2020–21 Reading F.C. season

The 2020–21 season was Reading's 150th year in existence and eighth consecutive season in the Championship,[1] and covers the period from 23 July 2020 to 30 June 2021.

Reading
2020–21 season
OwnerDai Yongge and Dai Xiuli (majority)
ManagerVeljko Paunović
(from 29 August)
StadiumMadejski Stadium
EFL Championship7th
FA CupThird round vs Luton Town
EFL CupSecond round vs Luton Town
Top goalscorerLeague: Lucas João (19)
All: Lucas João (22)
Highest home attendance2,000 vs Nottingham Forest
(5 December 2020)
2,000 vs Birmingham City
(9 December 2020)
2,000 vs Norwich City
(16 December 2020)
Lowest home attendance0
(22 games behind closed doors)
Average home league attendance240 (8 May 2021)

Season review

Pre-season

On 24 July, the EFL confirmed that the Championship would begin on the weekend of Saturday 12 September 2020.[2]

Transfers and contracts

On 28 July, Reading announced the signing of Josh Laurent to a two-year contract, after his Shrewsbury Town contract expired at the end of the 2019–20 season.[3]

On 3 August, Reading confirmed that Gabriel Osho had declined a new contract with the club after his old contract had expired on 31 July, and had left the club.[4]

On 28 August, Reading confirmed the signing of Ovie Ejaria to a four-year contract from Liverpool.[5]

August

Reading announced their first pre-season friendly on 13 August, an away trip on 28 August to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to face Tottenham Hotspur.[6]

On 18 August, Reading were drawn at home against Colchester United in the first round of the EFL Cup.[7] The following day Reading announced they'd play Gillingham at home on 22 August in their first pre-season friendly game.[8]

On 21 August, the EFL Championship fixture list was released, with Reading starting their campaign with an away trip to Derby County on 12 September.[9] The following day, Reading faced Gillingham in a friendly at the Madejski Stadium. Two quick-fire goals from Lucas João and Andy Rinomhota gave Reading a 2–0 half time lead. In the second half, John Akinde pulled one back for Gillingham from the penalty with the games ended 2–1 to Reading.[10]

On 28 August, Reading faced Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Tottenham opened the scoring through an Omar Richards own goal, before goals from Dele Alli and Son Heung-min saw Tottenham take a 3–0 first half lead. In the second half Erik Lamela scored a free-kick before a late George Pușcaș penalty gave Reading a consolation goal to finish the game 4–1 to Tottenham.[11] After the game the club announced that their planned friendly with West Ham United on 1 September was cancelled.

On 29 August, Reading announced the appointment of Veljko Paunović as manager.[12]

On 31 August, Reading announced that as part of their Portuguese training camp, they would face Portimonense in a friendly at the Estádio Municipal de Portimão on 1 September.[13] On the same day, the club confirmed that Mark Bowen had left the club after turning down a new role after being replaced as manager.[14]

September

Reading started the season with a 3–1 home victory over Colchester United in the First Round EFL Cup under the leadership of Eddie Niedzwiecki whilst Veljko Paunović completed his quarantine period. After initially going 1–0 down to a Jevani Brown, Lucas João scored a hat trick to ensure victory and Reading progressed to the Second round of the cup.[Report 1] The following day Reading were drawn at home against Luton Town in the Second round of the EFL Cup, with a home time against Manchester United in the third round if they defeat Luton.[15]

On 8 September, Reading announced the appointment of Quinton Fortune and Nuno Gomes as First Team coaches.[16]

On 10 September, Jordan Holsgrove left the club to sign permanently for Celta Vigo.[17]

Reading's first league game of the season took place on 12 September, against Derby County at Pride Park. Lucas João opened the scoring in the 40th minute, for his fourth goal in two matches, before providing the assist for Ovie Ejaria to double Reading's lead in the 1st minute of added on time at the end of the First Half, and giving Reading a 2–0 victory, to end the first round of games Second in the league.[Report 2]

On 15 September, Reading faced Luton Town at home in the second round of the EFL Cup. A 24th-minute goal from Jordan Clark saw Luton run out winners against a youthful Reading team that saw first team debuts for Dejan Tetek, Nelson Abbey and Lynford Sackey.[Report 3]

Reading's second league game of the season took place on 19 September, with Reading hosting Barnsley. Barnsley defender Michał Helik saw a straight red card in the 42nd minute after pulling back Lucas João, before substitute Yakou Méïté opened the scoring in the 67th minute. One minute later, Mads Juel Andersen was shown a second yellow card, after handling ball, seeing Barnsley down to nine men. Ten minutes later, in the 77th minute, Michael Olise struck a first time volley from the edge of the area to score his first Reading goal and to make it two wins out of two for Reading in the league.[Report 4]

On 22 September, Lewis Gibson joined Reading on a season-long loan deal from Everton.[18]

On 23 September, Marc McNulty was arrested as part of a match fixing prob by Police Scotland.[19]

Reading won their third league game in a row on 26 September, defeating Cardiff City 2–1 at the Cardiff City Stadium. Michael Morrison gave Reading the lead just after halftime with a header from a Michael Olise free kick, with Lucas João doubling the lead just after the hour mark. Lee Tomlin pulled one back for Cardiff City with ten minutes to go, but Reading held out to maintain their one-hundred percent start to the Championship season.[Report 5]

