After a few weeks enjoying my own international break, I thought it was time to reflect on the season so far, and why things feel so different compared to last term.
Spanish hotel Wi-Fi is right up there as the worst connection since Paul Ince and Reading supporters, so most of my viewing for the last few games has been blurred and fuzzy. Which, come to think of it, is pretty much how I view most games after pre-match liquid refreshments.
I know we’re only in October, but for the first time in what
feels like a long time, we have something we’ve been craving for years: genuine optimism.
For us as supporters, the difference between this season and last has been impossible to ignore. While the 2025/26 campaign was one of inconsistency and frustration, 2026/27 has so far brought renewed belief, better performances and a genuine push towards the top end of the League One table.
Most importantly, we have transformed ourselves from a side looking to stay competitive into one looking capable of challenging for promotion.
After seasons dominated by financial uncertainty, points deductions and relegation battles, the 2026/27 campaign has given us supporters the chance to focus on what matters most: the football. And so far, the team has rewarded that faith with a start that suggests promotion is a realistic ambition, rather than just a hopeful dream.
A stronger side
One of the biggest improvements has been Reading’s ability to win matches consistently.
Last season, we often produced encouraging performances but failed to convert them into victories. Too many games ended in draws or narrow defeats despite periods of dominance. This season, there has been a far more ruthless edge to the team.
When we create chances, we are taking them, with an average 2.44 goals per game, compared to 1.39 last season, a massive 76% increase.
When we gain a lead, we’re showing greater composure and organisation to see games out. Those small margins can make a huge difference over the course of a season, and they’re helping to collect significantly more points, but overall, it’s no surprise that goals have been a key factor behind this season’s improvement.
Last season, supporters often left the stadium feeling the team had played well without creating enough clear-cut opportunities. This year, Reading look far more dangerous in the final third.
The form of Jack Marriott has given the Royals a genuine goal threat, while the attacking unit is playing with greater confidence and freedom. Kyreece Lisbie, Paddy Lane, George Earthy and Jacob Brown have all chipped in with goals and assists, while Andy Rinomhota has been the midfield general we’d been missing for quite a few years now.
Midfield runners are contributing, wide players are creating chances and Reading are scoring the sort of goals that win promotion races.
The result is a team that always looks capable of finding a breakthrough, even in difficult matches or when under pressure. We now have players playing in a system that creates chances.
At the back we look to have found a solid central defensive partnership, and it’s probably no coincidence that Paudie O’Connor’s game seems to have found a new level with Benn Ward alongside him, and more dependable players in front.
Our full-back positions are now occupied by players who are equally comfortable going forward as they are defending, and again it’s no coincidence that our full-backs (when playing Udoka Godwin-Malife and Haydon Roberts) have a 78% pass completion rate, compared to just 46% at this stage last season, with 19% of that 46% passing backwards.
Credit to Leam
While I never thought I would hear myself say this, let alone write it down for public view, Leam Richardson deserves enormous credit for the progress being made. There, I said it!
Credit where it’s due, we’re now starting to see the football Richardson promised when he arrived at the club. However, I would also caveat that by saying the introduction of John Coleman could be one of our most important signings this season, and I understand that James Beattie’s work with our strikers is also something that is being highly praised within the club.
Much of the time we look organised, disciplined and well drilled. There is a clear identity to the way the team plays, with players knowing their roles and showing confidence both in and out of possession. We can now see the foundations of a team built to challenge near the top of the table.
While every match last season often felt like a struggle for survival, this season we seem to be approaching games expecting to compete and expecting to win.
There has been a noticeable change in the team’s mentality. During large parts of last season, a single setback could derail a performance. This season, we have shown resilience and character whenever facing adversity.
Whether coming from behind, defending a narrow lead or grinding out a result on a difficult away trip, the squad looks mentally stronger, even though the away performance at Wycombe Wanderers saw last season’s worrying traits start to creep in.
That resilience is often the difference between mid-table teams and promotion challengers.
Perhaps the biggest success story of the season so far is the renewed connection between the team and the supporters.
As fans we have endured more than our fair share of frustration over the past few years. Through ownership uncertainty, league sanctions and the constant fear of decline, we are hopefully now seeing signs that brighter days may lie ahead.
Attendances have remained strong, the atmosphere has improved and there is a sense that the club is beginning to rediscover its identity.
Now to keep the momentum
I’m not getting carried away just yet though. League One is notoriously unpredictable and there is still a long way to go. Injuries, form and the busy winter schedule will all play their part in shaping the promotion race.
The challenge now is maintaining the momentum. If we can continue picking up points consistently, keep key players fit and retain the fighting spirit shown in the opening months, there is every reason to believe that we can remain in the promotion picture all season.
For a fanbase that has spent too long worrying about what was happening off the pitch, this season is becoming about what might be achieved on it. For the first time in years, dreams of promotion no longer feel unrealistic. They feel earned.
This Saturday we make the long trip to Wigan Athletic, a game that screams another three points if football were played on paper.
Let’s be honest, the Latics have been awful so far this season, so realistically you would expect a comfortable away win. Bottom of the table, just one win all season and only five goals scored, let’s just hope the ‘newly focused, with winning mentality’ Reading turn up rather than last season’s version!
Wigan 0-3 Reading
Lane, Lisbie, O’Connor
6,313
Until next week.
Much love and c’mon URZZZ!
Dixey
