Reading Survive Penalty Decision
Added by HNA? on 24/09/05
Reading hung on for a 1-0 away victory at Norwich City this afternoon - despite a last minute penalty being bizzarely awarded to the home side. The referee initially appeared to award a free-kick to Reading after Bobby Convey went down inside the Reading area, only to reverse his decision and turn it against Convey, giving a penalty instead. Thankfully the penalty was put wide of Hahnemann's post by Norwich striker Ashton, who had looked unlikely to continue earlier after a first half clash of heads with Murty. Despite the penalty miss, Reading still had to cling to the lead as Norwich went close in an extra five minutes of play at the end of the game. The first half saw limited chances for either side in a tense forty-five minutes, but the second half saw the greater possession, and shots on target, go to the home side. Reading's vital goal came from a quick break on the hour mark when Doyle broke free to cross to James Harper. Harper's first shot was saved but he made no mistake with the rebound to put Reading ahead. Reading's priority for the rest of the game was to work hard defensively to maintain the lead - which they completed successfully - just. The win extended Reading's unbeaten run to eleven games, including four straight wins. Elsewhere Watford drew at Crew after Luton had drawn 2-2 last night - leaving Reading five points clear in second place. Sheffield United also picked up a win to maintain their four point advantage over the Royals.

Leaders Drawn In League Cup
Added by HNA? on 24/09/05
Reading have been drawn at home against Sheffield United in the third round of the League Cup, in the draw made early today. Reading will now have had three straight home fixtures in the competition. The Royals will face the Championship leaders during the week beginning 24th October - meaning a probable 8pm kick-off at the Madejski on the Tuesday night. United will have to visit the Madejski twice during October as the fixture follows their visit on 1 October, when second place take on first place in a huge Championship tie. The previous two rounds of the League Cup have seen low attendances and generally poor games for the Royals. Hopefully the club will see this as a good opportunity to progress to the last sixteen. Sheffield United have also stumbled through in previous rounds - scraping a 1-0 home win against Boston United and only winning on penalties after a 0-0 draw with Shrewsbury.

Royals Scrape Through
Added by HNA? on 21/09/05
Reading made four changes to the starting eleven for last night's second round league cup game against Luton Town. The Madejski's lowest crowd of the season - even less than the first round game in the same competition - were saved extra time by an Oster free-kick with ten minutes left to play. Oster's goal was intended as a ball into the area, but everyone, including the Luton goalkeeper, missed making contact as the ball swung into the side of the net. The game was a huge disappointment with neither side managing to play attractive football in a very scrappy fixture. Both sides appeared to be treating it more as a practice game and the game finishing inside the ninety minutes was the best outcome for both sides and their supporters. Dean Morgan made his return, and was involved taking all Luton's corners and firing a second half free-kick just over the Reading crossbar with one of the games best chances. Obinna and Baradji both started but failed to seriously impress, meanwhile Cox made his Reading debut playing the last five minutes.

Ingimarsson Goal Defeats Crewe
Added by HNA? on 17/09/05
Reading left it late before scrambling a 1-0 victory over Crewe at the Madejski Stadium this afternoon. This latest victory extended Reading's impressive run of form to nine games unbeaten - including eight league fixtures. Reading remain unbeaten since the opening day defeat against Plymouth, and that record is a fair reflection of Reading's performances since then. Although this game wasn't a patch compared to Tuesday's display against Crystal Place, the Royals got off to another exciting start. Reading continued where they'd left off, yet again, with some fast attacking football that saw Crewe unable to break out of their half. Little had an early shot that required a good save and then a few minutes later crossed to Doyle who should have scored but somehow put the ball wide from close in. The Royals kept the pressure on and Lita had a good chance but failed to connect properly with his shot. Convey and Little were both causing plenty of problems for the visitors down the wings and it looked like the result would be a formality. Unfortunately, after failing to make the early pressure count, Reading went off the boil as Crewe worked themselves into the game. Crewe's first shot took nearly twenty minutes - a straight forward effort for Hahnemann to hold onto. From then they started to gain composure and were quick to close Reading down. After Reading started the second half brightly, Crewe enjoyed a good period of play that included a couple of decent efforts that hinted a Reading victory was far from a certainty after all. Crewe did manage to put the ball into the back of the net, but the linesman's flag had gone up well before the shot went in. Time was running out for Reading to claim another victory, but the introduction of Oster and Obinna gave Reading a little more life when they were starting to get short of ideas. A couple of minutes later, with less than ten minutes to play, the breakthrough came from an Oster cross. Ingimarsson met the cross on the right to head the ball through a packed Crewe area. The ball clearly crossed the line before being scrambled clear, but play appeared to continue. Doyle flew in to push the ball over the line again, as the net filled up with most of the Crewe defence. After a moment of hesitation, and a glance at the linesman, the referee awarded the goal and Reading were on their way to victory. Crewe had worked hard to defend for the point but Reading's overall superiority had eventually told. Elsewhere in the Championship, Sheffield United defeated Watford to maintain their four point lead over the Royals at the top of the table.