On 30 September, Jeriel Dorsett signed a new contract with Reading until the summer of 2022.[20]

October

On 3 October, Reading hosted Watford at the Madejski Stadium and maintained their perfect start to the Championship season, with a 1–0 victory thanks to a goal from George Pușcaș.[Report 6]

On 4 October, Alfa Semedo joined Reading on a season-long loan deal from Benfica.[21] The following day, 5 October, Reading signed Tomás Esteves on loan from Porto for the remainder of the season,[22] whilst Marc McNulty joined Dundee United on loan for the season.[23]

On 9 October, manager Veljko Paunović was announced as the Championships manager of the month for September.[24]

On 16 October, domestic transfer deadline-day, Sam Smith moved to Tranmere Rovers on loan until 7 January 2021.[25] Reading travelled to Middlesbrough on 17 October, playing out a 0–0 draw to drop their first points of the season.[Report 7] Three days later, they hosted Wycombe Wanderers at the Madejski Stadium, after a goalless first half, Lucas João scored in the 64th minute with their only shot on target to take all three points.[Report 8]Matchday 7 saw Reading host Rotherham United at the Madejski Stadium on 24 October. Yakou Méïté opened the scoring shortly before halftime, before he doubled the lead in the 79th minute with a bicycle kick from a corner, before an injury time Lucas João penalty finished the game off.[Report 9]

On 27 October, Jökull Andrésson joined Exeter City on an emergency seven-day loan deal.[26][27]

Reading lost their first league game of the season on 30 October, falling to a 3–2 defeat away to Coventry City at St Andrew's. Coventry took the lead through Gustavo Hamer in the first half, before Lucas João scored his ninth goal of the season to tie the game in the 66th minute. Matt Godden and Sam McCallum both scored late in the game to give Coventry City a 3–1 lead heading in to injury time, where George Pușcaș scored to finish the game 3–2.[Report 10]

Towards the end of October, Reading signed teenage Guinea-Bissau winger Mamadi Camará to a two-year contract from Feirense.[28]

November

On 2 November, Andrésson's loan at Exeter City was extended for a further week.[29]

Reading lost their second league game in a row on 4 November, with Preston North End running out 3–0 winners at Madejski Stadium.[Report 11] 3 days later, Reading suffered their third defeat in a row, and second 3–0 defeat in a row as Stoke City came away from the Madejski Stadium with the win.[Report 12]

Andrésson extended his loan at Exeter City for a third week on 10 November,[30] a fourth on 17 November,[31] and for a fifth time on 24 November.[32]

December

On 15 December, Nelson Abbey signed his first professional contract with Reading, until the summer of 2022, and Reading confirmed that Omri Luzon had joined the U23 squad on a contract until June 2021.[33]

On 23 December, Sam Walker joined Blackpool on a seven-day emergency loan.[34] After making his debut for Blackpool on 29 December, Walkers loan deal was extended for a further seven days.[35]

January

On 12 January, Reading's EFL Championship game against Brentford scheduled for 16 January, was postponed due to the COVID-19 cases within the Brentford squad.[36]

Transfers

On 11 January, Sam Walker moved to AFC Wimbledon on loan for the remainder of the season.[37]

On 22 January, Jökull Andrésson joined Morecambe on a week-long emergency loan deal.[38] After facing Exeter City in his second and final game whilst on loan for Morecambe, Andrésson returned to Exeter City on loan for the remainder of the season on 29 January.[39] On the same day, Sam Smith joined Cheltenham Town on loan for the remainder of the season.[40]

February

On 3 February, Mamadi Camará signed his first professional contract with Reading, until the summer of 2022.[41]

On 25 February, Nahum Melvin-Lambert signed his first professional contract with the Reading, until the summer of 2022 before joining St Patrick's Athletic on loan until June.[42]

April

On 30 April, Michael Olise was named as the EA Sports Young Player of the Season and listed in the Sky Bet Championship Team of the Season.[43]

May

On 7 May, Reading announced that Luke Southwood had signed a new two-year contract, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2023.[44]

Prior to Reading's last game of the season, on 8 May, Josh Laurent was announced as the club's player of the season.[45]

On 11 May, Reading announced that Michael Morrison had signed a new one-year contract with the club, whilst new contracts had also been offered to Tom McIntyre, Omar Richards, James Holden, Thierry Nevers and Femi Azeez with Ethan Bristow having a clause triggered in his contract to keep him at the club. Scholars Kian Leavy, Harvey Collins, Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan, Malachi Talent-Aryeety and Lynford Sackey were all offered professional contracts too. Reading also announced that Sone Aluko, Sam Baldock, Sam Walker, Tennai Watson, Ryan East, Conor Lawless, Oliver Pendlebury, Jayden Onen, Sam Smith, Joseph Ajose, Josh Hewitt, Omri Luzon, Augustus McGiff, Alfie Anderson, Jordan Hamilton-Olise and Yaw Turkson would all leave the club at the end of their contracts.[46] The following day, 12 May, James Holden joined Maidenhead United on loan for the remainder of the season.[47]

