Arsenal on Monday night, Reading FC know that they need to gobble up the points over the festive season.
And to give them inspiration, the online betting fiirm delivered 25 live turkeys to the MadStad, each one dressed in the team's blue and white home strip.
The turkeys have been saved from the butcher this Christmas, and celebrated that fact by paying Reading a visit to have a run around and enjoy their freedom.
"These turkeys have been spared the axe this Christmas so, at least they'll see out the next 12 months," said Betfair's Alex Bake.
"The same can't be said for Reading, who are looking increasingly vulnerable at the foot of the table. After their display against Arsenal earlier this week, the Reading players will be lucky escape the carving knife this Christmas.”
The Berkshire side currently sit bottom of the top flight and are expected to get the stuffing knocked out of them over the Christmas period by reigning champions Manchester City, mid table flappers Swansea and West Ham, and Champions League chasing Tottenham Hotspur.
West Bromwich Albion is the only team in Premier League history to avoid relegation having been bottom of the table at Christmas. And current odds of 2-13 suggest that McDermott's side could be well and truly plucked come the end of the season.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/ ... ue-1497119
