2008–09 Reading F.C. season

November 2021 January 2013 Reading F.C. 2008–09 Steve Coppell Manager John Madejski Chairman Championship 4th (play off Semi-Finals) FA Cup Third round vs Cardiff City League Cup Third round vs Stoke City Kevin Doyle 18 Kevin Doyle 18 23,121 vs Southampton (22 November 2008) 16,514 vs Blackpool (9 December 2008) 2007–08 2009–10 _reading0809h _bluesides _whitetop FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF 0000FF _reading0809a _orangesides _bluehorizontal FF8C00 FF8C00 FF8C00 0000FF FF8C00 _blackhoops 000000 4F4F4F 000000 000000 4F4F4F Reading Football Club played the 2008–09 season in the Football League Championship, having been relegated on the final day of the 2007–08 Premier League season. Despite a strong start to the season, especially at home, Reading were unable to secure promotion at the first attempt; a poor run of form in 2009 saw Reading win just 5 of their last 17 league games, the Royals finishing 4th in the league. Reading were defeated 3–0 on aggregate by Burnley in the play-off semi-finals. Review and events The Football League 2008–09 Pre-season Reading opened their pre-season with an away game against Didcot Town, winning 9–0,2008-07-15 http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1343086,00.html Royals hit nine to sink Didcot readingfc.co.uk 2008-08-05 https://web.archive.org/web/20080915140526/http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1343086,00.html 15 September 2008 dead with nine different scorers, including a fan who won the opportunity to play at a charity auction. After further away wins at Forest Green Rovers (2–0),2008-07-16 http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1344746,00.html Royals edge out Forest Green readingfc.co.uk 2008-08-05 https://web.archive.org/web/20080919093735/http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1344746,00.html 19 September 2008 dead Havant & Waterlooville (1–0)2008-07-16 http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1345538,00.html Royals edge past gutsy Havant readingfc.co.uk 2008-08-05 https://web.archive.org/web/20080927141529/http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1345538,00.html 27 September 2008 dead and MK Dons (2–1),2008-07-19 http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1347203,00.html Royals see off MK Dons readingfc.co.uk 2008-08-05 https://web.archive.org/web/20080821174056/http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1347203,00.html 21 August 2008 dead Reading went on a three-game friendly tour of Sweden, winning their three games against FC Trollhättan (4–1)2008-07-25 http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1350646,00.html Lita scores four in friendly win readingfc.co.uk 2008-08-05 https://web.archive.org/web/20080919093755/http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1350646,00.html 19 September 2008 dead in which Leroy Lita scored all four, against Lerkils IF (1–0)2008-07-26 http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1351841,00.html Long goal sees off Lerkils readingfc.co.uk 2008-08-05 https://web.archive.org/web/20080914220339/http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1351841,00.html 14 September 2008 dead and against Halmstads BK (3–1)2008-07-30 http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1353804,00.html Royals see off Halmstads 3–1 readingfc.co.uk 2008-08-05 https://web.archive.org/web/20080919093811/http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1353804,00.html 19 September 2008 dead in which new signing Noel Hunt scored for the first time, ultimately scoring two. Reading's last friendly, and only home friendly, was against Aston Villa, and finished 1–1.2008-08-04 http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1356996,00.html Karacan nets in Villa draw readingfc.co.uk 2008-08-05 https://web.archive.org/web/20080904111818/http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1356996,00.html 4 September 2008 dead It was Reading's only pre-season game that they did not win. August Reading's league campaign began with a 0–0 draw at promoted Nottingham Forest. In a game of few chances, Kevin Doyle came closest for the Royals, glancing a header goalwards from a Stephen Hunt cross, that Forest goalkeeper Paul Smith did well to tip on to the crossbar. Two days later, the Royals enjoyed their first victory of the season, as a late Noel Hunt goal, on his competitive debut for Reading, secured a 2–1 victory at Dagenham and Redbridge in the 1st round of the League Cup. James Henry had opened the scoring for Reading in the first half, with his first goal for the club, tapping home after Shane Long had beaten the Dagenham goalkeeper to a cross. Reading's first home league match followed on 16 August, a game the Royals deservedly won 2–0, Ibrahima Sonko crashing home two headers, one in each half, both from Stephen Hunt corners. A week later, the Royals lost a thrilling game 2–4 against Charlton Athletic. Matt Holland and Andy Gray's penalty gave the Addicks a 2–0 lead but Ibrahima Sonko kept up his scoring form with a thumping header before half-time. Stephen Hunt's retaken penalty completed the comeback for Reading, but further goals for Luke Varney and