On 25 May, Reading announced that they had activated a clause in Thierry Nevers' contract, extending his contract until the summer of 2022 whilst also confirming he would be joining West Ham United for an undisclosed fee once the transfer window opens on 9 June.[48][49]

Transfers

In

DatePositionNationalityNameFromFeeRef.
28 July 2020MF Josh LaurentShrewsbury TownFree[3]
28 August 2020MF Ovie EjariaLiverpoolUndisclosed[5]
October 2020FW Mamadi CamaráFeirenseUndisclosed[28]
November 2020MF Jayden OnenBrentford BFree
December 2021DF Omri LuzonMaccabi Petah TikvaFree[33]

Loans in

Start datePositionNationalityNameFromEnd dateRef.
22 September 2020DF Lewis GibsonEvertonEnd of season[18]
4 October 2020MF Alfa SemedoBenficaEnd of season[21]
5 October 2020DF Tomás EstevesPortoEnd of season[22]

Out

DatePositionNationalityNameToFeeRef.
10 September 2020MF Jordan HolsgroveCelta VigoUndisclosed[17]
25 May 2021†FW Thierry NeversWest Ham UnitedUndisclosed[48][49]
† Nevers' move was announced on the above date, but was not active until 9 June 2021.

Loans out

Start datePositionNationalityNameToEnd dateRef.
5 October 2020FW Marc McNultyDundee UnitedEnd of season[23]
16 October 2020FW Sam SmithTranmere Rovers7 January 2021[25][50]
27 October 2020GK Jökull AndréssonExeter City1 December 2020[26][27][29][30][31][32]
23 December 2020GK Sam WalkerBlackpool6 January 2021[34][35]
11 January 2021GK Sam WalkerAFC WimbledonEnd of season[37]
22 January 2021GK Jökull AndréssonMorecambe29 January 2021[38]
29 January 2021GK Jökull AndréssonExeter CityEnd of season[39]
29 January 2021FW Sam SmithCheltenham TownEnd of season[40]
25 February 2021FW Nahum Melvin-LambertSt Patrick's AthleticJune 2021[42]
12 May 2021GK James HoldenMaidenhead UnitedEnd of season[47]

Released

DatePositionNationalityNameJoinedDateRef
30 June 2021GK Sam WalkerKilmarnock6 July 2021[46][51]
30 June 2021DF Joseph AjoseQueens Park Rangers27 August 2021[46][52]
30 June 2021DF Josh HewittMarquette Golden Eagles[46][53]
30 June 2021DF Omar RichardsBayern Munich1 July 2021[54][55]
30 June 2021DF Tennai WatsonMilton Keynes Dons28 July 2021[46][56]
30 June 2021DF Omri LuzonHapoel Rishon LeZion30 September 2021[46]
30 June 2021MF Ryan EastSwindon Town7 August 2021[46][57]
30 June 2021MF Jordan Hamilton-OliseWestfield[46]
30 June 2021MF Conor LawlessLuton Town21 September 2021[46][58]
30 June 2021MF Jayden OnenSheffield Wednesday6 December 2021[46][59]
30 June 2021MF Oliver PendleburyWycombe Wanderers1 July 2021[46][60]
30 June 2021MF Yaw TurksonTiffin Dragons[46][61]
30 June 2021FW Alfie AndersonSlough Town[46]
30 June 2021FW Sam BaldockDerby County17 August 2021[46][62]
30 June 2021FW Sam SmithCambridge United7 July 2021[46][63]
30 June 2021FW Sone AlukoIpswich Town6 August 2021[46][64]
30 June 2021FW Augustus McGiffCollege of Mount Saint Vincent[46]

Trial

Date fromPositionNationalityNameDate toRef.
1 September 2020MF Rodrigo Riquelme[65]
1 September 2020FW Jordan Adebayo-Smith[66]

