Sonko backs Reading FC for promotion

Anthony Smith • Published 5 Jan 2012 17:30 0 Comments

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FORMER Royals favourite Ibrahima Sonko would love to see his old club return to the Premier League - and is backing them to go close again this season.

The Ipswich Town defender was a key component in Royals' back four when they won the Championship title under Steve Coppell in 2005/06 with a record 106 points.

A free transfer from Brentford, he played 127 league games for Reading during four successful years, a spell he fondly remembers as the highlight of his career.

Sadly, a serious knee injury suffered in a 3-1 Premier League win over Sheffield United back in 2007 blocked his progress and he was eventually sold to Stoke City for £2.25 million the following year.

The 30-year-old is now plying his trade with Tractor Boys following loan spells with Hull City and Portsmouth and received a warm reception on his return to Madejski Stadium last weekend in a 1-0 defeat by Brian McDermott's men.

"I had a great time at Reading and the reception I got was nice," said Sonko.

"We still love each other and it's nice to come back home. The club has changed a lot since I was here but ever year Reading are in there challenging.

"They do the right things, play the right way and know this division. They proved it again last year when they put a great run together and they're doing it again. The only thing I can say is good luck to them because it would be nice to see them back up in the Premier League.

"It's a long season with a lot of games left to play, but they know how to do it because they've done it so many times before. I'm sure we will find them near the play-offs at the end of the season."

Alongside Ivar Ingimarsson - now also of Ipswich - Sonko was part of the side that came within a whisker of qualifying for Europe during the club's first ever season in the top flight in 2006/07.

During those glory years, several stars of the current squad were emerging. Among them was Alex Pearce, who has scored twice against Ipswich within barely a month including the winner on New Year's Eve.

"I thought a draw was a fair result but Alex Pearce did well against us again and took the points away from us," admitted Sonko, who had an unsuccessful trial back at Reading last summer before his move to Portman Road.

"He was one of the young lads who used to train with us at Reading and it's nice to see them growing up and keeping others out of the team. But when players like Alex and Jem Karacan were young you could see their potential and that one day they would get in the side.

"When people like me left they came in and did a fantastic job. Reading play the same way from the youth team through to the first team and they do it so well."

And he added: "Jem was impressive in those days and I always said Simon Church would make it. But I also knew that one day Alex Pearce would keep me out of the team.

"I wish them all well and hope they stay at Reading for as long as they can because the way they will learn the game will be perfect for them. Hopefully they can do it (gain promotion) the same way we did."

This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 05 Jan 12

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