In celebration of Reading’s last title victory, and promotion to the ‘promised land’ The Reading Chronicle spoke with 10 figures from the side to find out one thing: How did it happen?

 

Brynjar Gunnarsson

Midfielder

2005-2013

163 appearances

 

“We had to work for each other and make no excuses. He simplified some things that we made complicated earlier. You can have your opinion on whether it was good football, but it was what suited us at the time. His work ethic was similar to Coppell and the key players under Brian were young players under Coppell who could see what was expected.

We got the same harmony where everyone goes out to fight for each other. Roberts came into the squad and we good for us. We had Gorkkss come into it, he was a character that really suited Reading and he would’ve suited the 2006 team too.  There were experienced players who knew what it took to get results.

If you get good people together you can work to a common goal.

I started playing that season but got injured early on and carried it for six months. When you miss that long out and the team win you don’t play much. Around that time Brian had a discussion about doing coaching badges and helping young players around the squads so I started to do that with the U23s. That was a big part of why I stayed the following season. I was very appreciative of it because it was good that Brian and Gibbo trusted me in the role, being a player and never playing.

You don’t expect at 30 to stay for eight years.  Reading was really good. It was my second home, apart from Iceland. Two of my girls grew up and went o school around Reading. I went to Reading three or four years ago and it felt like going home.”