Squad

As of match played 8 May 2021[67]
No.NameNationalityPositionDate of birth (Age)Signed fromSigned inContract endsApps.Goals
Goalkeepers
1Sam Walker GK (1991-10-02)2 October 1991 (aged 29)Colchester United2018[68]2021[68]140
22Luke Southwood GK (1997-12-06)6 December 1997 (aged 23)Academy2016[69]2023[44]40
33Rafael Cabral GK (1990-05-20)20 May 1990 (aged 30)Sampdoria2019[70]2022[70]910
40Jökull Andrésson GK (2001-08-25)25 August 2001 (aged 19)Academy2018[71]2022[72]00
Defenders
2Tomás Esteves DF (2002-04-03)3 April 2002 (aged 19)loan from Porto2020[22]2021[22]301
3Omar Richards DF (1998-02-15)15 February 1998 (aged 23)Academy2016[69]2021[73]1043
4Michael Morrison DF (1988-03-03)3 March 1988 (aged 33)Birmingham City2019[74]2022[46]836
5Tom McIntyre[a] DF (1998-11-06)6 November 1998 (aged 22)Academy2016[69]2021[75]442
6Liam Moore[b] DF (1993-01-31)31 January 1993 (aged 28)Leicester City2016[76]2023[77]2146
15Lewis Gibson DF (2000-07-19)19 July 2000 (aged 20)loan from Everton2020[18]2021[18]130
17Andy Yiadom[c] DF (1991-12-02)2 December 1991 (aged 29)Barnsley2018[78]2022[78]943
29Tom Holmes DF (2000-03-12)12 March 2000 (aged 21)Academy20172022[75]410
Midfielders
7Michael Olise[d] MF (2001-12-12)12 December 2001 (aged 19)Academy2018[79]2022[80]737
8Andy Rinomhota MF (1997-04-21)21 April 1997 (aged 24)Academy2017[81]2022[82]1184
10John Swift MF (1995-06-23)23 June 1995 (aged 25)Chelsea2016[83]2022[84]16423
14Ovie Ejaria MF (1997-11-18)18 November 1997 (aged 23)Liverpool2020[5]2024[5]937
20Felipe Araruna MF (1996-03-12)12 March 1996 (aged 25)São Paulo2020[85]2022[85]70
28Josh Laurent MF (1995-05-06)6 May 1995 (aged 26)Shrewsbury Town2020[3]2022[3]463
30Alfa Semedo MF (1997-08-30)30 August 1997 (aged 23)loan from Benfica2020[21]2021[21]402
34Dejan Tetek MF (2002-09-24)24 September 2002 (aged 18)Academy2019202190
Forwards
9Sam Baldock FW (1989-03-15)15 March 1989 (aged 32)Brighton & Hove Albion2018[86]2021[86]7411
11Yakou Méïté[e] FW (1996-02-11)11 February 1996 (aged 25)Paris Saint-Germain2016[87]2023[88]12543
18Lucas João FW (1993-09-04)4 September 1993 (aged 27)Sheffield Wednesday2019[89]2023[89]5928
24Sone Aluko[f] FW (1989-02-19)19 February 1989 (aged 32)Fulham20172021[90]1026
47George Pușcaș FW (1996-04-08)8 April 1996 (aged 25)Inter Milan2019[91]2024[91]6418
Sam Smith FW (1998-03-08)8 March 1998 (aged 23)Academy20162021[92]112
U23
31Coniah Boyce-Clarke GK (2003-03-01)1 March 2003 (aged 18)Academy2019[93]00
35Imari Samuels DF (2003-02-05)5 February 2003 (aged 18)Academy201900
36Nelson Abbey DF (2003-08-28)28 August 2003 (aged 17)Academy20192022[33]10
38Ethan Bristow DF (2001-11-27)27 November 2001 (aged 19)Academy201830
39Oliver Pendlebury MF (2002-01-19)19 January 2002 (aged 19)Academy201910
41Joseph Ajose DF (2001-01-29)29 January 2001 (aged 20)Port Vale202000
42Lynford Sackey FW (2003-02-18)18 February 2003 (aged 18)Academy201910
43Tennai Watson DF (1997-03-04) 4 March 1997 (age 27)Academy20152021[94]90
44Ryan East MF (1998-08-07)7 August 1998 (aged 22)Academy2016[69]2021[95]10
45Femi Azeez MF (2001-06-05)5 June 2001 (aged 19)Wealdstone2019[96]2021[93]10
46Jayden Onen MF (2001-02-17)17 February 2001 (aged 20)Brentford B202020
48Jeriel Dorsett DF (2002-05-04)4 May 2002 (aged 19)Academy2019[97]2022[20]20
49Conor Lawless MF (2001-09-13)13 September 2001 (aged 19)Academy20182021[98]10
50Mamadi Camará FW (2003-12-31)31 December 2003 (aged 17)Feirense2020[28]2022[41]20
Josh Hewitt DF (2001-09-19)19 September 2001 (aged 19)Academy2020[99]2021[99]00
Omri Luzon DF (1999-01-07)7 January 1999 (aged 22)Maccabi Petah Tikva2020[33]2021[33]00
Thierry Nevers MF (2001-02-05)5 February 2001 (aged 20)Academy20192022[48]00
Claudio Osorio MF (2002-09-26)26 September 2002 (aged 18)Academy201900
Kian Leavy MF (2002-03-21)21 March 2002 (aged 19)Academy201900
Augustus McGiff FW (2002-07-01)1 July 2002 (aged 18)New York City FC Academy201900
U18
Harvey Collins GK (2002-11-05)5 November 2002 (aged 18)Academy201900
Matt Rowley GKAcademy202000
Kelvin Abrefa [g]DF (2003-12-09)9 December 2003 (aged 17)Academy202000
Jordan Addo-Antoine DFAcademy202000
Jordan Hamilton-Olise DF (2003-02-09)9 February 2003 (aged 18)Academy201900
Louie Holzman DFAcademy202000
Sam Paul DFAcademy202000
Michael Stickland DFAcademy202000
Hamid Abdel-Salam MF (2003-10-19)19 October 2003 (aged 17)Academy202000
Jack Senga MF (2004-01-27)27 January 2004 (aged 17)Academy202000
Malachi Talent-Aryeetey MF (2002-09-10)10 September 2002 (aged 18)Academy201900
Yaw Turkson MF (2003-03-06)6 March 2003 (aged 18)Academy201900
Benjamin Purcell MF (2004-08-25)25 August 2004 (aged 16)Academy202000
Alfie Anderson FW (2002-09-06)6 September 2002 (aged 18)Academy201900
Jahmari Clarke FW (2003-08-17)17 August 2003 (aged 17)Academy202000
Harvey Maudner FW (2003-10-07)7 October 2003 (aged 17)Academy202000
David Nyarko FW (2002-10-07)7 October 2002 (aged 18)Academy202000
Out on loan
12Marc McNulty FW (1992-09-14)14 September 1992 (aged 28)Coventry City2018[100]2022[100]171
37Nahum Melvin-Lambert FW (2002-10-21)21 October 2002 (aged 18)Academy20192022[42]30
James Holden GK (2001-09-04)4 September 2001 (aged 19)Bury2019[96][93]00
Left during the season
Jordan Holsgrove MF (1999-09-10)10 September 1999 (aged 21)Academy2017[101]2021[75]00