Royals Work Hard For Win
Added by HNA? on 14/09/05
Reading came from a goal behind last night to earn a spectacular win against Crystal Palace in a hugely entertaining game at the Madejski Stadium. Both sides were aiming for the win and playing some determined passing football to get it, but Reading created the better chances and had more of the game to take the full three points. An unchanged side from Saturday produced more good football and Reading moved ahead in the first half after Doyle beat a number of defenders to score with a low shot from the edge of the box. Johnson scored an impressive goal, against the run of play, from a tight angle for Palace before limping off injured. The second half saw Palace move ahead after a quick goal from a long throw but Reading worked hard to battle back into the game. Lita made it 2-2 with a spectacular overhead kick but again missed a penalty that would have put Reading ahead. The spot-kick was retaken only to see Little's effort cleanly saved. All was not lost for Reading though and a Little cross from a fee-kick saw Sonko rise with a power header to secure a late, but deserved, win for the Royals. The game saw an excellent team performance all round from Reading but Doyle, Little and Convey again all shone.

Points Shared In Coventry
Added by HNA? on 10/09/05
Reading held on to second place in the Championship table with an entertaining 1-1 draw at Coventry's new Ricoh Arena this afternoon. In an end to end fixture, both sides produced chances in front of goal with both keepers having impressive games. The draw was probably the fair result despite Reading having a first half penalty saved and Coventry securing their point with a late equaliser. Reading were forced to make a number of changes due to injury with Makin, Gunnarsson, and Doyle all making starts. All three of those players had excellent games, although it was the home side that made the more comfortable start. Reading soon settled down and were playing the better football and carved out a few decent chances. Reading's confidence on the ball frustrated Coventry, who were forced to fouling and picking up a series of yellow cards. From a good move down the right Little crossed and the resulting header in the middle sailed over the crossbar when it might have found the target. Doyle was very active upfrnt and worked himself into a couple of good positions, one needed the keeper to react quickly to force him wide, and another where he might have done better with the final effort. Down the other end Hahnemann made a couple of good saves, one saving point blank from a close range header. The breakthrough looked to have come when Coventry conceeded a penalty just before half time. Lita's spot-kick was reasonable but a good height for the keeper to dive to his right to make the save. The second half continued in the same pattern with Reading playing some excellent football on the break as both sides shared possession. The Ricoh Arena has a very similar feel to the Madejski but was lacking in leg room in comparison, and forgetting where you were caused leg injuries for the away fans when Doyle put Reading in the lead mid-way through the second half. The Coventry keeper saved the first effort well as Doyle burst into the area on the right, but he couldn't hold the ball as Doyle blated home the rebound to make it 1-0 to the Royals. Reading may have been guilty of attempting to hold onto the lead, as Coventry were the better side over the closing stages. Hahnemann kept Reading's lead intact with a couple of great saves to push the ball over, and the home side had a penalty appeal turned down. With just a few minutes on the clock the, probably deserved, goal came to make it 1-1. The ball was swung in from a corner and Hanemann couldn't prevent the header hitting the net to share the points.