Hamer Bouazza gave Charlton all three points. The Royals returned to the Madesjki on 26 August with a thumping 5–1 victory over Luton Town in the League Cup 2nd Round. Noel Hunt opened the scoring after nodding in brother Stephen Hunt's cross. Soon later it was the other way around, Noel Hunt sliding in a cross and Stephen Hunt slotted home. Alex Pearce, Jem Karacan and James Henry all got their first goals for the club. A consolation for Luton was scored by Ryan Charles. September The month started at Portman Road, Ipswich. Reading's bad away form continued as The Royals lost 2–0 to the hands of Ipswich Town. The game was followed up by the biggest win of the season, so far, as Reading forced six passed Sheffield Wednesday. The Royals were 2–0 up within 10 minutes, Kevin Doyle scoring them both. André Bikey got the third on the half hour mark. Noel Hunt got the fourth on the fiftieth minute. Doyle scored his third of the game and two minutes later Reading were 6–0 up. It stayed that way until the end of the match. Watford. Reading came to Watford sitting fourth in the Championship. Reading took the lead on the 13th minute. The goal was scored by no-one! The goal was not claimed for by any Reading player. Watford soon went 2–1 up and an 89th minute spot kick was turned in by S. Hunt. Reading played a cup side in the League Cup as the Royals headed to Stoke to play the Premier League side Stoke City. Reading battled hard only losing to the Premier League side on spot kicks, 4–3, after a 2–2 draw. Reading played Swansea City and a 4–0 win set up a game with Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Royals went 1–0 up when an own goal by Wolverhampton Wanderers started off a hammering for Wolves. André Bikey made it 2–0 and Kalifa Cissé made a Reading win a game to forget for Wolverhampton Wanderers. October Burnley came to Reading. Reading won the game 3–1. The Hunt Brothers scored two and Shane Long made it 3–0. Burnley scored a goal, but it was too little to late. Away days. Reading lost to the hands of Preston North End 2–1. Mix ups saw a loss come to Reading's hands. A home game to Doncaster Rovers followed. The Royals only won 2–1. This happened after Reading going 1–0 up, then Doncaster scored. One minute later the Royals scored to win the match. A draw to Queens Park Rangers in front of the Sky Sports cameras at home, 0–0, and a loss, 1–0, away to Burnley rounded off a bad month for the Royals, home and away. November Reading returned to winning ways at Ashton Gate as the Royals opened November with a 4–1 win away to Bristol City. Kevin Doyle (twice) and Noel Hunt scored from close range, before Kalifa Cissé added Reading's fourth, smashing the ball into the top right-hand corner of the goal from outside of the penalty area. Reading's excellent home form continued the following weekend, Doyle (2) and Noel Hunt again got on the scoresheet in a 3–0 victory over Derby County. The Royals secured a third successive victory at Bramall Lane the following weekend, Kalifa Cissé opening the scoring in the 5th minute, before a Kevin Doyle header, just before half-time, completed a 2–0 win at Sheffield United. Reading then lost to Southampton at home 2–1. The Royals' 1st home defeat of the season so-far. Kébé scored his 1st Reading goal. The Royals then headed off to Wales to play Cardiff City. Reading went 1–0 and 2–1 down. At 1–1, Reading were down to 10 men as André Bikey got sent off. Reading's scores were Kevin Doyle and Brynjar Gunnarsson in a 2–2 draw. December Reading were playing Coventry City at home in front of the Sky Sports Cameras. The Royals went 1–0 down, but came back to win 3–1. Reading won 1–0 at Barnsley and at home to Blackpool. A late rally by Reading help them win 2–0 at home to Norwich City. Reading moved into 2nd as Reading won 3–1 at then 2nd place Birmingham City. Reading then had a home draw, 1–1, to Cardiff City. The Welsh side went 1–0 in the 89th minute, but Reading's keeper Adam Federici scored in the 6th minute of injury time. Reading then drew 1–1 at Southampton. January Reading met Cardiff City for the third time in six weeks in the FA Cup third round, and a largely second-string side were defeated 2–0 at Ninian Park, to end the Royals' eight-match unbeaten run. The Royals returned to the Madejski Stadium for the first league match of the calendar year, completing a 4–0 victory over Watford. Chris Armstrong opened the scoring with his first ever goal for Reading, before Kevin Doyle, Noel Hunt and Leroy Lita, back from Norwich, added to the tally. A 2–0 defeat at Welsh side Swansea City followed, to end a run of 9 league matches unbeaten for Reading, before league leaders Wolves were beaten 1–0 at the Madejski Stadium, the game decided by a second-minute own-goal scored by Wolves' Neill Collins. The result closed the gap between Wolves and Reading, in 2nd place, to two points. January ended with a goalless draw at Loftus Road, as Reading and Q.P.R. drew 0–0 for the second time this season. February On the 6th of the month it was revealed that Bobby Convey had left the club by mutual consent.http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1547512,00.html Reading F.C. Royals confirm Convey departure 2009-02-06 