Reading a true fairytale story

Reading defeated Cardiff 3-0 last night to claim a place in the Championship play-off final.

The defeat of the Welsh side on their own turf was a superb result. Everybody including myself believed the tie would be a tight affair.

However it turned out to be far from tight, as Brian McDermott’s side produced the perfect away performance.

Reading will now face Swansea at Wembley on May 30th for the chance to play Premier League football next season.

Surprise

A few months ago the Royals were in 12th place struggling for consistency. A winning run and a lot hard work later and the Royals are now just 90 minutes away from a return to the top flight of English football.

The last few seasons have seen teams come into the play-off picture late and win promotion. The last two teams to be promoted via the Championship play-offs Burnley and Blackpool both arrived in the play-off places at late stages of the season. Reading could be the next.

Boss

Reading boss Brian McDermott deserves immense credit for the Reading success story. McDermott first joined Reading as chief scout in 2000. He went on to coach the under-19’s and reserve team before taking over as caretaker boss after Brendan Rodgers was sacked in December 2009.

After a decent start McDermott signed a 12 month rolling contract in January 2010. He guided Reading to midtable in the Championship  last season. Although the club enjoyed a slow start to the season, the Royals have finished on fire.

McDermott’s managerial style has been described as relaxed. However he seems to be able to be a really good motivator of players. His players look like they want to play for their boss.

After years in the background at the club McDermott has stepped out of the shadows and became a club hero. When he was appointed Reading were in need of steadying and 50 year-old has came in and done exactly that.

Youngsters

Brian McDermott’s experience as reserve team boss has came in handy, as his squad is quite a young one. The likes of Simon Church, Hal Robson-Kanu and Jem Karacan all have immense potential and have at times played a key role in the clubs promotion.

Experience

Reading’s players aren’t all wet behind the eyes though as they also have a few highly-experienced professionals in their squad.

The likes of Ian Harte, Andy Griffin and Zurab Khizanishvili have all been around the block and have experienced Premier League football in the past. It seems the Royals have the right blend of youth and experience to lead the club to success.

Goalscorer

Another player who is relatively young is Reading’s star striker Shane Long. The 24 year-old has found his goalscoring form this season and without his goals the Royals wouldn’t be where they are now.

His goals and performances this season has seen him linked with a move to Premier League clubs. The club who have been most heavily linked with the Irish international is Everton. If Reading don’t win promotion then he is likely to leave for a chance at the big time.

It would be a shame for the Royals if he did leave but he may yet get to stay and play Premier League football next season anyway.

Overawed

One thing that is for sure is Reading certainly won’t be overawed by the Premier League next season if they do gain promotion. In the last 12 months the Royals have won at Everton and rivals Liverpool in the FA Cup.

If they approach the Premier League the same way they did the two cup ties then they will have a great chance of surviving in the top flight next season.

Final

When the Championship season finished I was hoping that Reading and Swansea would get to the play-off final. I have championed the Welsh side all season because of the way they play football under Brendan Rodgers.

The reason I hoped that Reading got to the final was I have been impressed by Brian McDermott’s work at the club and he deserves a chance for his hard work to be rewarded.

The play-off final is likely to be far tighter than the semi-finals were but both sides have the quality to make a real fist of life in the Premier League next season if they get promoted.

Who will win the Championship play-off final?