Baradji Signs On Loan
Added by HNA? on 02/09/05
Although transfer deadline day passed without a new signing being reported for the Royals, it has emerged that French player Sekou Baradji will be allowed to join Reading after being released on loan by West Ham United. The Hammers signed Baradji on deadline day from Le Mans and immediately shipped him out to Reading to begin a loan spell that will last until the start of January 2006. The deal was subject to approval from the FA, the Premiership and the Football League due to the passing of the transfer deadline. Little is known about Baradji, although he is expected to provide cover for injuries as he can play either in defence or midfield.
Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

No New Signings Despite Injuries
Added by HNA? on 31/08/05
The football league transfer deadline has passed with Reading picking up no new signings. Fans were hopeful that some cover would be signed on at least a loan basis after three key players picked up injuries during Monday's win against Burnley. Steve Sidwell damaged ligaments in his knee and is expected to be out of action for at least six weeks. Nicky Shorey has a similar injury to his knee that could mean he'll be sidelined for a similar amount of time. Dave Kitson is also out with an ankle injury, although he could return to action within four weeks. The injuries mean that Reading's squad is seriously reduced, with limited replacements available as Reading look to maintain their excellent start to the season.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Doyle Grabs Winner
Added by HNA? on 29/08/05
Reading rounded off the bank holiday weekend with a comfortable win over Burnley at the Madejski Stadium, to make it four points from six games and maintain second place in the table. Despite the close scoreline, and a Burnley fight back before half time, Reading were much the better side throughout the fixture. Reading took the lead with the first real chance of the game after seven minutes, when Kitson played the ball through to Lita in the area. Lita somehow managed to twist his body to get his foot to the ball and flick it into the back of the net to put Reading a goal up. Convey forced a save from the Burnley keeper with a free-kick but there were few chances for either side. Kitson was forced to limp off with six minutes of the first period remaining to be replaced by the lively Doyle. Burnley were resorting mostly to hoof ball and it was from a long ball that their goal came as they made it 1-1 finished the stronger side in the first half. The second half saw Reading much improved as Burnley attempted to hold on for a point. Doyle came close with a header from a cross from the left, which he probably should have scored. Burnley nearly scored from a free-kick that was tipped over by Hahnemann but Reading were enjoying most of the game. The breakthrough came with twenty minutes left to play when a short corner saw the impressive Bobby Convey cross from the right for Doyle to rise to head home. It was a deserved goal for Doyle and the Royals who were certain to pick up the three points well before the visitors were reduced to ten men late on.

Royals See Off Swansea
Added by HNA? on 24/08/05
In usual Reading fashion, lower league opposition caused a few problems in the first round of the League Cup last night. Swansea City proved tough to beat inside the ninety minutes, despite Reading's massive superiority, and took Reading to extra time before they were eventually beaten 3-1. Reading started with a number of changes, resting first choice players, and gave starts to Stack, Makin, Hunt, Oster and Doyle. Gunnarsson also made his debut as a second half substitute. Reading took the lead in the opening ten minutes when Kitson lobbed the ball into the back of the net from long range. The Royals then dominated the game, winning a string of corners, but failed to make it count. Reading were confidently stroking the ball around but failing to get in a big number of shots, while Swansea were struggling to produce anything in the final third. With Reading starting to sit back on their one goal lead, City equalised with ten minutes to go. The equaliser saw Reading add some urgency into their game but Swansea held on depite the sending off of Anderson for his second booking with five minutes to go. Extra time saw Swansea have no way back as Reading moved ahead four minutes into extra time when Kitson added his second. The win was wrapped up in the second period when Sonko played a beautiful ball to Harper down the right who crossed for Lita to score.