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090312062251/http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10306~1547512%2C00.html 12 March 2009 A second consecutive 0–0 draw followed, as the Royals were held at home by Preston. On 13 February it was revealed that Ivar Ingimarsson would be out injured for the rest of the season, scheduled for surgery on a knee cartilage problem. Reading's goal drought continued two weeks later, at home to Bristol City, as the Royals lost 2–0, a second home defeat of the season. Nottingham Forest visited the Madejski Stadium on 28 February, as the Royals slumped to a second straight home defeat, and a sixth consecutive game without scoring. March Reading secured a first win in five games under floodlights at Hillsborough, defeating Sheffield Wednesday 2–1, Kevin Doyle heading home from a corner, and Shane Long scoring the winner with nine minutes left. The Royals headed to Home Park, Plymouth to play Plymouth Argyle. Reading went 1–0 down, but Alex Pearce scored two minutes later. Argyle went 2–1 up and in the 80th minute, Jimmy Kebe scored, through the keepers legs. Reading played Charlton Athletic, at home, next. Reading drew 2–2 with two goals from young Irish striker Shane Long. However the Royals were denied victory by a last gasp equaliser. Reading next lost to Ipswich Town 1–0. The Royals went 1–0 down just 1 minute after the break. That meant the Royals went into a three match winless run with renewed purpose. However, that was forgotten in midweek as they won 1–0 at Doncaster Rovers, thanks to a late Dave Kitson winner eight minutes from time. Kitson had returned to the club on loan, as did Glen Little. The Royals ended the month with successive goalless draws, against Crystal Palace, eventually dropping into 4th place after Sheffield United's win over Barnsley. April The first game of April was away to Coventry City which ended in bore draw of 0–0. Both teams creating very little in another disappointing performance from the Royals. On 10 April 2009, Sheffield United travelled to the Madjeski for an evening game in a real six-pointer with both teams needing the win to help secure that valuable play-off place. It ended in Reading losing 1–0 with Brian Howard scoring a scrappy goal on the hour mark. On 13 April 2009, the Royals travelled to Bloomfield Road to face Blackpool and after taking a 2–0 lead, eventually drew 2–2. Jem Karacan scored his first goal of the season and league goal for the Royals. A goalless draw with Barnsley at home meant Reading had now gone 7 home games without a win. However, the Royals showed a return to form on the following Tuesday night with a 2–0 win at Derby County, Dave Kitson and Shane Long the goalscorers. With results having gone their way at the weekend, Reading went into their Monday night game with Norwich City knowing that only a win would keep their hopes of automatic promotion alive. Shane Long inspired Reading to a 2–0 win with both goals, both of them headers from Jimmy Kebe crosses. Reading, 4th, needed to win going into a clash with Birmingham City, 2nd. Reading lost 2–1 and Birmingham went up. Reading need to win to go up to the Premier League at the first attempt, and Sheffield United didn't win against Crystal Palace. United drew 0–0. If the Royals had won they would have gone up on Goal-Difference. May André Bikey was sent off as Reading lost the first leg of their play-off semi-final at Burnley by a single goal. Bikey was sent off for a stamp on Robbie Blake, minutes after pulling back Burnley striker Steve Thompson to gift the Clarets the winning penalty, scored by Graham Alexander. Burnley advanced to the final at Wembley three days later as Reading lost the second leg 2–0, goals from Martin Paterson, and Thompson, sealing Burnley's win. Hours after Burnley winning the game Steve Coppell resigned as Manager of the club. Squad match played 12 May 2009 No. Name Nationality Position Date of birth (age) Signed from Signed in Contract ends Apps. Goals Goalkeepers 1 Marcus Hahnemann USA GK yes 2009 5 12 1972 6 15 Fulham 2002 301 0 32 Adam Federici AUS GK yes 2009 5 12 1985 1 31 Torres 2005 18 1 36 Mikkel Andersen DEN GK yes 2009 5 12 1988 12 17 AB 2007https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/r/reading/6303353.stm Reading snap up keeper Andersen 26 January 2007 BBC 2 October 2012 2009 0 0 49 Alex McCarthy ENG GK yes 2009 5 12 1989 12 3 Academy 2007 0 0 Defenders 2 Graeme Murty SCOlower-alpha MurtyNat Graeme Murty was born in Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire, England, but qualified to represent Scotland internationally through his parents, making his international debut for Scotland in 2004. DF yes 2009 5 12 1974 11 13 York City 1998 339 2 3 Chris Armstrong SCOlower-alpha ArmstrongNat Chris Armstrong was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, but qualified to represent Scotland internationally through his grandmother, making his international debut for Scotland B in 2007. DF yes 2009 5 12 1982 8 5 Sheffield United 2008 41 1 16 Ívar Ingimarsson ISL DF yes 2009 5 12 1977 8 20 Wolverhampton Wanderers 2003 235 12 18 Sam Sodje NGRlower-alpha SodjeNat Sam Sodje was born in Greenwich, England, but also qualified to represent Nigeria internationally through his parents and made his international debut for Nigeria in 2004. DF yes 2009 5 12 1981 4 9 Brentford 2006https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/r/reading/5173066.stm Reading complete swoop for Sodje 14 July 2006 BBC 2 October 2012 8 1 19 Liam Rosenior ENG DF yes 2009 5 12 1984 7 9 Fulham 2007http://world.