Out on loan

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No.Pos. NationPlayer
GK  ENGJames Holden (at Maidenhead United until the end of the season.)

Left club during season

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

Friendlies

22 August 2020 Reading 2–1 Gillingham Reading
13:30 BST (UTC+1)João 22'
Rinomhota 23'
ReportAkinde 51' (pen.)Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 0
Note: Match played behind closed doors, and split into three 30-minute periods.
28 August 2020 Tottenham Hotspur 4–1 Reading London
15:30 BST (UTC+1)Richards 7' (o.g.)
Alli 21'
Son 39'
Lamela 52'
ReportPușcaș 80' (pen.)Stadium: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Attendance: 0
Note: Match played behind closed doors
1 September 2020 Portimonense 0–0 Reading Portimão, Portugal
18:00 BST (UTC+1)ReportStadium: Estádio Municipal
Attendance: 0
Note: Match played behind closed doors

U23

15 August 2020 Leyton Orient 2–0 Reading U23 London
13:00 BST (UTC+1)Clay 25'
Angol 89'
ReportStadium: Brisbane Road
Attendance: 0
17 November 2020 Crawley Town 0–0 Reading U23 Three Bridges
12:00 GMT (UTC)Stadium: Jubilee Field
Attendance: 0

Competitions

Overview

CompetitionFirst matchLast matchStarting roundFinal positionRecord
PldWDLGFGAGDWin %
EFL Championship12 September 2020May 2021Matchday 17th461913146254+8041.30
FA Cup9 January 20219 January 2021Third roundThird round100101−1000.00
EFL Cup5 September 202015 September 2020First roundSecond round210132+1050.00
Total492013166557+8040.82

Last updated: 8 May 2021
Source: Competitions

Championship

League table

PosTeamPldWDLGFGAGDPtsPromotion, qualification or relegation
4Swansea City462311125639+1780Qualification for Championship play-offs
5Barnsley46239145850+878
6Bournemouth462211137346+2777
7Reading461913146254+870
8Cardiff City461814146649+1768
9Queens Park Rangers461911165755+268
10Middlesbrough461810185553+264
Source: EFL Official Website
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Number of goals scored; 4) Head-to-head results; 5) Wins; 6) Away goals; 7) Penalty points (sec 9.5); 8) 12-point sending off offences[102]

Results summary

OverallHomeAway
PldWDLGFGAGDPtsWDLGFGAGDWDLGFGAGD
461913146254 +87012473727 +107972527 −2

Last updated: 8 May 2021.
Source: Results

Results by matchday

Matchday12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940414243444546
GroundAHAHAHHAAHHAAHAHHAHAHAAHAHAHHAHAAHHAAHAHAHAHAH
ResultWWWWDWWWLLLLDWDWLWLLWDWWDWDLLWLLWWWDLDDWLDDDLD
Position1112211111166543555866555445555555556666777777
Updated to match(es) played on 8 May 2021. Source: Results
A = Away; H = Home; W = Win; D = Draw; L = Loss; P = Postponed

