READING FC manager Jose Gomes has explained the 0-0 draw with Birmingham City was a football party filled with emotion at the Madejski Stadium on Sunday, writes Rob Stevens.
had already cemented their place in the Championship for next season after a resurgence under
Gomes, plus five new signings, saw them pull off another great escape.
It was officially Portugal Day on Sunday as Royals supporters donned Portuguese flags and shirts to show their appreciation to Gomes and his coaching staff.
Gomes told the Chronicle: "It was a really emotional moment for me when I received the news and I wasn't expecting to see so many Portuguese flags in the stands.
"I haven't won anything with Reading but, considering the situation the club was in when I arrived and how the situation is now, it's a great thing. This great achievement is the result of teamwork from everybody.
"We've won a big number of points in our stadium and got those with the help of our fans, so it's their achievement as well.
"It was a big responsibility that they put on my shoulders [with Portugal Day] but, the level of emotion and intention from the fans, my players answered with good football.
"We couldn't fill big hope when I arrived but days like Sunday were a fantastic football moment, nice football played and finishing situations that we could score from.
"It was a football party with more people and noise in the stadium. The fans started believing and that helped a lot."
He continued: "For the way that we controlled the game with the ball and the situations we created, the players and the fans deserved a bit more than just the one point.
"It was a good football game with two different styles of play. It was a nice football party with a lot of things happening in the match.
"Three young players started the game and Teddy Howe played for the first time in the senior team.
"We have good, young and talented players and must help them to grow. We know that they're not completely ready, they need to go on improving, but they did very well.
"Some decisions should be better but it's part of the way that they grow like footballers and we must be patient with them.
"John O'Shea also finished his career with the last seven or eight minutes on the football pitch like a professional.
"A lot of things happened and there were emotions on Sunday, but my players did very well and deserved to get two points more."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here