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1103805,00.html Reading - Latest News - Rosenior signs as Seol departs 31 August 2007 dmy-all https://web.archive.org/web/20180405032831/http://world.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1103805,00.html 5 April 2018 dead 2010 63 1 22 André Bikey CMR DF yes 2009 5 12 1985 1 8 Lokomotiv Moscow 2007 http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/46419-bikey-signs-reading-deal Bikey signs Reading deal Metro 2 October 2012 2010 73 7 25 Alan Bennett IRL DF yes 2009 5 12 1981 10 4 Cork City 2007 0 0 26 Alex Pearce SCOlower-alpha PearceNat Alex Pearce was born in Wallingford, England, but also qualified to represent Scotland and the Republic of Ireland internationally through his parents and has represented Scotland at youth and U-21 level. He would, however, later be called up and make his full international debut for the Republic of Ireland in September 2012. DF yes 2009 5 12 1988 11 9 Academy 2006 25 2 29 Michael Duberry ENG DF yes 2009 5 12 1975 10 14 Stoke City 2007https://www.bbc.co.uk/berkshire/content/articles/2007/01/31/readingfc_duberry_feature.shtml 'All about Duberry' BBC 2 October 2012 2008 54 0 31 Dan Harding ENG DF yes 2009 5 12 1983 12 23 on loan from Ipswich Town 2009 2009 5 0 33 Scott Golbourne ENG DF yes 2009 5 12 1988 2 29 Bristol City 2006 6 0 42 Julian Kelly ENG DF yes 2009 5 12 1989 9 6 Academy 2008 11 0 43 Daniel Spence ENG DF yes 2009 5 12 1989 10 22 Academy 2007 0 0 Midfielders 4 Kalifa Cissé MLIlower-alpha CisséNat Kalifa Cissé was born in Dreux, France, but qualified to represent Mali internationally and made his international debut for Mali in March 2008, having previously represented them at U-20 level. MF yes 2009 5 12 1984 1 9 Boavista 2007 http://world.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1025905,00.html Reading – Latest News – Royals complete the signing of French midfield man Kalifa Cisse from Boavista world.readingfc.co.uk 4 April 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180405032848/http://world.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1025905,00.html 5 April 2018 dead dmy-all 2010 64 6 6 Brynjar Gunnarsson ISL MF yes 2009 5 12 1975 10 16 Watford 2005 111 10 7 Marek Matějovský CZE MF yes 2009 5 12 1981 12 20 Mladá Boleslav 2008http://world.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1208922,00.html Reading - Latest News - Royals to sign Matejovsky 7 January 2008 dmy-all https://web.archive.org/web/20180405030527/http://world.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1208922,00.html 5 April 2018 dead 2011 39 2 10 Stephen Hunt IRL MF yes 2009 5 12 1981 8 1 Brentford 2005 173 20 14 Jimmy Kébé MLIlower-alpha KébéNat Jimmy Kébé was born in Vitry-sur-Seine, France, but qualified to represent Mali internationally and made his international debut for Mali in 2004. MF yes 2009 5 12 1984 1 19 Lens 200828 January 2008 http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1224989,00.html Kebe joins Royals from Lens readingfc.co.uk 28 January 2008 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080129053904/http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10306~1224989%2C00.html 29 January 2008 2010 49 2 15 James Harper ENG MF yes 2009 5 12 1980 11 9 Arsenal 2001 356 23 19 Hal Robson-Kanu ENGlower-alpha Robson-KanuNat Hal Robson-Kanu was born in Ealing, England, and represented England at U-19 and U-20 level, but also qualified to represent Wales through his grandmother and made his international debut for the Welsh U-21 side in May 2010 before making his full international debut for Wales five days later. MF yes 2009 5 12 1989 5 21 Academy 2007 0 0 21 Jem Karacan TURlower-alpha KaracanNat Jem Karacan was born in Lewisham, England, but also qualifies to represent Turkey internationally through his father and has represented Turkey at every youth level. MF yes 2009 5 12 1989 2 21 Academy 2007 17 2 27 James Henry ENGlower-alpha HenryNat James Henry was born in Reading, England, but also qualified to represent Scotland internationally through his parents and has represented Scotland at youth level. However, he would later represent England at youth level. MF yes 2009 5 12 1987 7 9 Academy 2004 12 4 28 Michail Antonio ENGlower-alpha AntonioNat Michail Antonio was born in Wandsworth, England, but also qualified to represent Jamaica internationally, going on to make his debut for Jamaica in 2021. MF yes 2009 5 12 1989 1 8 Tooting & Mitcham United 2008 2010 0 0 30 Oliver Bozanic AUS MF yes 2009 5 12 1989 1 8 Central Coast Mariners 2007 2009 0 0 34 Gylfi Sigurðsson ISL MF yes 2009 5 12 1989 9 8 Academy 2008 3 0 37 Jay Tabb IRLlower-alpha TabbNat Jay Tabb was born in Tooting, England, but also qualified to represent the Republic of Ireland internationally, and represented Ireland at U-21 level in 2005. MF yes 2009 5 12 1984 2 21 