Results

12 September 2020 1 Derby County 0–2 Reading Derby
BST (UTC+1)Shinnie  37'
Sibley  45+3'
Byrne  47'
ReportJoão 40'
Ejaria 45+1'
Olise  64'
Richards  90+3'
Stadium: Pride Park
Attendance: 0
Referee: Darren Bond
Note: Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
19 September 2020 2 Reading 2–0 Barnsley Reading
15:00 BST (UTC+1)Laurent  49'
Méïté 67'
Olise 77'
ReportAndersen  23'   68'
Helik  42'
Ritzmaier  45+1'
Mowatt  74'
Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 0
Referee: Tim Robinson
Note: Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
26 September 2020 3 Cardiff City 1–2 Reading Cardiff
15:00 BST (UTC+1)Hoilett  18'
K.Moore  53'
Tomlin 81'
ReportMorrison 47'
João 66'
Olise  90+5'
Stadium: Cardiff City Stadium
Attendance: 0
Referee: David Webb
Note: Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
3 October 2020 4 Reading 1–0 Watford Reading
15:00 BST (UTC+1)Laurent  39'
Pușcaș 41'
Richards  62'
Tetek  88'
ReportWilmot  40'
João Pedro  88'
Chalobah  90+3'
Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 0
Referee: Gavin Ward
Note: Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
17 October 2020 5 Middlesbrough 0–0 Reading Middlesbrough
15:00 BST (UTC+1)Morsy  75'
McNair  80'
ReportMoore  47'
Richards  73'
Holmes  76'
Stadium: Riverside Stadium
Attendance: 0
Referee: Darren Bond
Note: Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
20 October 2020 6 Reading 1–0 Wycombe Wanderers Reading
20:00 BST (UTC+1)João  35' 64'
Rinomhota  79'
ReportStadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 0
Referee: Andy Davies
Note: Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
24 October 2020 7 Reading 3–0 Rotherham United Reading
15:00 BST (UTC+1)Méïté 41', 79'
João 90+3' (pen.)
ReportWood  90'
Ihiekwe  90+3'
Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 0
Referee: Matt Donohue
Note: Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
27 October 2020 8 Blackburn Rovers 2–4 Reading Blackburn
19:45 GMT (UTC)Armstrong 3', 66'
Holtby  5'
Trybull  20'
ReportMéïté 1'
Olise 15'
Laurent 18'
Rafael  76'
João  79' 82'
Stadium: Ewood Park
Attendance: 0
Referee: David Coote
Note: Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
30 October 2020 9 Coventry City 3–2 Reading Birmingham
19:45 GMT (UTC)Hamer 23'  42'
Østigård  38'
Godden 75'
Rose  79'
Hyam  82'
McCallum 85'
Maroši  87'
ReportJoão 66'
Pușcaș 90+2'
Stadium: St Andrew's
Attendance: 0
Referee: David Webb
Note: Match played at St Andrew's in Birmingham due to Coventry City ground sharing with Birmingham City.[103]
Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
4 November 2020 10 Reading 0–3 Preston North End Reading
19:00 GMT (UTC)Laurent  86'ReportFisher  15'
Sinclair 65'
Jakobsen 68'
Browne  87'
Potts 90+2'
Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 0
Referee: John Brooks
Note: Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
7 November 2020 11 Reading 0–3 Stoke City Reading
12:30 GMT (UTC)ReportThompson  4'
Campbell 23'
Fletcher 35'
McClean  86'
Brown 90+5'
Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 0
Referee: Keith Stroud
Note: Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
21 November 2020 12 Bournemouth 4–2 Reading Bournemouth
12:30 GMT (UTC)Begović  4'
Solanke 56', 89'
Danjuma 59'  74'
L.Cook 77'
Lerma  79'
ReportJoão 4' (pen.)
Aluko 43'
Rinomhota  54'
Stadium: Dean Court
Attendance: 0
Referee: Darren Bond
Note: Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
25 November 2020 13 Millwall 1–1 Reading Bermondsey
19:00 GMT (UTC)Cooper  10'
J.Wallace 45+1'
Williams  52'
Hutchinson  70'
Leonard  85'
ReportSemedo  30'
João 54'
Morrison  55'
Ejaria  59'
Holmes  75'
Stadium: The Den
Attendance: 0
Referee: Leigh Doughty
Note: Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
28 November 2020 14 Reading 3–1 Bristol City Reading
12:30 GMT (UTC)Ejaria 54'
Méïté 76'
João 90+2'
ReportMoore  65'
Martin  70'
Wells 73'
Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 0
Referee: Jeremy Simpson
Note: Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
2 December 2020 15 Sheffield Wednesday 1–1 Reading Sheffield
19:45 GMT (UTC)Paterson 12'  59'
Shaw  30'
Luongo  53'
ReportJoão 44'Stadium: Hillsborough Stadium
Attendance: 0
Referee: Oliver Langford
Note: Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
5 December 2020 16 Reading 2–0 Nottingham Forest Reading
12:30 GMT (UTC)João 16' (pen.)
Morrison 53'
Richards  83'
ReportYates  14'
Cafú  90+1'
Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 2,000
Referee: Gavin Ward
9 December 2020 17 Reading 1–2 Birmingham City Reading
19:45 GMT (UTC)Méïté 61'  90+3'
João 71'
ReportToral 29', 37'
Hogan  39'
Dean  66'   70'
Etheridge  80'
Leko  88'
Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 2,000
Referee: Tim Robinson
12 December 2020 18 Queens Park Rangers 0–1 Reading White City
15:00 GMT (UTC)Carroll  67'ReportOlise 89'Stadium: Loftus Road
Attendance: 2,000
Referee: Tony Harrington
16 December 2020 19 Reading 1–2 Norwich City Reading
19:45 GMT (UTC)Olise 14'
Onen  83'
ReportBuendía 11'
Pukki 55' (pen.)
Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 2,000
Referee: Geoff Eltringham
19 December 2020 20 Brentford 3–1 Reading Brentford
15:00 GMT (UTC)Jensen 11'  45'
Mbeumo 23', 29'
Janelt  90+3'
ReportBaldock  53'
Aluko 64'
Stadium: Brentford Community Stadium
Attendance: 0
Referee: Keith Stroud
Note: Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
26 December 2020 21 Reading 2–1 Luton Town Reading
15:00 GMT (UTC)McIntyre 9'  44'
Semedo 41'
ReportCranie  25'
LuaLua  75' 90'
Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 0
Referee: Matt Donohue
Note: Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
30 December 2020 22 Swansea City 0–0 Reading Swansea
20:00 GMT (UTC)Bennett  45+1'ReportStadium: Liberty Stadium
Attendance: 0
Referee: David Webb
Note: Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
2 January 2021 23 Huddersfield Town 1–2 Reading Huddersfield
15:00 GMT (UTC)Campbell 6'
Mbenza  44'
Toffolo  69'
ReportJoão 52', 65'
Holmes  62'
Stadium: Kirklees Stadium
Attendance: 0
Referee: Jeremy Simpson
Note: Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
19 January 2021 25 Reading 3–0 Coventry City Reading