Royals Go Top
Added by HNA? on 20/08/05
Reading made it three wins in a row, and went top of the Championship table, with a 5-0 victory over Millwall at the Madejski Stadium this afternoon. In a bizarre fixture, Reading were easy winners after going in 4-0 up at half-time after a eventful opening forty-five minutes. The visitors were much the better side in the opening exchanges with Marcus Hahnemann in excellent form to tip over a couple of shots to keep Reading level. Reading looked to be struggling until Bobby Convey, fresh from international duty, scored an excellent goal - his first ever for the Royals - against the run of play. Leroy Lita flicked the ball on and Convey went on a determined run from deep inside the Reading half, beating two players, before calmly putting the ball past the advancing keeper and into the far corner of the net. It was an impressive goal from Convey who is already having an excellent season, and it was better when he scored his second not long after. The first goal saw Reading come to life, but the turning point was when the Millwall keeper was sent off for diving to save Lita's shot when well outside his area. It would have been a second goal for Reading and the referee had no choice but to send the goalkeeper on his way. Millwall appeared to have no substitute keeper and, after some shuffling around, Convey took the resulting free kick and stuck it into the side of the net past a confused replacement. With Reading two goals up, the opposition down to ten men and without a real goalkeeper, it was all one way traffic with Reading already having the game won. With seven minutes of the half left, Convey played in a free-kick from the right which was partially cleared for Harper to score with a long range header into the top corner. Just before half time, Igoe, on his return to Reading, put his arm on the ball inside the area to conceed a penalty. Convey looked keen to secure his hat-trick but Kitson stepped up and put in a low penalty that was nearly saved, to make it 4-0 at half time. The second half was a non-event, with Millwall keen to keep the score respectable and Reading happy with the margin of victory. Their third goalkeeper of the game, a half time substitute, made a couple of good saves but Reading had eased off the pressure. Lita struck a good shot that was pushed over the crossbar, and Doyle came off the bench and caused some problems for the Millwall defence. With just over ten minutes left it was 5-0 when a Little corner from the Reading right was headed in by Sidwell. This was a big win that continues Reading's good start to the new season.

Convey Provides Double For Lita
Added by HNA? on 13/08/05
Leroy Lita hit two goals, and Glen Little hit the third as Reading pulled off a spectacular 3-0 victory at Preston North End this afternoon. Preston, unbeaten at home in the league since November 2004, were big favourites to win but came up against a confident Reading side on the back of an important win at Brighton. The Royals made a bright start but Preston probably enjoyed slightly the better of a reasonably even first half. The home side had a couple of chances to pull ahead but failed to hit the target and then discovered some determined defending from Reading. Just after the half hour Convey set up Lita who put Reading ahead with his second goal of the season. The goal changed the pattern of the game and Preston were restricted to even fewer chances as Reading looked the better side after the break. The second Reading goal, just after half time, was a repeat combination with a long pass from Bobby Convey again finding Leroy Lita who made no mistake to make it 2-0 to the Royals. Convey was having another excellent game and was involved again in the third goal that sealed the victory, when a good move from Reading saw Shorey cross for Glen Little to score his second of the season. This was a very determined performance from Reading - and a comfortable victory in what should have been one of the more difficult games of the season. Reading lie in fourth place in the table after three games.

Royals Earn First Win
Added by HNA? on 09/08/05
Reading clocked up their first win of the 2005/2006 season with an impressive away victory over Mark McGhee's Brighton this evening. The Royals put their defeat on Saturday behind them as they got underway on top and made their determination count by taking the lead after just fifteen minutes. After winning a free-kick just outside the area on the left, Little and Convey gathered around the ball before Little struck the ball into the area. The ball missed a crowd of players, although appeared to make contact with Sonko before finding the back of the net to put Reading a goal up. Lita was again looking dangerous up front and nearly found the net with a good effort, before supplying Sidwell whose effort was sent over the Brighton crossbar. John Oster made his Reading debut after signing on a free transfer from Burnley during the close season, replacing Glen Little with thirty minutes left. A couple of minutes after being on the pitch he saw Kitson put the game beyond Brighton when Kitson headed Reading's second goal from close range. It was Kitson's first goal of the new season, and hopefully the first of many as it helped Reading make it three points from two games. It could have been more when Oster supplied Lita after a good run and cross - but Lita failed to find the target with his header. Hahnemann had a good game in goal for Reading with a couple of decent saves and helped retain a clean sheet when he saved a late Brighton effort. Reading travel to Preston, who drew 1-1 with Derby last night, on Saturday looking for a second victory.

Evening Post Fans' Feedback
Added by HNA? on 08/08/05
The Hob Nob Anyone? fan's feedback page is kicking off again this week for the new 2005/2006 season. Every Thursday during the season Reading's daily paper, the Reading Evening Post, will be featuring a page dedicated to fan opinion. To have your say on anything to do with the Royals, both on and off the pitch, then follow the link below to send in your opinion - be it a rant or praise for the mighty Royals. Your views will appear right here on Hob Nob Anyone?, and be considered for print each Thursday.

