Football Season Guide

Reading had a nightmare of a campaign last season where they went backwards. They had gone so close to the Premier League in the previous campaign, only losing in the play-off final. But last time around they were in a relegation battle all season and that ultimately cost boss Jaap Stam his job. Paul Clement did not exactly do a wonder job as his replacement but did not enough to keep the Royals up and keep his job. He has worked hard over the summer now to rebuild adding some much needed experience in the shape of defenders Andy Yiadom and John O'Shea along with midfielder David Meyler. Ajax defender Darren Sideol and highly-rated young attacker Marc McNulty have also arrived. Sam Baldock is another useful addition at this level. Defender Liam Moore has also asked to leave the club and is unlikely to play for Reading again. Last season really knocked the stuffing out of Reading with their signings last season really failing to deliver. But with a new manager and a new approach, Clement may well be able to get the best out of them now there is a clean slate. The home form was especially poor last season and that is something Clement will be desperate to improve upon. They will strive to find some consistency having not found it last time around. Reading overachieved two years ago and underachieved last time out so it will be interesting to see how they do this time around. Certainly the expectations are much lower than 12 months ago though.