The extra incentive Reading FC have to beat Wolves
Royals can preserve their 106 record by beating Nuno Santo's side
Graeme Murty, Bobby Convey and Steve Sidwell were all part of the Reading 106 title winning side. Credit: Getty Images
By Russell Kempson
Reading FC’s visit to Championship leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday has long filled me with fear.
Even more so after Royals’ limp 3-1 surrender to Sheffield United at the sub-zero Madejski Stadium ice arena on Tuesday night.
To judge by the pathetic crowd of 6,769, which included 730 brave souls from Sheffield, the home fans have given up on their team.
And to judge by the inept displays of many of the Reading players, especially during a torrid first half, they’ve also given up on their manager, Jaap Stam.
Not a great mix as the trip to Molineux approaches.
Still – and I’m desperately clutching at straws here – are Wolves having a little wobble?
The runaway pacesetters for much of the Championship campaign have picked up just 12 points from a possible 24 – and only two points in their past three matches.
Wolves beat Reading 2-0 in the reverse fixture earlier this season. Credit: Eddie Greville
Draws with Preston North End and Norwich City, plus the poor 2-0 loss to Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday, have left them apparently vulnerable.
They’re now only six points clear at the top, from surprise second-place chasers Cardiff City.
Are Wolves about to bottle it? Are they ripe for the plucking? You might hope so.
There is, however, an underlying factor on Saturday evening that will hold great importance for most Reading fans.
If Royals win at Molineux – I know, a minor miracle is needed! – then they will prevent Wolves from beating their proud EFL record of attaining 106 points in a season.
Should the miracle occur, then Nuno Espirito Santo’s side would need to win their remaining 11 games just to equal Royals’ stellar haul of the glorious 2005/06 term under Steve Coppell.
And, of course, that would be highly unlikely.
As it is, even if Wolves collect the expected win over Stam’s bedraggled troops, there’s a good chance that they’ll drop further points this term and allow the blue-and-white glory boys of 05/06 to retain their place in history.
Such a Royals landmark, naturally, will have no bearing on the fixture this weekend.
Wolves are still boldly going for the Premier League and Reading are battling at the opposite end of the Championship to avoid the horrors of League One.
Leroy Lita and Kevin Doyle were a key part of the 106 side for Reading. Credit: Eddie Greville
Chalk and cheese...
But the frequent “106” refrain from Royals fans, so many years on and still often chanted at Madejski Stadium, proves just how proud they are of that achievement.
It will never be forgotten... unlike, I suspect, the so far miserable offering in 2017/18.
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