18:00 GMT (UTC)João 16'  87'
Holmes  29'
Rinomhota 46'
Swift 71'
Morrison  90'
ReportMcFadzean  60'   71'
Østigård  80'
Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 0
Referee: Dean Whitestone
Note: Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
24 January 2021 26 Preston North End 0–0 Reading Preston
12:30 GMT (UTC)Molumby  65'
Huntington  83'
Ledson  87'
Whiteman  87'
ReportJoão 83'Stadium: Deepdale
Attendance: 0
Referee: Geoff Eltringham
Note: Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
29 January 2021 27 Reading 3–1 Bournemouth Reading
20:00 GMT (UTC)Laurent 24'
McIntyre 32'
Swift  34'
João 43'
ReportRico  31'
Stanislas 85'
Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 0
Referee: James Linington
Note: Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
6 February 2021 28 Stoke City 0–0 Reading Stoke-on-Trent
15:00 GMT (UTC)McClean  24'
Batth  64'
Brown  86'
ReportStadium: Bet365 Stadium
Attendance: 0
Referee: Tim Robinson
Note: Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
10 February 2021 24 Reading 1–3 Brentford Reading
19:00 GMT (UTC)João 25' (pen.)
Richards  74'
ReportDasilva 36', 86'
Toney 88'
Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 0
Referee: Tony Harrington
Note: Match originally scheduled and postponed on 16 January due to the COVID-19 cases within the Brentford squad.[36]
Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
13 February 2021 29 Reading 1–2 Millwall Reading
15:00 GMT (UTC)Semedo 18'ReportHutchinson  65'
Smith 76'
Bennett 85'
Wallace  90'
Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 0
Referee: Andy Woolmer
Note: Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
16 February 2021 30 Bristol City 0–2 Reading Bristol
19:45 GMT (UTC)Hunt  20'
Lansbury  67'
T.Moore  76'
Bakinson  90+3'
ReportRichards  37'
João 42'
Morrison 45'
Ejaria  69'
Olise  75'
Stadium: Ashton Gate
Attendance: 0
Referee: Oliver Langford
Note: Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
20 February 2021 31 Reading 0–2 Middlesbrough Reading
15:00 GMT (UTC)Richards  43'
Rinomhota  59'
ReportFletcher 22'  90+1'
Bola 29'
Howson  71'
Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 0
Referee: David Webb
Note: Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
23 February 2021 32 Wycombe Wanderers 1–0 Reading High Wycombe
19:45 GMT (UTC)Knight  41'
McCleary  45+1'
Onyedinma 49'
Tafazolli  69'
Ikpeazu 85'
ReportJoão 70'
Pușcaș  83'
McIntyre  84'
Stadium: Adams Park
Attendance: 0
Referee: Dean Whitestone
Note: Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
27 February 2021 33 Rotherham United 0–1 Reading Rotherham
15:00 GMT (UTC)A.MacDonald  64'
Wiles  85'
Olosunde  90'
ReportMorrison 26'Stadium: New York Stadium
Attendance: 0
Referee: David Coote
Note: Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
2 March 2021 34 Reading 1–0 Blackburn Rovers Reading
20:00 GMT (UTC)Semedo  17'
Pușcaș 24'
ReportBell  52'
Evans  58'
Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 0
Referee: Gavin Ward
Note: Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
6 March 2021 35 Reading 3–0 Sheffield Wednesday Reading
15:00 GMT (UTC)Olise 30' (pen.)
Moore  37'
João 65'
Yiadom 88'
ReportBörner  29'Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 0
Referee: James Linington
Note: Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
13 March 2021 36 Nottingham Forest 1–1 Reading West Bridgford
15:00 GMT (UTC)Holmes 49' (o.g.)ReportMéïté 81'
Figueiredo  90+2'
Stadium: City Ground
Attendance: 0
Referee: Steve Martin
Note: Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
17 March 2021 37 Birmingham City 2–1 Reading Birmingham
19:45 GMT (UTC)Jutkiewicz 4'
Colin  22'
Gardner  28'
Dean  72'
ReportMéïté 35'Stadium: St Andrew's
Attendance: 0
Referee: Andy Woolmer
Note: Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
20 March 2021 38 Reading 1–1 Queens Park Rangers Reading
15:00 GMT (UTC)Méïté 57'ReportDykes 45'
Chair  52'
Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 0
Referee: Dean Whitestone
Note: Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
2 April 2021 39 Barnsley 1–1 Reading Barnsley
17:30 BST (UTC+1)Woodrow  18'
Palmer  25'
Mowatt 61' (pen.)
Halme  68'
ReportEjaria 34'Stadium: Oakwell
Attendance: 0
Referee: Geoff Eltringham
Note: Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
5 April 2021 40 Reading 3–1 Derby County Reading
15:00 BST (UTC+1)Olise 45+3'
Moore  50'
Pușcaș 57'
Laurent  83'
João 84'
ReportLawrence 79'Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 0
Referee: Jonathan Moss
Note: Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
9 April 2021 41 Watford 2–0 Reading Watford
19:45 BST (UTC+1)Sarr 12', 14'
Zinckernagel  17'
Hughes  75'
Success  90+3'
ReportRinomhota  56'Stadium: Vicarage Road
Attendance: 0
Referee: James Linington
Note: Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
16 April 2021 42 Reading 1–1 Cardiff City Reading
18:00 BST (UTC+1)Méïté 90+5'ReportNelson  46'
Pack  50'
Brown  78'
K.Moore 87' (pen.)
Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 0
Referee: John Brooks
Note: Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
21 April 2021 43 Luton Town 0–0 Reading Luton
19:45 BST (UTC+1)Bradley  44'
Collins  90+2'
ReportYiadom  35'Stadium: Kenilworth Road
Attendance: 0
Referee: Michael Salisbury
Note: Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
25 April 2021 44 Reading 2–2 Swansea City Reading
12:00 BST (UTC+1)Holmes  19'
Méïté 31'
Esteves 90+3'
ReportGuéhi  17'
Lowe 67'
Fulton  69'
Ayew 83'
Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 0
Referee: Simon Hooper
Note: Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
1 May 2021 45 Norwich City 4–1 Reading Norwich
15:00 BST (UTC+1)Aarons  17'
Dowell 30', 64'
Skipp  42'
Quintillà 78'
Pukki 85'
ReportLaurent 12'
Richards  25'
Semedo  77'
Stadium: Carrow Road
Attendance: 0
Referee: Oliver Langford
Note: Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
8 May 2021 46 Reading 2–2 Huddersfield Town Reading
12:30 BST (UTC+1)Semedo  14'
Olise 19' (pen.)
Méïté 26'
ReportKoroma 15'
Vallejo  80'
Edmonds-Green 90+3'
Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 0
Referee: Jarred Gillett
Note: Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.

