John Swift Is Your December Player Of The Month

Our Player of the Month award continues to be a monopoly held by Reading’s two midfield maestros, as after Ovie Ejaria won it for the third time this season in November, John Swift collects his second accolade for his performances in December.

However it was our closest vote of the campaign yet, which is perhaps indicative of how well the whole team played as the Royals ended 2019 with three straight wins and four consecutive clean sheets. Swift received 35.2% of the vote, Rafael finished second with 25.8% and Charlie Adam ranked third with 23.5%. Chris Gunter (9.4%) and Lucas Joao (5.8%) round off the ballot.

Swift missed the first four games of December through injury, but his impact on his return - which coincided with the team’s three game winning streak - was superb. The midfielder came off the bench against Derby to to set up Lucas Joao’s goal, before his long-range screamer proved to be the winner against QPR on Boxing Day. He ended the year by putting Reading ahead against Preston with a smart finish that rounded off a lovely team move.

With Pele and Charlie Adam in the team, Swift has been allowed the freedom to play higher up the pitch and it’s certainly working to great effect at the moment. Long may his excellent form continue!

The Tilehurst End Player of the Month winners 2019/20

August - Ovie Ejaria (58%)

September - John Swift (59%)

October - Ovie Ejaria (70%)

November - Ovie Ejaria (41%)

December - John Swift (35%)