Looking back on Reading’s crazy 2021!
IT has been a good Christmas for Reading fans – undefeated and no goals conceded.
OK, there hasn’t been a game for three weeks, but everyone has been grateful for time with loved ones unspoilt by mood swings caused by something as trivial as football.
In 20 years time, when we are about to welcome 2042, how will we look back on 2021? Two things will jump out the club history book.
Playing games behind closed doors will hopefully be a one-off episode, though by the time you read this the Government may have already made it a twice-off episode.
Week after week games without fans present were broadcast to bemused viewers and listeners.
In 2042 we will be trying to describe what it was like – sterile, sad, at times ghostly.
Getting docked six points for over-spending would have been unthinkable under the meticulous stewardship of Sir John Madejski.
Now, though, with spending crazy, super-wealthy, shopaholics from China in charge there’s a more relaxed approach to the rules.
“If in doubt splash the cash,” seems to be the owners’ motto. They have never uttered a single word publicly, so we can’t be sure of anything, but their continued support is essential to the future of the club.
Things that seem important now will be entirely forgotten in 20 years time.
The extensive injury list, the run of games when the team conceded late goals, Lucas Joao’s erratic form in the opposition penalty box, George Puscas’ complete inability to strike, and all the other ‘talking points’ will long be forgotten. Covid and money is what we will remember.
That is a shame, because we go to football to forget about such matters.
Ideally John Swift’s beautiful goal against Barnsley in October or Tom Holmes’ bicycle kick winner against Hull would be what springs to mind about 2021.
Some fans will say it has been a hardluck story, with injuries, decisions and big moments all going against Reading.
Nobody remembers luck though. Indeed current sportsmen and women don’t acknowledge it even exists at all.
The club is too far off the pace to reach the play-offs this season, ending the year on the brink of the relegation zone, but once they have their big players back they should not be troubled with League 1 football, for now.