Lita Goal Not Enough For Royals
Added by HNA? on 06/08/05
A Leroy Lita goal, on his competitive debut for the Royals, wasn't enough as Plymouth took the full three points with a late winner at the Madejski Stadium. The opening day of the 2005/2006 season ended in disappointment for Reading after they looked to be heading for at least a point in the dying stages of the game. Four of the new signings accompanied Dave Kitson on the bench, with new boys Leroy Lita and Kevin Doyle starting up front in an otherwise unchanged line-up from last season. Things looked promising for the Royals early on with some tidy football leaving Plymouth on the defensive. Chances were few and far between with Shorey putting in a free kick that needed a save and Doyle hitting one just over. The visitors took the lead midway through the first half, against the run of play, when a low cross from the left was put in from well inside the box. The goal took the wind out of Reading's sails and we started to struggle to break through the Plymouth defence. Convey was having an excellent game, but managed to waste a couple of set pieces by hitting them long as Reading failed to put Argyle under any serious pressure. The second half saw Reading back on top and a quick thinking short free-kick from Convey on the right saw Murty cross to Lita who headed home deep inside the box to make it 1-1 on 54 minutes. His celebration was as good as the goal as Reading looked to be on their way to taking some points from the game. The Royals were playing some good football and an impressive move saw Lita nearly put Reading ahead until his shot was charged down. Little, after a quiet first half, steamed down the right wing and nearly created a goal after beating three players, and Sonko really should have scored but somehow managed to put a close range header over the bar. Lita continued to impress and stuck the ball into the back of the net from a very tight angle on the left, however play had already been stopped and the effort didn't count. Kiston and Hunt came off the bench with quarter of an hour left - but we would probably have been much better off leaving on Little and Convey who they replaced. Somehow Reading failed to take their chances and in the end it was Plymouth who stole the win in injury time, when the ball came over from the right and was driven in low past Hahnemann. Kitson went down under a challenge in the area after Plymouth's winner, prompting calls for a penalty, but it wasn't to be our day. Despite the defeat on the first day of the season there were plenty of positive signs to take from the game. Plymouth were a solid side but might consider themselves lucky after scoring with their only chances. Doyle was lively up front and Lita looked worth the money on this showing with plenty more to come.

Goater Contract Terminated
Added by HNA? on 27/07/05
Striker Shaun Goater has officially left Reading after his contract was terminated by mutual consent. Goater had a year left to run on his contract but it was obvious he was never going to play for the club again. His non-appearance was mainly due a clause in his contract that would mean another game would see the Royals owe Manchester City another large slice of cash. Goater signed in the summer of 2003 for £500,000 and hit 15 goals for Reading, but fell out of favour a year later before running up to what turned out to be his appearance limit. Goater is now free to find another club for the new season.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Royals End Tour With Win
Added by HNA? on 27/07/05
Reading completed their tour with a third straight win over Swedish sides, as Ljungfkile SK were defeated 2-1 last night. Sonko and Little scored the goals as a near first choice eleven saw off the second tier Swedish team. At the weekend the Royals were 8-0 winners over Holmalunds IF with Doyle hitting a hat-trick and Lita scoring two after coming on with twenty minutes left. Hunt, Kitson and Murty scored the other goals. The tour was generally a big success, although Kitson did manage to pick up a further problem with his knee that saw him limp off against Holmalunds and miss out on the Ljungfkile game. Kitson is expected to miss the remainder of the pre-season games to recover for the new season.
Rumour Rating: Definite

