Newsbites - 9th December 2011
Reading's match at the Madejski against West Ham is the first sellout since the Premiership days, let's hope for a performance to match the attendance...!
Another big milestone is up - Brian McDermott's 100th game in charge of the Royals (Reading OS). There have been many highlights - the game that got him the job at Liverpool, the play-off semi-final away at Cardiff, the amazing unbeaten run... what's your highlight? Leave us a comment :)
McDermott expressed anger last week after the referee disallowed a goal from Simon Church for offside at Blackpool. The referee in question, Mark Brown, phoned the club the next day to apologise for the wrong decision - something Brian greatly appreciated (Reading OS).
The visit of West Ham sees ex-assistant Wally Downes return to the club - Michail Antonio for one is looking forward to being reunited with the man who helped launch his Reading career (Reading Chronicle).
Michael Hector, on loan at Barnet, helped his side reach the South Final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy - he's confident they'll be making the trip to Wembley in the New Year (London24), despite facing Swindon next - a side who beat them 4-0 earlier in the season.
Another player on loan, Marcus Williams, looks set to join Sheffield United permanently after a successful loan period (The Star).
And Alex McCarthy, currently loaned out to Leeds United, could stay beyond this weekend if Simon Grayson can reach an agreement with the Royals' management - he has nothing but praise for the England U21 keeper (Yorkshire Evening Post), who has led the Lilywhites to 4 wins in 5.