Coventry City 2009 2011 11 0 40 Tom Hateley ENG MF yes 2009 5 12 1989 9 12 Academy 2006 0 0 52 Glen Little ENG MF yes 2009 5 12 1975 10 15 on loan from Portsmouth 2009 2009 123 6 Forwards 8 Leroy Lita ENGlower-alpha LitaNat Leroy Lita was born in Kinshasa, DR Congo, but qualified to represent England, representing England at U-21 level. FW yes 2009 5 12 1984 12 28 Bristol City 2005 100 32 9 Kevin Doyle IRL FW yes 2009 5 12 1983 9 18 Cork City 2005 163 56 11 Noel Hunt IRL FW yes 2009 5 12 1982 12 26 Dundee United 2008 2011 39 13 12 Dave Mooney IRL FW yes 2009 5 12 1984 10 30 Cork City 2008 2011 2 0 17 Dave Kitson ENG FW yes 2009 5 12 1980 1 21 loan from Stoke City 2009 2009 159 62 24 Shane Long IRL FW yes 2009 5 12 1987 1 22 Cork City 2005 115 18 35 Simon Church WALlower-alpha ChurchNat Simon Church was born in High Wycombe, England, but also qualifies to represent Wales through his grandparents and made his international debut for the Welsh U-21 side in August 2007 before making his full international debut for Wales in May 2009. FW yes 2009 5 12 1988 12 10 Academy 2007 2 0 39 Nicholas Bignall ENG FW yes 2009 5 12 1990 7 11 Academy 2008 0 0 Out on loan 38 Scott Davies IRLlower-alpha DaviesNat Scott Davies was born in Aylesbury, England, but also qualified to represent the Republic of Ireland internationally and has represented them at youth and U-21 level. MF yes 2009 5 12 1987 7 9 Academy 2004 0 0 41 Ben Hamer ENG GK yes 2009 5 12 1987 11 20 Academy 2006 0 0 Left during the season 3 Nicky Shorey ENG DF yes 2009 5 12 1981 2 19 Leyton Orient 2001 296 12 17 Bobby Convey USA MF yes 2009 5 12 1983 5 27 D.C. United 2004 112 8 20 Emerse Faé CIVlower-alpha FaéNat Emerse Faé was born in Nantes, France and represented them at U-17 and U-21 level, but also qualified to represent the Ivory Coast internationally and made his international debut for Ivory Coast in March 2005. MF yes 2009 5 12 1984 1 24 Nantes 2007http://world.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1083650,00.html Reading - Latest News - Fae joins for club record fee 3 August 2007 dmy-all https://web.archive.org/web/20180405030539/http://world.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1083650,00.html 5 April 2018 dead 2010 (+1) 11 0 31 Ibrahima Sonko SEN DF yes 2009 5 12 1981 1 22 Brentford 2004 136 8 43 Viktor Illugason ISL FW yes 2009 5 12 1990 1 25 Breiðablik 2007 0 0 lower-alpha Out on loan 38 IRL MF Scott Davies at Aldershot Town until end of the season 41 ENG GK Ben Hamer at Brentford until end of the season Left club during season 3 ENG DF Nicky Shorey to Aston Villa 17 USA MF Bobby Convey 20 CIV MF Emerse Fae to OGC Nice 31 SEN DF Ibrahima Sonko to Stoke City 37 ISL FW Viktor Illugason to Valur Transfers List of English football transfers summer 2008 List of English football transfers winter 2008–09 In Date Position Nationality Name From Fee Ref. 23 July 2008 FW IRL Noel Hunt Dundee United Undisclosed https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/d/dundee_utd/7520011.stm Dundee Utd sell Hunt to Reading BBC 19 October 2012 23 July 2008 21 August 2008 FW IRL Dave Mooney Cork City Undisclosed https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/r/reading/7574042.stm Reading sign Cork striker Mooney BBC 19 October 2012 21 August 2008 26 August 2008 DF SCO Chris Armstrong Sheffield United £500,000 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/r/reading/7573107.stm Reading complete Armstrong signing BBC 19 October 2012 26 August 2008 28 October 2008 MF ENG Michail Antonio Tooting & Mitcham Undisclosed https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/r/reading/7695368.stm Reading complete deal for Antonio BBC 19 October 2012 28 October 2008 19 January 2009 MF IRL Jay Tabb Coventry City Undisclosed https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/r/reading/7838857.stm Reading bring in midfielder Tabb BBC 19 October 2012 19 January 2009 Loans in Start date Position Nationality Name From End date Ref. 29 January 2009 DF ENG Dan Harding Ipswich Town End of season https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/r/reading/7858779.stm Ipswich loan Harding to Reading BBC 19 October 2012 29 January 2009 8 March 2009 MF ENG Glen Little Portsmouth End of season https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/r/reading/7931342.stm Winger Little returns to Reading BBC 19 October 2012 8 March 2009 10 March 2009 FW ENG Dave Kitson Stoke City End of season https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/stoke_city/7934235.stm Kitson returns to Reading on loan BBC 19 October 2012 10 March 2009 Out Date Position Nationality Name To Fee Ref. 18 July 2008 FW ENG Dave Kitson Stoke City £5,500,000 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/s/stoke_city/7511777.stm Stoke seal £5.5m Kitson transfer BBC 19 October 2012 18 July 2008 7 August 2008 DF ENG Nicky Shorey Aston Villa Undisclosed https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/7546940.stm Aston Villa sign Shorey and Young BBC 19 October 2012 7 August 2008 29 August 2008 DF SEN Ibrahima Sonko Stoke City £2,000,000 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/s/stoke_city/7587931.stm Stoke sign Reading defender Sonko BBC 19 October 2012 