South West Royals
Added by HNA? on 25/07/05
Some Torquay based Reading fans are looking to get a South West Royals supporters' club going for the new season. The aim would be to meet up and arrange regular transport to both home and away games. Being based in Torquay, the plan is to provide transport from the bus station then pick-up at Newton Abbot - Exeter Services then stops on the M5. South Devon would be the main area for response but if Royals fans can get to Newton Abbot a pick-up at the railway station would be organised. For more info contact Tim by e-mail waldonwebb@yahoo.co.uk or phone 07721631774. Alternatively try Mike by e-mail miketq1gb3@hotmail.com or telephone 07875125083. Both Tim and Mike will be available at the Dorchester game on August 2nd if anybody wants to talk or pass on contact information.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Gunnarsson Deal Done
Added by HNA? on 22/07/05
As expected, Brynjar Gunnarsson has completed his transfer to Reading today. The midfielder signs on a two year contract from Watford for a currently undisclosed fee. Chris Makin is also hoping to complete his transfer over the coming days to officially become a Reading player, but has been unable to take his medical so far due to illness. Makin spent the summer with Stoke City after ending last season on loan to Derby County - but City decided not to sign the player. Thirty-two year old Makin will join Reading on a free transfer from Leicester City and is expected to accept a one year deal with the Royals. Makin has had a long and impressive career - Ipswich Town paid Sunderland £1.4M for his services in 2001 and he went on to make 78 league starts for the Suffolk club.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Lita Hits Hat-Trick
Added by HNA? on 22/07/05
Leroy Lita hit a hat-trick last night in his first full ninety minutes as a Reading player, as the Royals won 6-0 against Eneryda IF. The other goals came from Cox, Hunt, and Doyle as Reading completed a big win in their first friendly fixture of the Sweden tour. There was bad news however as Nicky Shorey had further problems with his knee injury and could only complete 15 minutes after coming on as a second half substitute. Potential new signing, full back Chris Makin, who flew out to join the squad, also suffered from illness and was unable to complete his medical. Makin is expected to complete his signing on a one year contract when he passes his medical.
Reading team: Stack, Murty (Castle), Hunt (Shorey, (Hunt)), Ingimarsson (Mullins), Sonko, Harper (Howell), Sidwell, Doyle (Cox), Hayes (Convey), Lita, Kitson (Little).
Rumour Rating: Definite

Andy Hughes Completes Move
Added by HNA? on 21/07/05
Midfielder Andy Hughes has completed his move to Championship side Norwich City after agreeing personal terms today. Hughes moves after four seasons with the Royals in which he made approaching 200 appearances, scoring 19 goals. Hughes had only one year left on his contract with Reading, and now picks up a three year contract with his new club. Norwich are reported to have paid £0.5M for Hughes after substantially increasing their bid. The high transfer fee seems excellent business by the club as they cash in on the player - the fee will go a long way towards the costs behind the record signing of Leroy Lita last week.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Royals In Gunnarsson Talks
Added by HNA? on 20/07/05
Reading are in talks to secure the services of Icelandic midfielder Brynjar Gunnarsson from Championship rivals Watford. The full transfer fee has not been relased but it is being reported that Watford have accepted the bid - leaving Gunnarsson free to discuss personal terms with the Royals. Gunnarsson is a current Iceland international player and has already clocked up over 40 caps, scoring three international goals in the process. He originally signed for Stoke City for £600,000 midway through the 1999/2000 season and went on to make nearly 130 league starts before joining Nottingham Forest and then Watford. Last season he was a regular starter in the Watford line-up, hitting three goals.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Morgan And Hughes To Leave
Added by HNA? on 20/07/05
Reading's squad is set to get even thinner with the expected departures of Andy Hughes and Dean Morgan. Both players are in talks with other clubs and have been given the green light to leave. After initially turning down an offer from Norwich City for Andy Hughes, the club have now agreed a new fee that will see Hughes on his way. Hughes is currently in talks with City to agree the terms of his new employment but the deal seems nearly certain to go ahead - Hughes will be leaving with a year left to run on his contract at Reading. Meanwhile, Dean Morgan is also discussing personal terms and is all set to complete a move to Luton Town.
Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

