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A great day to finish such a strange, and mostly abysmal, season. The utter despair of the opening half of the season to now - where the club is as united as it has been in a very long time. This club has come a long way in the past few months, and Sunday was a day to celebrate that.
The result was always going to be pretty irrelevant and a 0-0 draw was probably always going to be the most likely outcome with two teams with nothing to play for coming up against each other.
Now all focus can be on a huge summer ahead for Gomes and Nigel Howe. There is so much work to do on this squad, and we will have to be creative in terms of who we bring in. However, the academy continues to offer players who can make the step up to the first team - as shown again on Sunday afternoon. Players such as Barrett, Olise and Loader are sure to be making even more of a contribution next campaign.
There were a few major talking points that got the fans talking on Twitter again after the final game of the season...
Portugal Day
A team who finished in 20th position in the Championship celebrating their manager’s homeland probably looks a bit odd from the outside - but from the inside we’ll all know its no less than Jose Gomes deserves.
The man has transformed our club and for that we will always be grateful. A day dedicated to him is the least we could do to thank him and his coaching staff for the work they’ve all done since December.
The fans certainly loved it as well, bringing their flags, scarves and shirts galore. I’m sure we’re all hoping that this feel good factor continues into pre-season and next season...
It’s Portugal day Since Jose Gomes has come too #readingfc been breath of fresh air bought the club together on and off the pitch I’ve been in @Club1871 since jan and today we have a full stand we will raise the roof and look forward too nxt season #wegotjosegomes
— mark smith (@smudgerfc) May 5, 2019
Jose Gomes shows his appreciation for the Royals fans at full time. #ReadingFC #PortugalDay pic.twitter.com/JkZPpdPpMv
— Andy Preston (@AndyPreston96) May 5, 2019
Great to see the #PortugalDay tribute from @Club1871 today. I will admit I wasn’t convinced at first about the idea of #club1871 but as the team started to respond to Gomes the fans in the south stand have made a big difference. Seeing it sold out today was brilliant. #readingfc pic.twitter.com/jkLIVsuwcu
— Jonathan Richards (@JR_1871) May 5, 2019
Overall this season will be remembered for a season of 2 halves; going from complete detachment between the club and the fans with the team in a downward spiral to an incredibly positive finish and a bright future.
— Andrew Savory (@adsavory) May 6, 2019
Obrigado, Sr. Gomes #readingfc pic.twitter.com/PTuB5o1xdE
Happy Portugal Day @ @ReadingFC ! We may not have Ronaldo but who needs him when we got Yakou Meite! ⚽️ Buzzing for the last game of the season! #ReadingFC #portugalday @Yaks75 ⚪️ pic.twitter.com/n9z8P3EWTr
— Chris Ballard (@CJ_Ballard7) May 5, 2019
O’Shea tribute
Although he’s only been at the club a year, and hasn’t played a lot of football for us in that year either, it was a fitting tribute that the club did for a player who has achieved so much in the game.
As John O’Shea came on for youngster Barrett in the last few minutes, both Reading and the visitors formed a guard of honour as the entire stadium rose to their feet to witness the last moments of a stellar career for a proper professional.
He may not have contributed much on the pitch - but listen to anything that any of the players or the manager have to say about him and you’ll realise how much he has offered off the pitch. It was a tribute that certainly pleased the fans...
Nice touch from @BCFC for jointing in for John O’Shea. #Readingfc #johnoshea
— Max Ashley (@maxashley24) May 5, 2019
After stealing a Reading fans Instagram... Harry and Meghan, it is in your royal duty to name your first born John O'Shea Sussex. #readingfc
— Chris Reinholter (@mrchrisr91) May 6, 2019
Guard of honour, for big O’Shea #ReadingFC pic.twitter.com/GlhmRoxlnB
— Ben_Gexrge (@BenGeorge_) May 5, 2019
End of a Career. John O'Shea comes on for the final few minutes for Reading v Birmingham #ReadingFC #MUFC #SunderlandAFC pic.twitter.com/ciFkqvP52L
— Chris Taylor (@ChrisTaylor1974) May 5, 2019
Oh lord, John O’Shea!! #legendofthegame #readingfc pic.twitter.com/S524Hct8zf
— Luke Massey (@Luke_Massey) May 5, 2019
Next season
Excitement is already building for next season, just hours after the end of this one - that’s just how good the feeling is around our club at the moment.
It’s going to be a long summer, with a lot of work to do - but the fans now have trust in the club that has been non-existent for so long. Whatever business gets done in the summer, it will be done for the good of the club and we have to trust in that.
There will be a lot of outgoings - but that needs to be done in order to get players into the club. But, the fans are excited and rightly so. We have a manager who loves the club and one that is reigniting the fire back into our club. What’s there not to be excited about?
Actually buzzing for next season now #readingfc
— Hendo (@JoeHenderson__) May 5, 2019
It’s been a season of struggle but a definite upturn since the return of Mr Howe & of course the arrival of Jose. Let’s try & keep the loan players if poss & push on next season! #readingfc ⚪️ ⚽️
— Stevie p (@stevie_p1871) May 5, 2019
So that's it, sad to see the end of a season which could have ended so differently. The whole feel around the club is night + day from where it was before Gomes arrived. Very excited for next season already, we've definitely got our club back! ⚽ #readingfc @Club1871 @ReadingFC
— Tom Maynard (@ttmaynard) May 5, 2019
Very excited about next season with the Loader’s, Rinomhota’s, Olise’s. Young and hungry talent who can drive this club forward into a new era. We’ve got our club back and pre-season cannot come soon enough. Enjoy your summer @ReadingFC We will go again soon. #ReadingFC
— Jumpers For Goalposts (@_Wallsy_) May 5, 2019
Bring on the new season 6 months ago couldn't wait for it to end but under Gomes can't wait for next season hes revitalised the whole club let's hope he gets backed this summer #readingfc
— Jamie Cresswell (@Jamiecresswell) May 5, 2019
Jose Gomes has changed this club around the last 4 months. Already excited for next season @ReadingFC @Club1871 #readingfc pic.twitter.com/Au6M8GfV1e
— Jack Crowden (@JackCrowden) May 5, 2019
Crazy how much can change in the space of a few months. The atmosphere and feeling was toxic at #readingfc at the beginning of the season. Jose Gomes is a hero. I’m looking forward to next season ⚪️
— Hann (@hannlouisexox) May 5, 2019
Another footy season over! At one stage I thought we were done! Fantastic turn around by everyone at the club! Can’t wait to go again next season And join @Club1871 again! I feel we have our club back #readingfc
— richard (@farrow13) May 5, 2019
Conclusion
Another season done and dusted then, an unforgettable one at that for so many reasons. Personally, like most Reading fans, I am already looking forward to next season - it could be a special one.
We may not be up there challenging with the big teams at the top end, but we’re sure to have our Reading back - and that’s what we’ve been missing for 18 months now.
URZZZ