29 August 2008 29 January 2009 MF CIV Emerse Fae Nice Undisclosed https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/r/reading/7857999.stm Fae makes Nice switch permanent BBC 19 October 2012 29 January 2009 Loans out Start date Position Nationality Name To End date Ref. 10 June 2008 MF FRA Emerse Faé Nice six-month loan Dall James Fae seals Nice loan https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11673/3895359/fae-seals-nice-loan Sky Sports 15 October 2020 1 August 2008 17 June 2008 GK ENG Ben Hamer Brentford Season long https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/brentford/7459957.stm Brentford recruit Hamer and Mills BBC 19 October 2012 17 June 2008 23 July 2008 MF IRL Scott Davies Aldershot Town Season long https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/aldershot/7521256.stm Aldershot sign Starosta and Davies BBC 19 October 2012 23 July 2008 21 August 2008 MF ENG Hal Robson-Kanu Southend United Three months https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/s/southend_utd/7574717.stm Robson-Kanu returns to Southend BBC 19 October 2012 27 August 2008 FW WAL Simon Church Wycombe Wanderers One month https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/w/wycombe_wanderers/7584391.stm Church relished Wycombe loan deal BBC 19 October 2012 27 August 2008 Released Date Position Nationality Name Joined Date Ref 6 February 2009 MF USA Bobby Convey San Jose Earthquakes 10 February 2009 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/r/reading/7874908.stm Reading part company with Convey BBC 14 October 2013 6 February 2009Almond Elliott Quakes seal deal with Convey http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_11672294 San Jose Mercury News 10 February 2009 14 October 2013 15 May 2009 DF IRL Alan Bennett Brentford 30 July 2009 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/r/reading/8052913.stm Reading axe Murty and Hahnemann BBC 19 October 2012 15 May 2009 15 May 2009 DF ENG Michael Duberry Wycombe Wanderers 10 July 2009 15 May 2009 DF ENG Scott Golbourne Exeter City 2 July 2009 http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,14728_5411611,00.html Exeter make double swoop Sky Sports 14 October 2013 2 July 2009 15 May 2009 GK USA Marcus Hahnemann Wolverhampton Wanderers 17 June 2009 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/w/wolverhampton_wanderers/8105049.stm Wolves draft in keeper Hahnemann BBC Sport 14 October 2013 17 June 2009 15 May 2009 MF ENG Tom Hateley Motherwell 13 August 2009 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/motherwell/8200812.stm Well deal-in midfielder Hateley BBC Sport 14 October 2013 13 August 2009 15 May 2009 FW ENG Leroy Lita Middlesbrough 3 August 2009 15 May 2009 DF SCO Graeme Murty Southampton 5 August 2009 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/s/southampton/8133381.stm Murty completes Southampton move BBC Sport 14 October 2013 5 August 2009 15 May 2009 DF ENG Daniel Spence 28 May 2009 DF NGA Sam Sodje Charlton Athletic https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/r/reading/8071776.stm Defender Sodje to leave Reading BBC 19 October 2012 28 May 2009 Competitions Overview 3 Championship 10 August 2008 3 May 2009 Matchday 1 4th 21 14 11 72 40 Championship Play-offs 9 May 2009 12 May 2009 Semifinal Semifinal 0 0 2 0 3 FA Cup 3 January 2009 3 January 2009 Third round Third round 0 0 1 0 2 League Cup 12 August 2008 23 September 2008 First round Third round 2 0 1 9 4 12 May 2009 Championship 2008–09 Football League Championship Results summary 12 5 6 40 17 9 9 5 32 23 8 April 2011 Reading FC May 2011 Results by round table b Round Ground A /H /A /H /A /H /A /H /A /H /A /H /H /A /A /H /A /H /A /H /A /H /H /A /H /A /H /A /H /A /H /H /H /A /A /H /H /A /A /A /H /A /H /A /A /H Result D /W /L /W /L /W /D /W /W /W /L /W /D /L /W /W /W /L /D /W /W /W /W /W /D /D /W /L /W /D /D /L /L /W /D /D /L /W /D /D /L /D /D /W /W /L Position 14 /5/10 /6 /8 /4 /6 /3 /3 /3 /3 /3 /3 /4 /3 /3 /3 /3 /3 /3 /3 /3 /3 /2 /2 /2 /2 /2 /2 /2 /2 /3 /3 /2 /3 /3 /3 /3 /3 /4 /5 /5 /5 /4 /4 /4 Home Away green2 Win yellow2 Draw red2 Loss 1st 2nd 3rd red1 https://archive.today/20121223163534/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/reading/results/default.stm BBC Sport December 2011 Fixtures and results 1 10 August 2008 13:15 BST (UTC+1) Nottingham Forest 0–0 Report Reading City Ground 21,571 Stuart Attwell D 16 August 2008 2 15:00 BST (UTC+1) Reading 2–0 Report Plymouth Argyle Sonko 13 49 Madejski Stadium 19,202 Richard Beeby W 3 23 August 2008 12:45 BST (UTC+1) Charlton Athletic 4–2 Report Reading Holland 25 Gray 41 pen. Varney 68 Bouazza 71 Sonko 45 S Hunt 53 pen. Sonko 0 84 The Valley 20,020 Lee Mason L 4 30 August 2008 15:00 BST (UTC+1) Reading 4–2 Report Crystal Palace Harper 18 Doyle 65 67 89 Carle 38 pen. Soares 64 Madejski Stadium 20,441 Clive Penton W 5 13 September 2008 15:00 BST (UTC+1) Ipswich Town 2–0 Report Reading Stead 63 Walters 84 Portman Road 21,366 Keith Hill L 6 16 September 2008 20:00 BST (UTC+1) Reading 6–0 Report Sheffield Wednesday Doyle 5 9 62 Bikey 30 N Hunt 50 64 Madejski Stadium 18,159 Andy Woolmer W 7 20 September 2008 15:00 BST (UTC+1) Watford 2–2 Report Reading Smith 57 O'Toole 64 Eustace 