Reading FC

Having waited 135 years, an 8th place finish in the 2006/07 season was the fairytale start to Reading's first Premier League campaign. After romping to the Championship title in 2005/06, The Royals exceeded all expectations, suprising many established Premiership sides during their first season in the top-flight.

It marks a remarkable turnaround in fortunes for the Berkshire side who were struggling in the lower reaches of the football pyramid when the Premier League was first formed in 1992. Much of Reading's recent success can be attributed to their Chairman John Madjeski, whose investment in the development and regeneration (including the 24,225 capacity Madjeski Stadium) of the club has paved the way for current manager Steve Coppell to achieve the Premiership dream.

Prior to 2005/06, Reading have flirted with promotion to the Premier League having finished second in what is now the Championship in the 1994/95 season but were denied promotion as in that year the Premier League was reduced from 22 to 20 members.

Coppell must work hard to keep his current squad together with Nicky Shorey and Leroy Lita attracting interest from other Premiership sides, as well as looking to make some new additions to the squad if Reading are to have similiar success in the future and avoid a relegation battle.