Football is a Funny Old Game

Yes - it's squeaky bum time again for Reading Football Club. Last year we went into the last game of the season needing to win and needing Fulham FC not to win to retain our place in the Premier league. We won, but so did Fulham, and we were relegated (See Blog May 2008).
Could history be repeating itself? We now go into the last game of this season on Sunday (May 3rd) needing to win and needing Sheffield United not to win to regain our place in the Premier league by automatic promotion. Last year we were relegated on goal difference. This year we can be promoted on goal difference! There would be a satisfying symmetry about that.
Even if we do not win automatic promotion we still have a chance in the play-offs but our record in these is not good! And if we fail to win promotion this season it is likely that manager (Sir) Steve Coppell will leave Reading. Who could possibly replace the most successful manager of our 138 year history?
Well, together with a bunch of other magicians, I was entertaining at a charity ball last Saturday in the aptly named 'Great Room' at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

On one of the tables I was designated to entertain was none other than Alan Curbishley - well-respected football manager previously with Charlton Athletic and West Ham United. Now he would be a good choice for us!

Well, he seemed to enjoy my magic and I did let it drop that I was a Reading supporter. No - I didn't suggest he applied for the post. He was out to have a good time, not to talk about work and besides, there is no vacancy at Reading yet!
So - fingers crossed for Sunday! It's going to be a roller-coaster of emotions as the scores change during the afternoon!






