Vital Reading looks at the prestigious squad back in 05/06 and what they are up to these days!
It seems such a long time ago since Reading thumped the Championship back in the 2005/06 season, winning with a record 106 points, which is yet to be beaten to this day. Vital Reading looks at the prestigious squad back in 05/06 and what they are up to these days!
You can read part one here.
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James Harper – Currently playing at Doncaster – The former Arsenal trainee was a great workaholic in the Royals midfield, and many won`t forget his goal against Liverpool in 2007. These days, Harper is currently playing his football with Doncaster Rovers, but is reported surplus to requirements under new manager Paul Dickov and has been linked with a move to Wycombe.
Ivar Ingimarsson – Retired – Reading`s Mr Reliable was a superb servant to the club in his eight-season tenure with the club, being released in 2011 after injury problems starting becoming a regular occurrence. He joined Ipswich town for a short spell in the 2011/12 season, a mix of injuries and drop in form led to a release in Ivar`s contract in January 2012 and his eventual retirement from football.
Bobby Convey – Currently playing at Toronto FC – Reading were blessed with two very-gifted left-sided wingers in the 05/06 campaign, the other being Stephen Hunt. The former American international`s contract was mutually terminated in 2009, allowing him to return to America to play his football. Convey, now a converted left-back, is currently with Toronto, following spells with San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City.
Kevin Doyle – Currently playing at Wolves – One of the greatest strikers in the clubs history, the Republic of Ireland international scored 66 in 164 appearances for the Royals. Doyle left the Madejski Stadium to return to the Premier League with Wolves, but has since suffered two consecutive relegations and is now a League One player. He has been linked with a move to join Brian McDermott at Leeds.
Graham Stack – Currently playing at Barnet – The designated back-up keeper made just one league appearance in the 05/06 campaign, but his contribution cannot go unmentioned. In his search for regular football in the latter stages of his career, the former Arsenal keeper joined Hibernian and is currently with recently-relegated Barnet. In his free time, he is a distributor of Herbalife nutrition products.
Chris Makin – Retired – The defender only spent one season at the Madejski Stadium, but still played a fair share of the games under Steve Coppell. He left for Southampton the following season, before retiring due to a hip problem. Despite this, Makin returned to professional football in 2010 with Radcliffe Borough in the seventh tier of English football. He is now currently working for a TV company in Qatar.
Shane Long – Currently playing for West Brom – Another one of the strong Irish contingent, a superb striker too who I would have loved to kept here beyond the 2010/11 season. It was Shane`s first season as a Reading player in 05/06 after signing from Cork City, but still managed to score three goals in 11 games. The forward is still going strong in the Premier League and has already become a fans favourite at West Brom.
Simon Cox – Currently at Nottingham Forest – One of those players that ‘got away`. The Republic of Ireland international had great potential, but Reading did not see enough of it in him. He joined rivals Swindon in 2007, scoring 47 goals in 88 games and showcasing his hidden talents. West Brom signed Cox in 2010, but after struggling to gain first team opportunities, joined Championship side Nottingham Forest last year.
Adam Federici – Currently playing at Reading – The only member of the 2005/06 squad that is still a Reading player today. In some ways, Federici wasn`t really a part of that squad, especially considering he failed to make an appearance and was away on loan for the majority of it. He has since established himself as a first team goalkeeper with the Royals.
Scott Goldbourne – Currently playing at Barnsley – The 25-year old only made one appearance during the 05/06 campaign, but considering he was only 18 years of age, it was a notable achievement. After various loan spells away from the club, he joined Exeter City, excelling on the south coast. Last year, Barnsley signed the left-back for an undisclosed fee and has featured regularly in the first team plans.