13 o.g. S Hunt 87 pen. Vicarage Road 14,761 Stuart Attwell D In Reading's match at Watford, John Eustace apparently scored an own goal for Reading, giving Reading the lead. However, replays show that the ball passed the line, but didn't go in between the posts. It was given by referee Stuart Attwell on the say so of his assistant Nigel Bannister who flagged for the goal. 8 27 September 2008 15:00 BST (UTC+1) Reading 4–0 Report Swansea City N Hunt 19 Doyle 26 90 S Hunt 40 Madejski Stadium 20,093 Scott Mathieson W 9 30 September 2008 19:45 BST (UTC+1) Wolverhampton Wanderers 0–3 Report Reading Hennessey 4 o.g. Bikey 71 Cissé 89 Molineux Stadium 24,302 Rob Shoebridge W 10 4 October 2008 15:00 BST (UTC+1) Reading 3–1 Report Burnley N Hunt 4 S Hunt 52 Long 64 McCann 89 Madejski Stadium 18,621 Kevin Friend W 11 18 October 2008 15:00 BST (UTC+1) Preston North End 2–1 Report Reading Ingimarsson 54 o.g. Elliott 81 S Hunt 27 pen. Deepdale 12,316 Nigel Miller L 12 21 October 2008 20:00 BST (UTC+1) Reading 2–1 Report Doncaster Rovers Bikey 18 Doyle 76 Van Nieuwstadt 74 Madejski Stadium 17,924 Darren Deadman W 13 25 October 2008 15:00 BST (UTC+1) Reading 0–0 Report Queens Park Rangers Madejski Stadium 20,571 Chris Foy D 14 28 October 2008 19:45 GMT Burnley 1–0 Report Reading Blake 81 Turf Moor 11,538 Martin Haywood L 1 November 2008 15 15:00 GMT Bristol City 1–4 Report Reading John 90+3 Doyle 14 47 N Hunt 16 Cissé 54 Ashton Gate 18,296 Jonathan Moss W 16 8 November 2008 15:00 GMT Reading 3–0 Report Derby County N Hunt 20 Doyle 68 75 Madejski Stadium 18,724 Scott Mathieson W 17 15 November 2008 15:00 GMT Sheffield United 0–2 Report Reading Cissé 5 Doyle 44 Bramall Lane 25,065 Michael Oliver W 18 22 November 2008 15:00 GMT Reading 1–2 Report Southampton Kébé 57 Wright-Phillips 14 49 Madejski Stadium 23,121 Lee Probert L 19 25 November 2008 19:45 GMT Cardiff City 2–2 Report Reading Routledge 10 McCormack 41 pen. Doyle 16 Bikey 0 30 Gunnarsson 50 Ninian Park 17,154 Peter Walton D 20 1 December 2008 20:00 GMT Reading 3–1 Report Coventry City N Hunt 32 62 Cissé 37 Fox 26 Madejski Stadium 16,803 Kevin Wright W 21 6 December 2008 15:152 GMT Barnsley 0–1 Report Reading Kebe 0 36 Gunnarsson 63 Oakwell 11,938 Clive Oliver W The game was delayed by 15 minutes after the Reading team bus broke down on the M1. 22 9 December 2008 20:00 GMT Reading 1–0 Report Blackpool Ingimarsson 27 Hendrie 0 30 Madejski Stadium 16,514 Jarnail Singh W 23 13 December 2008 15:00 GMT Reading 2–0 Report Norwich City S Hunt 84 pen. Long 86 Madejski Stadium 19,382 Trevor Kettle W 24 20 December 2008 12:45 GMT Birmingham City 1–3 Report Reading Phillips 60 N Hunt 12 Doyle 65 Cissé 81 St Andrews 19,695 Mike Dean W 25 26 December 2008 15:00 GMT Reading 1–1 Report Cardiff City Federici 90+6 Chopra 89 Madejski Stadium 22,770 Andy Hall D 26 28 December 2008 15:00 GMT Southampton 1–1 Report Reading McGoldrick 74 Long 84 St Mary's Stadium 20,142 Phil Crossley D 27 10 January 2009 12:45 GMT Reading 4–0 Report Watford Armstrong 38 N Hunt 66 Doyle 67 Lita 88 Madejski Stadium 18,072 Andy D'Urso W 28 17 January 2009 15:00 GMT Swansea City 2–0 Report Reading Scotland 44 Orlandi 89 Rosenior 2 75 80 Liberty Stadium 15,197 F Graham L 29 27 January 2009 20:00 GMT Reading 1–0 Report Wolverhampton Wanderers Collins 2 o.g. Collins 0 90+3 Madejski Stadium 23,009 John Booth W 30 31 January 2009 15:00 GMT Queens Park Rangers 0–0 Report Reading Loftus Road 17,120 John Moss D 31 7 February 2009 15:00 GMT Reading 0–0 Report Preston North End Madejski Stadium 19,570 Mike Jones D 32 21 February 2009 15:00 GMT Reading 0–2 Report Bristol City Adebola 26 Rosenior 48 o.g. Madejski Stadium 22,462 Andy Penn L 33 28 February 15:00 GMT Reading 0–1 Report Nottingham Forest McGugan 61 Madejski Stadium 21,196 Neil Swarbrick L 34 3 March 2009 19:45 GMT Sheffield Wednesday 1–2 Report Reading McAllister 44 Doyle 56 Long 81 Hillsborough Stadium 19,268 Andy Hall W 35 7 March 2009 15:00 GMT Plymouth Argyle 2–2 Report Reading Gallagher 20 Mackie 56 Pearce 22 Kebe 80 Home Park 14,014 Anthony Bates D 36 9 March 2009 20:00 GMT Reading 2–2 Report Charlton Athletic Long 46 pen. 66 Bailey 16 Hudson 85 Madejski Stadium 17,875 Anthony Taylor D 37 14 March 2009 15:00 GMT Reading 0–1 Report Ipswich Town Stead 47 Madejski Stadium 20,592 Michael Oliver L 38 17 March 2009 19:45 GMT Doncaster Rovers 0–1 Report Reading Kitson 82 Keepmoat Stadium 10,393 Paul Taylor W 39 21 March 2009 17:20 GMT Crystal Palace 0–0 Report Reading Rosenior 2 35 71 Selhurst Park 14,567 Andy D'Urso D 40 4 April 2009 15:00 BST (UTC+1) Coventry City 0–0 Report Reading Ricoh Arena 17,281 Tim Kettle D 41 10 April 2009 17:30 BST (UTC+1) Reading 0–1 Report Sheffield United Howard 59 Madejski Stadium 20,756 Keith Friend L 42 13 April 2009 15:00 BST (UTC+1) Blackpool 2–2 Report Reading Southern 31 Campbell 66 N Hunt 10 Karacan 24 Bloomfield Road 7,722 Tim Kettle D 43 18 April 2009 15:00 BST (UTC+1) Reading 0–0 Report Barnsley Madjeski Stadium 19,240 R. Beeby D 44 21 April 2009 19:45 BST (UTC+1) Derby County 0–2 Report Reading Kitson 56 Long 73 Pride Park Stadium 31,345 C. Webster W 45 27 April 2009 19:45 BST (UTC+1) Norwich City 0–2 Report Reading Long 68 78 Carrow Road 25,041 C. Oliver W 46 3 May 