Howard predicts bright future for Royals ahead of Posh visit

Anthony Smith • Published 16 Apr 2010 09:00 0 Comments

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IF READING'S form in the first half of the season had mirrored that of the second they would be firmly wedged in the top six and virtually assured of another crack at the Championship play-offs.

Royals have been the division's stand-out team since December, boasting a record worthy of promotion-winners along with their best FA Cup run for 83 years.

So you couldn't blame Brian McDermott's players for looking back on those barren months before Christmas and wonder where they might be if all those points hadn't been frittered away.

And two of the biggest 'what iffs' came against Reading's next two opponents, Peterborogh United and Scunthorpe United.

Royals were 2-0 up at half-time at London Road in September with goals from Gylfi Sigurdsson and Simon Church putting them on course for what seemed a straightforward victory.

But they couldn't get the job done and Posh stormed back to win 3-2 with George Boyd hitting a last-gasp sickener.

It was a similar tale of woe in December when Royals led Scunny at home through a Grzegorz Rasiak goal.

Yet, after a string of chances went begging, Gary Hooper snatched a late equaliser and two more points went down the drain.

It proved to be the final straw for the Royals board who axed Brendan Rodgers a few days later and promoted Brian McDermott from chief scout.

Now, with Reading's chances of a top-six finish looking extremely slender, midfielder Brian Howard reflects on previous disappointments.

"This second half of the season has been about revenge for us because we didn't do ourselves justice against a lot of teams," explained the current stand-in captain.

"Peterborough were one of those and I know that if we are 2-0 up against them on Saturday we won't lose the game. But back then we had that element in our game so we definitely owe them one.

"Yes, those three extra points would have been handy now but I suppose every club in the Championship could be saying that.

"For me there are no 'ifs, buts or maybes.' We've had a great second half of the season and let's finish it well.

"We've come such a long way. When Brian took over we were in the bottom three so to be safe now has been brilliant.

"The play-offs have been mentioned and it would have been a great achievement. But I think it's gone and we've got to concentrate on winning the last four games, finish on a high then take that through to next season."

Tuesday's narrow 2-1 defeat by Newcastle was the first league game Reading have lost at home under McDermott. But the timing means the play-offs look out of reach.

"Since Brian took over as manager we have that never-say-die attitude," explained Howard. "I think it's going to do this club a world of good in the long run.

"We were unlucky on the night. I thought we outplayed Newcastle but that's why they're going to win the league, because they can come to places like ours and win.

"All credit to them but we've got to learn from that and maybe next season it will be us going up."

And he added: "Newcastle and West Brom, who are two strong teams, have been promoted and it looks like the three teams coming down from the Premier League aren't as strong as those going up.

"So if we can finish well we can look forward to next season and be positive.

"Brian will have the summer to shift players around, maybe get rid of a couple who aren't playing and obviously add a couple of his own signings.

"It will be interesting but like I say there are players here fighting for their futures who want to be in Brian's plans."

The same could be said of Peterborough's players with Gary Johnson, a winner at the Mad Stad with Bristol City last season, mulling over his squad following relegation back to League One.

"It's going to be a tough game," warned Howard. "They have a new manager and people are playing for their futures.

"They've been relegated so some will be looking for moves and others will want to stay.

"They're a wounded dog but if we put in the same effort as Tuesday and show more quality in the final third we should get three points."

Reading are expecting to have Brynjar Gunnarsson and Zurab Khizanishvili available for the match.

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