Reading 4-1 Doncaster Rovers

Finally football returns to the Madstad, following two weeks of speculation conspiracy theories etc regarding the ownership or future ownership issues surrounding the delayed takeover.

A reasonable crowd of 17,000 + in the circumstances is a little more than I had anticipated, the travelling Doncaster fans were never going to be in the thousands, as we would not take thousands to an away game at the Keepmoat Stadium.

The match build up on the radio at least realised a previous error in predicting a rout at Barnsley, it was more cautious optimism.

The game began with Reading playing good approach work left right and centre, and deservedly took an early lead  through a long range effort from Danny Gutherie and his strange hair style, not sure if it is for luck part of a bet or some other obscure fashion reason.

The response from Paul Dickov was swift, quick to realise that Reading were being totally unchallenged and made a tactical substitution to bring on another striker on the 23rd minute.

This changed and within 8 minutes after only parrying a strike Federici was to be beaten in the Reading goal.

Alfie restored the lead after an audacious flick to send the ball trickling across the goal line to ensure the Royals had a  half time lead.

The second half showed Donnie were looking very much to recover parity, but the game was to take a bizarre twist. Their central defender was involved in a heavy collision with the goal post, presumably after a coming together with Sean Morrison, who checked to make sure the defender was ok.

Clearly Rob Jones was injured as the stretcher team and medical team rushed to his aid as he was still kneeling in the back of the goal, still not moving. Bizarrely he received some treatment and was walked off the pitch into the exit of the South Stand. He was supporting his own arm with his other hand as he left the field of play, why he went that way is a mystery. Normally an injured player goes down the tunnel, unless it was the shortest route for access to an ambulance. Maybe a lesson learnt from the Petr Cech incident for Chelsea.

As Donnie had used all three subs they went down to 10 men, for which they were to remain at throughout the rest of the match.

McCleary struck home to make it a third for Reading, and as a contest the game was over.

At 3-1 the game entered added time, 7 minutes for the prolonged injury to Rob Jones

Pavel Pogrebnyak worked tirelessly throughout the game and capped a fine performance in the final minute of the seven with a cracking individual goal. Clearly the "Bigf*ckingrussian" has found both the desire and appetite for the game. 

Despite his banter with the Reading fans, our Aussie goal keeper may have picked up a suspected hamstring injury.

Good all round performance, thoughts of the takeover were not so imperative as they were for the fans before the game kicked off. Rising to sixth in the table is not bad for a team that clearly has only it patches of good form, they now need to do it consistently over a match.

Hope the injury to Rob Jones is not too serious, and wish him a speedy recovery

Royston Drenthe

Could the Royals be achieving their second signing, if Royston's Instagram account is to be believed, he has signed a deal, though there has been no official comment from the club itself.

The local press have been saying since the beginning of the week he is about to sign, then there was a minor hitch, but here we are Thursday morning, with no official announcement.

The former Everton and Real Madrid player, is a left winger who also can fill in left back, looking at You Tube he has a bit of a bad boy image, as shown on one clip driving a Ferrari at speed around the streets.

To be honest, it is about time Readingfc got some characters for the fans to latch onto, the football we have seen over the last few years as been a bit sterile and safe. Yes it has had exciting moments but generally the football has been dire over the last eighteen months, possession being a naughty word.

So have we signed Royston, or did he just break in the Madstad, donned a Reading Fc shirt and posed in the stadium to force the deal through.

Our return to the Championship has been welcomed by most fans, it is a safe place where we have proved in the past we can compete, so it may be a bit premature to welcome "Roy of the Royals" but from where I sit, he will bring much needed spark and someone who the fans will take to.

Seeing the fixture list has come out, it is too early to get excited about any games yet, but that will all change come kick off when the season begins at home to Ipswich Town on 3rd August 2013, where Jay Tabb will be welcomed back to the Madstad

HRK = Top 4

Hal Robson Kanu is saying he wants to go to a top four side, well glad to see relegation has not cost the players their sense of humour.

HRK is proven at the top level and internationally, but whilst that is so, it is said with tongue in cheek.

Having watched him come on as sub, he has an unusual style when taking defenders on, almost a bit of a stumbly dribble as if he has little control over the ball. It is effective as a sub, but on the rare occasions he has started, his effectiveness tails off as the game progresses.

No one can knock ambition, we all have dreams, but as much as I may have wanted to play for the Royals or Biscuitmen as they were called when I was a kid, I didn't have the skill to achieve it.

His chances of playing for a top four side, in my honest opinion is a best pie in the sky, he has not even been a full time regular for the Royals being used mainly as a sub.

To be fair though he has nailed his colours to the mast, the ball is in his court, do a Steve Sidwell or Frankie Lampard and make it happen and prove your worth.

But if he stays at Reading he needs to be playing at Reading, not dreaming of what could have been but getting out there and proving his true value, one way would be to make himself the first person on the team sheet, but not going down the same path as Alex Pearce.

Urzz

First signing; Wayne Bridge

Nigel Adkins makes his first signing, Wayne Bridge. Reportedly on a year deal to fill in at left back.

So barely into the first month of the summer break, the Royals are starting to build for next season, like all new players that ply their trade with the Royals, we say welcome and good to have you on board.

There are a lot of positives in this, he has a wealth of experience, knows this league after his loan spell with Brighton and Hove Albion last season. 

He was reportedly very favoured by Harry Redknapp at Queens Park Rangers, so we will see who won or lost out by his signing for Readingfc.

So the Reading way is not dead, business is done before declaring interest in public, low outlay, but before sounding a little cynical Wayne will help promote the clubs intentions to get back on track with their long term ambitions.

When Wayne and the Royals take to the pitch I will be there in the Lower West, with the wife and our two season tickets.

Urzz