Friendly Defeat At Farnborough
Added by HNA? on 18/07/05
Reading suffered their first loss of the pre-season campaign at the weekend as they lost 1-2 at Farnborough Town. The Royals took a first half lead through Glen Little but lost their way in the second half as Farnborough came back to take the win. Although the result was disappointing, Reading showed some promising signs in the first half after starting with a near first choice eleven. New record signing Leroy Lita made his debut and played nearly a full hour up front alongside Dave Kitson. Lita failed to find the net and managed to miss a close range effort but will be pleased to at last see some action in Reading shirt. Bobby Convey stood out with an impressive performance before being replaced at half time.
Starting Eleven: Stack, Murty, Sonko, Ingimarsson, Hunt, Harper, Hughes, Little, Convey, Kitson, Lita.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Royals Hit Seven At Didcot
Added by HNA? on 15/07/05
Reading were 7-0 winners at Didcot Town last night in their second pre-season friendly. Like the game at Staines, Reading switched the side around at half-time to give most of the squad, including trialists, a run out. The scoring got underway with an own goal before Hunt put home a penalty. Lubomir Blaha, on trail from Aberdeen scored two more to make it 4-0 at half time. Kevin Doyle, recently signed from Cork City scored two second half goals and Hayes finished the scoring. New million pound signing Leroy Lita was in attendance at the fixture but didn't make it onto the pitch. Leroy is expected to make his debut on Saturday as Reading travel to Farnborough Town in their last scheduled first team game before going on tour in Sweden.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Lita Signs For Club Record
Added by HNA? on 14/07/05
Leroy Lita today confirmed his transfer to the Royals after agreeing personal terms and passing his medical. The details of the deal have now been disclosed and reveal that Lita will go down in history as Reading's first million pound signing. Reading will pay exactly £1M for Lita, who leaves Bristol City after a very successful start to his career where he scored 38 goals after turning professional in the summer of 2002. Lita takes the number eight shirt for the new season and will be hoping to put together a successful partnership with Dave Kitson up front. Depending on his appearances over the coming season the contract has a clause to extend to four years, showing Lita is a massive investment for the club.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Pre-Season Friendlies Underway
Added by HNA? on 14/07/05
Reading's pre-season campaign got underway last night with a 6-3 victory at Staines Town. The game saw Reading field two different line-ups in the two halves, with a near complete switch at half time. Dave Kitson scored a hat-trick, Andy Hughes found the net and triallists Blaha and Muldowney also scored. Reading's first half team came off the best - going in 5-2 at half time and moving 4-0 ahead after just 20 minutes. On-loan goalkeeper Graham Stack made his Reading debut and played the entire fixture, while most of the squad made some kind of appearance:
First half: Stack, Murty, Osano, Ingimarsson, Tann, Harper, Muldowney, Little, Hughes, Goater (Hunt), Kitson.
Second half: Stack, Mullins (Osano), Hunt, Sonko, Castle, Howell, Blaha, Sidwell, Convey, Hayes, Doyle.
Reading travel to Didcot Town tonight, where there is a chance of Lita appearing in a Reading shirt. Adult admission is £4 on the door.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Lita To Sign
Added by HNA? on 12/07/05
Bristol City have accepted a bid from the Royals for striker Leroy Lita. The exact details of the transfer fee have not yet been released, however the announcment leaves Reading free to talk to the player with City's permission. Personal terms are expected to agreed today and it now seems more likely than not that Lita will be playing for Reading in the new season.
Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

Arsenal Keeper Signed On Loan
Added by HNA? on 07/07/05
Reading have secured the loan signing of Arsenal goalkeeper Graham Stack. Stack, who is expected to be second choice to Marcus Hahnemann, signs on a loan deal until January at which point he will sign permanently depending on a trip to court. Stack is no stranger to controversy - having punched a hooligan after being attacked during a loan spell at K.S.K. Beveren. Riot police were required to bring the situation under control. Stack, a former Republic of Ireland under-21 player, has been charged with rape after an incident at his house last September, and his career with the Royals will depend on the outcome of his court appearance. The goalkeeper suffered from a spell of injury after joining Arsenal but made 30 appearances while on loan to Millwall last season.
Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

Goater Added To Lita Bid
Added by HNA? on 06/07/05
Reading have added out of favour Shaun Goater into a possible deal that could see Bristol City striker Leroy Lita on his way to Reading. The Royals have already had offers rejected as they attempt to add Lita to squad and Goater could be added alongside a £1 million bid. Lita, who turned professional with Bristol City, would be a impressive purchase if the club can secure his services - the player has already hit 31 league goals after making his debut at the start of the 2002/2003 season. Goater would welcome a return to Bristol City and a chance to play some first team football with it being common knowledge he's unlikely to play for the Royals again.
Rumour Rating: Likely

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