'We've got Meite, Yakou Meite, I just don't think you understand...'

A chant heard bellowing from all four corners of the SCL Stadium for six years, the Ivorian has become one of the most popular players of the post-Premier League era for his never-say-die attitude and knack for scoring goals.

Popping up with a poachers finish at the MKM Stadium on Saturday, the equaliser in a dramatic 2-1 win over Hull City, the 26-year-old marked his 150th Reading appearance with his 41st Championship goal.

This makes him the club's record Championship scorer, overtaking strike partner Shane Long to take the title outright.

Lets take a short hop down memory lane at the top five moments of Meite's time in Berkshire.

First goal

Arriving as a 20-year-old in the summer of 2016, the raw and powerful winger made his debut in a 2-0 win over Plymouth Argyle in the EFL Cup.

He was in and out of the team, with Jaap Stam surpassing all expectations and leading the club into an unexpected promotion push, but it took him just 10 league appearances to notch his first goal.

From going a goal up at Pride Park against Derby County, the Royals found themselves 3-1 down and out.

Coming on for the final 15 minutes, Liam Kelly whipped in a corner and Meite, unmarked, powered a header past Scott Carson.

His one and only first team goal in his debut campaign, he would have to wait over a year later for his next trike after being sent on loan to Sochaux.

Wigan 2018/19

Coming back into the fold under Paul Clement, 2018/19 was a poor season for the club, but is the year which made Meite.

Involved from the start, he scored six goals under the current Everton coach, who lost his job in December.

In comes the unknown Jose Gomes who, along with his raft of Premier League loanees, brings a togetherness back to RG2 and keep the Royals in the division.

Two matches stick out from the run-in, one of which is Wigan Athletic in March.

Twice falling behind to the Latics, and twice fighting level, in the 98th minute Meite stooped low to direct a header into the back of the net and snatch all three points.

The SCL Stadium erupted, and the ensuing scenes had not been seen for some time as the team continued to drag themselves away from danger.

Winning twice more that season, with Meite scoring in both wins, Gomes was serenaded and had the final day against Birmingham City dedicated as ‘Portugal Day’ with almost 20,000 in attendance.

Luton four

After hitting 12 goals in 2018/19, he went one better in 2019/20 with 13.

A strange time for the world, with the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, Meite’s incredible four-goal haul was sadly watched by nobody in the stadium.

Project Restart was a mixed bag for Reading, but Mark Bowen’s trip to Kenilworth Road was memorable as the Royals hit Luton Town for five.

The fan favourite hit a third of his season’s tally in Bedfordshire, his first half hattrick could have been even better were it not for a clearance off the line.

George Puscas added a fifth for the Royals, but the season drifted out to a 14th place finish.

Huddersfield comeback strike

After hitting double figures for a third season on the spin in 2020/21, a long-term injury in the summer of 2021 rendered the favourite out of action for almost all of 2021/22.

13 appearances and no goals, the forward was desperate to find the net upon his return from the beginning of this campaign.

It took him four starts, but he got there, netting a third late in the 3-1 win over Huddersfield Town.

The relief on his face was clear to see, and you wouldn’t find a supporter in the stadium begrudging him of his time in the spotlight after a long journey back from injury.

Record-breaking goal

On a bit of a dip in form, with three defeats in four matches, there was a hint of pressure on Reading heading into the final match before the World Cup break.

Falling behind in Hull, Meite bundled home the equaliser on the half hour mark to grab his 41st Championship goal.

Previously tied with Long on 40 goals, the win on Humberside marked his 150th appearance and a record-breaking strike.