Reading's Roadblock

Reading utility man, Brynjar Gunnarsson, believes there to be no worries for Reading despite losing three successive games.

"It`s another defeat for us, but two of them have come against Arsenal and Manchester United.

"The other was at Middlesbrough which is never an easy place to go so we`re not too disappointed. We can take bits from the Arsenal game and others and be very pleased.

"There are certainly no worries after this run. We had a similar spell at the beginning of the season when we played all the top teams.

"We came back from that and we can definitely do the same again. We are still in a very good position."

And let`s face it, the Iceman is right! Doom and gloom mongers who believe Reading`s season will take a downward spiral from here on out are forgetting one thing…

WE AREN`T GETTING RELEGATED! And its only March; those same Nostradamus`s would have had you believe that now we would be enmeshed in a relegation battle facing an uphill struggle to secure Premiership status for a second consecutive season - and I`m pretty sure these are the same people who said Kevin Doyle would be sold in January and Sidwell would have been cashed in for a quick buck.

But I think the statement in capitals is the most important here, with our main goal for the season already achieved what is there left to do?

Most talk is of Europe, "We`re all going on a European tour" often echoes around the Mad Stad, whilst fans from everywhere commend us on our ethics, performances and form and often comment on our deservedness of a European place next year.

But Steve Coppell still insists such a notion is not even worth entertaining, and for the most part his team agree.

But surely they`re lying?

Its`s got to be one of the most exciting places to be in that dressing room, imagine it: the new boys in the league tipped for one of the shortest spells in Premiership history and proving all the doubters wrong, playing great football against England`s elite and establishing themselves amongst those teams.

Most of the Reading team insist they don`t even pay attention to the league standings but when you are being hyped for Europe it`s got to be tempting to have a little look and wonder: how many more games until we have secured ourselves a European spot?

These last three games have been a diversion, merely road-works on our 06/07 road trip but they by no means leave us at dead-end. With only a home tie left of Liverpool left to face of the big four in- we`ve got to fancy our chances of doing one of the English giants of football. And with the fixture list left until May, considering our season form every game is winnable especially considering the can-do attitude that Reading are becoming famous for .

But for now let`s just sit back and enjoy the ride, Steve Coppell wouldn`t approve of all this speculation and even if the worst happens we`re going to be playing Premiership football next year! Still theres no harm in dreaming…

"We`re all going on a European tour, a European tour, a European tour!"

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.