2009 13:15 BST (UTC+1) Reading 1–2 Report Birmingham City Matejovsky 61 Fahey 19 Phillips 60 Madejski Stadium 23,879 Howard Webb L Playoffs Semi-finals 2008–09 Football League Championship#Playoffs 9 May 2009 1st Leg 17:20 BST (UTC+1) Burnley 1–0 Report Reading Alexander 84 pen. Bikey 0 90+4 Turf Moor 18,005 Martin Atkinson L 12 May 2009 2nd Leg 19:45 BST (UTC+1) Reading 0–2 0–3 Report Burnley Paterson 51 Thompson 58 Madjeski Stadium 19,909 Mike Riley L League table REA FA Cup 2008–09 FA Cup 3 January 2009 Third round 15:00 GMT Cardiff City 2–0 Report Reading McCormack 58 Ledley 83 Ninian Park 12,448 Anthony Taylor L Football League Cup 2008–09 Football League Cup 12 August 2008 First round 19:45 BST (UTC+1) Dagenham & Redbridge 1–2 Report Reading Taiwo 66 Henry 25 N Hunt 89 Victoria Road 2,360 Andy Penn W 26 August 2008 Second round 20:00 BST (UTC+1) Reading 5–1 Report Luton Town N Hunt 11 S Hunt 15 Pearce 54 Karacan 55 Henry 76 Charles 80 Madejski Stadium 7,498 Dean Whitestone W 23 September 2008 Third round 19:45 BST (UTC+1) Stoke City 2–2 Report Reading Pericard 8 Sidibe 49 Henry 45+1 pen. 75 yes 4–3 Fuller Lawrence Whelan Buxton Pericard Bikey Henry Sigurðsson Long Lita Britannia Stadium 9,141 Lee Mason D Player details match played 12 May 2009 Appearances Championship FA Cup League Cup Play-offs 1 Marcus Hahnemann USA GK 32 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 2 Graeme Murty SCO DF 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 Chris Armstrong SCO DF 40 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 4 Kalifa Cissé MLI MF 24+12 5 0 0 2 0 0+1 0 6 Brynjar Gunnarsson ISL MF 13+14 2 0 0 1 0 2 0 7 Marek Matějovský CZE MF 11+11 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 8 Leroy Lita ENG FW 6+4 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 9 Kevin Doyle IRL FW 39+2 18 0 0 0 0 1 0 10 Stephen Hunt IRL MF 41+5 6 0 0 2 1 0+1 0 11 Noel Hunt IRL FW 27+10 11 0 0 2 2 0 0 12 Dave Mooney IRL FW 0 0 0 0 0+2 0 0 0 14 Jimmy Kébé MLI MF 38+3 2 0+1 0 0 0 2 0 15 James Harper ENG MF 28+6 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 16 Ívar Ingimarsson ISL DF 26 1 0 0 2+1 0 0 0 17 Dave Kitson ENG FW 9+1 2 0 0 0 0 0+2 0 19 Liam Rosenior ENG DF 42 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 21 Jem Karacan TUR MF 15 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 22 André Bikey CMR DF 23+2 3 1 0 1 0 1 0 24 Shane Long IRL FW 11+26 9 1 0 3 0 2 0 26 Alex Pearce SCO DF 13+3 1 1 0 2+1 1 1 0 27 James Henry ENG MF 3+4 0 1 0 3 4 0 0 29 Michael Duberry ENG DF 27 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 31 Dan Harding ENG DF 3 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 32 Adam Federici AUS GK 14+1 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 33 Scott Golbourne ENG DF 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 34 Gylfi Sigurðsson ISL MF 0 0 0+1 0 0+2 0 0 0 35 Simon Church WAL FW 0 0 0+1 0 0 0 1 0 37 Jay Tabb IRL MF 6+3 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 42 Julian Kelly IRL DF 4+3 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 52 Glen Little ENG MF 5+3 0 0 0 0 0 0+1 0 |- |colspan="14"|Players who appeared for Reading no longer at the club: 17 Bobby Convey USA MF 3+3 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 31 Ibrahima Sonko SEN DF 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 |} Goal scorers PlacePositionNationNumberNameChampionshipFA CupLeague CupTotal1 FW IRE 19 Kevin Doyle 18 0 0 182 FW IRE 11 Noel Hunt 11 0 2 133 FW IRE 24Shane Long 9 0 0 94 MF IRE 10 Stephen Hunt 6 0 1 75 MF MLI 4 Kalifa Cissé 5 0 0 56 MF ENG 27 James Henry 0 0 4 47 DF SEN 31 Ibrahima Sonko 3 0 0 3DF CMR 22 André Bikey 3 0 0 3 Own goal 3 0 0 310 FW ENG 17 Dave Kitson 2 0 0 2MF MLI 14 Jimmy Kébé 2 0 0 2MF ISL 6 Brynjar Gunnarsson 2 0 0 2DF SCO 26 Alex Pearce 1 0 1 2DF TUR 21 Jem Karacan 1 0 1 215 GK AUS 32 Adam Federici 1 0 0 1DF ISL 16 Ívar Ingimarsson 1 0 0 1MF ENG 15 James Harper 1 0 0 1FW ENG 8 Leroy Lita 1 0 0 1MF CZE 7 Marek Matějovský 1 0 0 1DF SCO 3 Chris Armstrong 1 0 0 1TOTALS72 0 9 81 Disciplinary record NumberNationPositionNameChampionshipFA CupLeague CupTotal19 ENG DF Liam Rosenior 8 2 0 0 0 0 8 222 CMR DF André Bikey 4 1 1 0 1 0 6 110 IRE MF Stephen Hunt 6 0 0 0 0 0 6 03 SCO DF Chris Armstrong 6 0 0 0 0 0 6 07 CZE MF Marek Matějovský 5 0 0 0 0 0 5 011 IRE FW Noel Hunt 4 0 0 0 1 0 5 021 TUR MF Jem Karacan 4 0 0 0 0 0 4 09 IRE FW Kevin Doyle 4 0 0 0 0 0 4 06 ISL MF Brynjar Gunnarsson 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 015 ENG MF James Harper 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 04 MLI MF Kalifa Cissé 2 0 0 0 1 0 3 029 ENG DF Michael Duberry 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 024 IRE FW Shane Long 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 014 MLI MF Jimmy Kébé 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 126 SCO DF Alex Pearce 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 037 IRE MF Jay Tabb 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 016 ISL DF Ívar Ingimarsson 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 027 ENG MF James Henry 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0TOTALS6041040654 References Category:Reading F.C. seasons Reading