Published: Monday, 16th June, 2008 09:00
Murty targets tough Forest opener
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GRAEME Murty is anticipating a tough start to the new Championship season after Reading were handed a trip to Nottingham Forest on the opening day.
The Royals face the former European Cup winners at the City Ground on Saturday, August 9 in front of what should be a capacity crowd.
While Reading are still recovering from their relegation from the Premier League, Forest are on a high after winning automatic promotion from League One.
And captain Murty said: “It’s a great opening day fixture. Forest will be on a roll after their promotion last season and the City Ground will probably close to a full house, so we’re looking forward to it.”
Reading’s first home game is against Plymouth Argyle at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday, August 16.
A week later they travel to Charlton for a showdown against former boss Alan Pardew’s Addicks.
There are no midweek league fixtures in August but two in September with a home game against Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday, September 16 (8pm) and a trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday, September 30 (7.45pm).
There will be little travel involved over the Christmas period for Reading fans with a home game against Cardiff City scheduled for Boxing Day and a trip to Southampton on Sunday, December 28.
The Championship season ends on Sunday, May 3 when Birmingham City visit the Madejski Stadium.
Murty added: “We know what to expect in the Championship, we’ve been there before and succeeded at that level.
“There are some big clubs in the Championship and there are already some very interesting fixtures to look out for.
“Birmingham at home on the last day is one of them and so is Southampton away over Christmas.”
Meanwhile, Reading have been drawn away to League Two side Dagenham and Redbridge in the first round of the Carling Cup.
The tie is likely to take place on Tuesday, August 12.
DON'T miss this week's Chronicle Extra or the Reading Chronicle for a full, cut-out version of Reading's fixtures for the 2008/09 Championship season.
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