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What a feeling, what a glorious feeling. Another season in the Championship all but secured with a huge point against West Brom. The Mad Stad was rocking and the boys put in a performance that probably deserved all three points.
Every single player was prepared to to leave blood, sweat and tears on that pitch to get the result we so desperately needed on Monday afternoon. And that is all we ever want as fans, but it’s been missing for so long.
Even though we didn’t win, it was probably the most enjoyable 90 minutes of the season. The atmosphere, the performance from the players and the scenes at the end of the game just make all the hard days worth it. We have our football club back.
Even though it was a 0-0 draw, there were of course some key talking points that the fans picked up on after the game on Twitter...
Lewis Baker
We should be doing everything we possibly can to make sure Baker is still with us for the start of next season. He absolutely ran the show on Monday. His quality is clear to see, but he’s playing as if he’s a boyhood Reading fan. The same can be said for all of the loan players, but Baker stood out against the Baggies and was the best player on the pitch.
If it wasn’t for a worldie save from Sam Johnstone, he also would’ve had a goal to his name that his performance deserved.
Of course, we have to stick to Financial Fair Play, and no deal should be done if it could potentially harm our future. However, Baker is forming a brilliant partnership with Andy Rinomhota in midfield, and it would be great to see him in the Hoops again next season. The fans certainly agree...
Lewis Baker was class today god I hope we can keep him #readingfc
— Josh Gamble (@JoshGamble23) April 22, 2019
We have to do everything to keep Baker, he was unbelievable today #ReadingFC
— Alex (@AlexLeFondre) April 22, 2019
Right. Let’s sign those loanees. Lewis baker incredible again today #ReadingFC
— Luke Thurlow (@luke_1871) April 22, 2019
Baker again showing his class. I would sell mutiple limbs and organs to keep him at the club. #ReadingFC
— Jonathan Holdstock (@JH7123) April 22, 2019
Lewis Baker what a guy and what a player. MOTM today even though there were so many good performances. Need to sign him up. #readingfc
— Imran Escőbar (@razor5edge) April 22, 2019
I love you @lew_baker please stay #ReadingFC
— Adam Bosley (@AdamBosley1) April 22, 2019
Lewis Baker is by far the most talented midfielder we’ve had at this club in quite a few years ⚪️ #Readingfc
— Thomas (@tomjackson_RFC) April 22, 2019
The atmosphere
Probably the best Madejski Stadium atmosphere of recent times. All four stands were behind the boys from the get go, and when the stadium is bouncing like that it must give the players and extra push.
It’s the start of something special at Reading, and the fans can feel it. I can’t remember the last time our club was so united and together - and with that, comes atmospheres like Monday afternoon.
Hats off has to go to Club 1871 who have persevered through a lot of criticism, but the atmosphere in there was brilliant from minute one. The players love a good atmosphere, as they’ve constantly said recently, they need us and we need them. And they’re now giving us something worth shouting and singing about...
Quality atmosphere at the madejski today. Great game of football too. Up the ding #Readingfc
— B (@PersianPogba) April 22, 2019
0-0 but best atmosphere in the ground for a long time. Sign up every single loanee please! We are staying up! #ReadingFC
— laura (@_laurakc) April 22, 2019
Massive shoutout to everyone who was at the Madstad today, every stand contributed to an amazing atmosphere & @Club1871 keep up the great work #readingfc ⚪
— Simon Edwards (@Madstad109) April 22, 2019
The Royals are staying up! Superb atmosphere at The Madejski today. Best I’ve heard in a while #readingfc pic.twitter.com/AO8ef83o3l
— Joe Harding (@Harding5) April 22, 2019
Got to say how class the atmosphere was today in all areas of the ground. @Club1871 was unreal, so great to be part of and see it grow game by game. Really, really wish I could go to the Brum game but looks like I'll have to wait until next season to do it again. #readingfc
— Tom Mitchell (@Tom_1871) April 22, 2019
Thought the atmosphere though the ground was absolutely superb! Full credit to @Club1871 for sticking with the idea and has defiantly helped the rest of the ground. #readingfc
— Dean Bennett (@DeanBennett1993) April 22, 2019
Game 48 v West Brom.
— stacey (@royal4ever07) April 22, 2019
What a game!!! Atmosphere was fantastic from start to finish & those scenes at the final whistle - amazing ⚽️ ⚪ #readingfc #football #easterfootball #201819season… https://t.co/eGL4pB2J9a
Lord Jose Manuel Gomes
What a man. What he has done for the fans cannot be underestimated. The joy of all but securing safety on Monday allowed the fans to reflect on just how much we owe to this man.
He’s not only improved the quality on the pitch, but he’s connected the fans and players again. Before him, the atmosphere at the club was toxic at best, but now we can’t wait to get to the football every Saturday - and for that, we will be eternally grateful.
He has kept us up (virtually) and now we can look to an bright future with Jose Gomes at the helm of our club, and I for one can’t wait. And going off Twitter after the game, neither can the rest of the Reading fans...
Jose Gomes, you legend. How have you kept us up? Incredible job! #readingfc
— Ollie Readingfc (@OllieRFC_) April 22, 2019
Jose Gomes, forever my hero ❤️brought passion back to the club. Love it. #readingfc
— Bobby Gray (@Bishbashbobs) April 22, 2019
In Jose Gomes we trust, onwards and upwards. URZ #readingfc
— MarkRowe (@mark_rowe) April 22, 2019
Stam was a good manager but lacked the versatility required for the league and excitement for the fans. Gomes has everything #readingfc fans want and has sacrificed his own integrity to do it, he deserves the resources and time to enact his own plan over the next few years.
— Josh (@Shorts221) April 22, 2019
José Gomes #ReadingFC
— Jake Atkinson (@AtkinsonJake) April 22, 2019
Chances are, #ReadingFC are going to finish one or two places above relegation, yet everyone in that ground (me included) was bouncing today and seemingly in love with their club again. How funny is football. Jose Gomes take a bow.
— SKB777 (@skb777) April 22, 2019
Jose Gomes btw, what a guy he is! The atmosphere he has created and the togetherness he’s installed partnered with the fighting spirit has been 2nd to none. Give his the tools needed to do what he needs to do and let’s kick on next season. Thank you Jose ⚪️ #readingfc
— Dean Bennett (@DeanBennett1993) April 22, 2019
1st January we were dead and buried, morale at an all time low and a massive disconnect between club and fans. Let’s appreciate the job Jose Gomes has done at #readingfc and enjoy the final two games now. @ElmParkRoyals pic.twitter.com/gcjjLccGMe
— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming14) April 22, 2019
Conclusion
What a day to be a fan of our club. It is important, though, that we keep up this momentum and don’t step off the gas pedal for these final two games. Taking momentum into the new season could be vital for a positive campaign next time out.
But first, let’s enjoy this feeling. Let’s enjoy being a fan of our team once again. And let’s enjoy Jose Gomes because, well, why not?
URZ!