So here we are almost ten months after the first game against Nottingham Forest, 1 manager down, a relegation scrap, which turned into a play off charge before eventually ending with mid table mediocrity – The final game of the 2009/10 season, a home game with Preston. Both sides have nothing to play for, and are already looking towards next season, the first full season for new managers. Hopefully they can produce a classic to send the fans into their summer holidays with a smile, and hopefully for us it will be a home win. A full match preview is here…
Vital Quotes:
Royals manager Brian McDermott –
‘The fact that we didn`t perform at all at Watford will be motivation in itself for the players. But there is no point just talking about it, we have to go out and do it.’
Player of the year, in waiting, Gylfi Sigurdsson –
‘I’m still looking to get 20 goals for Reading this season and hopefully I can do that against Preston on Sunday. It`s been a great year for me personally, I never expected to play this much, but I`ve worked hard in training every day and I`ve really enjoyed it.’
Striker Shane Long –
‘There`s no pressure on us after the Peterborough game! Hopefully it`s one of those days when it clicks into place and if it isn`t then we have to dig deep, hold on in there and get a result we know we`re capable of.’
Reading Team News:
The Royals have a doubt over on loan Zurab Kizhanishvili who is struggling with a knee injury, so Alex Pearce stands by. Andy Griffin and Ryan Bertrand will play their last games of their loan spells but James Henry is likely to miss out with a hamstring injury.
Player to watch: Gylfi Sigurdsson
Set to be crowned player of the year before the game, he will be looking to take his goalscoring tally for the season upto 20, and beyond during the game.
Preston Team News:
Preston have no new injury concerns but one of their key players, Ross Wallace, is suspended after picking up another yellow in the Leicester game last weekend.
Player to watch: Jon Parkin
‘The Beast’ is always a handful for any defender and will be keen to end his season on a high.
Match Facts & Stats
Tuesday 29th September 2009, Preston 1-2 Royals.
Match Prediction:
This game will either be one of two things, a dull end of season game, or an absolute classic as two sides with nothing to play for give their all in an attacking end of season encounter. I’ll go for the first one, 0-0!
Next Fixtures:
Pre season games – TBC
