Reading Revolution

So far this summer, the transfer window has remained generally dormant. Besides the re-enactment of the French Revolution being led by Paris Saint-Germain and their newly formed/forming squad of superstars, next to nothing has really made the back page of any tabloid or the scrolling yellow bar on Sky Sports News worthy of  any sincere attention in terms of transfer headlines. As always, the rumours have been rife and optimistic to say the least: 'Carroll to AC Milan!' or of course the now long-lived 'Sneijder to sign for Manchester United' story which always stirs up a comically naive response of excitement from the raft of deluded United fans.

Saviour Sir: Sir John Madejski, the man
responsible for Reading's prestige

 As much fun as the rumours may be, heres to hoping that the window itself get's into the full swing of things before too long. However, there is one team that has seemingly gone against the torrent of sealed wallets at most clubs thus far, and that team is Reading F.C. Since John Madejski became chairman of the Royals in 1990, the club has gone from strength to strength in terms of financial stability, with Madejski's influence having plucked the Berkshire club from the jaws of the receivers, and helped it to become an well-established club towards to upper realms of English Football. With Steve Coppell as manager, Reading entered the Premier League for the first time in their 135-year history in 2005, winding-up eighth at the end of an impressive campaign; this earn't the club many plaudits- including yours truly. Ultimately, Reading fell victim to the now common 'Second Season Syndrome', and dropped back down into the Championship, where they remained until their victorious 2011/12 season, setting themselves up for another shot at the big time this coming August.

Re-Build: Gaffer Brian McDermott has
re-built Reading's
Premier League aspirations

 For me, it's not the well-respected manager (Brian McDermott) or the the beautifully orchestrated style of football that Reading play that sounds them out as probable survivors come the end of this coming season. Of course they're huge contributing factors, let's not be naive and overlook them, but what Reading have over other clubs so far this summer is a scale of player-investment that should impress/worry any football fan/player/manager of the other 19 Premier League teams preparing for their own season ahead. McDermott has for example seen his defensive ranks bolstered tremendously via the arrival of the experienced Nicky Shorey, who returns for his second spell having played for West Brom and Nottingham Forest. In comparison to Shorey's experience is the signing of Adrian Mariappa, a promising young centre-back who lets not forget, was subject to serious interest from the likes of Everton and Arsenal as recently as January. Mariappa's youthful promise and expectation can be a likened to that of Chris Gunter; Gunter was Nottingham Forest's single most reliable player last year in the Championship, making his desirable Right-Back position his own in a team and league clearly beneath his own exceptional talents. Gunter's strength and  excellent crossing ability from the right has the potential to form nothing short of a dream-partnership with Reading's new target man...

On The Ball: Like Pogrebnyak, Reading were on the ball in
securing the talented strikers' services for this coming season

Pavel Pogrebnyak. The man from Russia who set the Premier League alight during his loan-spell at Fulham shortly after the festive period concluded last season. 'Pog' scored 6 goals from 12 starts during his shortly lived time at Craven Cottage, and demonstrated his more-than capable ability to adapt and succeed in the Premier League in years to come. This clearly alarmed Reading more so than others, not only because of the attacking threat he clearly poses, but the 'free transfer' label the Russian had attached to him since his time at Fulham expired. Judging by last seasons evidence, not only statistically but to the naked watchful eye, Pogrebnyak should have been a man being begged for by every club. Not doing so has seen Reading make quite possibly one of the finest transfers in years.
 Gareth McCleary and Danny Guthrie complete Reading's expenditure so far this summer, or more to the point, less of it. Yes, that's right, these two players have also been snapped up by Reading for zilch pounds. McCleary's pace and technical qualities are lethal, not only because of his own ability but with the right/left wing partnership likely to be held by McCleary (right wing) and current squad captain Jobi McAnuff (left wing) in the Royals starting XI. With the previously well-showcased attacking talents of Danny Guthrie in the centre of midfield, Reading look on paper to have all the bases covered in each third of the pitch.
Many will question whether or not McDermott has made enough signings who have proven themselves at the very top level, not to mention the compatibility of bringing so many young players into an already well-oiled team. Reading played the best football out of anyone last year, I liked to think of them as a functioning Arsenal, all-be-it at Championship level. However, like Arsenal, will Reading's 'carpet football' be destroyed by the influx of players and higher level of competitors? I hope not, I really do.
Reading's promising hopes for the coming season are all down to a matter of 'if'. IF McDermott can seamlessly place without disruption, these high-profile new signings into his already successful 'team'. IF he can carry on playing the beautiful game the way his team has previously known best. And IF an ultimate lack of Premier League experience proves to be meaningless come the conclusion of a gruelling season, amongst the hunger and shear promise of a team largely made up of youthful stars.