EFL Cup

5 September 2020 First round Reading 3–1 Colchester United Reading
15:00 BST (UTC+1)João 45+1', 56', 75'ReportBrown 37'Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 0
Referee: Josh Smith
Note: Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.
15 September 2020 Second round Reading 0–1 Luton Town Reading
18:00 BST (UTC+1)ReportClark 24'
LuaLua  62'
Bradley  78'
Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 0
Referee: Charles Breakspear
Note: Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.

FA Cup

The third round draw was made on 30 November, with Premier League and EFL Championship clubs all entering the competition.[104]

9 January 2021 Third round Luton Town 1–0 Reading Luton
12:00 GMT (UTC)Moncur 30'ReportStadium: Kenilworth Road
Attendance: 0
Referee: Darren Bond
Note: Match played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.

Squad statistics

As of match played 8 May 2021[105]

Appearances and goals

No.PosNatPlayerTotalChampionshipFA CupLeague Cup
AppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
2DF  PORTomás Esteves30112+1711000
3DF  ENGOmar Richards42038+30000+10
4DF  ENGMichael Morrison3643540010
5DF  SCOTom McIntyre28216+1021010
6DF  JAMLiam Moore33031+100010
7MF  FRAMichael Olise46737+771010
8MF  ENGAndy Rinomhota43141+11000+10
9FW  ENGSam Baldock2304+1601020
10MF  ENGJohn Swift14110+410000
11FW  CIVYakou Méïté251219+6120000
14MF  ENGOvie Ejaria38337+130000
15DF  ENGLewis Gibson1307+600000
17DF  GHAAndy Yiadom21118+310000
18FW  PORLucas João402235+4190013
20MF  BRAFelipe Araruna40200020
22GK  ENGLuke Southwood40101020
24FW  NGASone Aluko3629+2421020
28MF  ENGJosh Laurent4634530010
29DF  ENGTom Holmes40030+900010
30MF  GNBAlfa Semedo40224+1521000
33GK  BRARafael Cabral4504500000
34MF  SRBDejan Tetek901+600+1010
36DF  ENGNelson Abbey1000000+10
38DF  ENGEthan Bristow30001020
39MF  ENGOliver Pendlebury10001000
42FW  ENGLynford Sackey1000000+10
43DF  ENGTennai Watson200+100010
45MF  ENGFemi Azeez100+100000
46MF  ENGJayden Onen200+101000
47FW  ROUGeorge Pușcaș2249+1240010
48DF  ENGJeriel Dorsett10001000
49MF  ENGConor Lawless10000+1000
50FW  GNBMamadi Camará200+100+1000
Players away on loan:
12FW  SCOMarc McNulty20000020
37FW  ENGNahum Melvin-Lambert30000+100+20
Players who appeared for Reading but left during the season:

Goal scorers

PlacePositionNationNumberNameChampionshipFA CupLeague CupTotal
1FW 18Lucas João190322
2FW 11Yakou Méïté120012
3MF 7Michael Olise7007
4DF 4Michael Morrison4004
FW 47George Pușcaș4004
6MF 14Ovie Ejaria3003
MF 28Josh Laurent3003
8FW 24Sone Aluko2002
DF 5Tom McIntyre2002
MF 30Alfa Semedo2002
11MF 8Andy Rinomhota1001
MF 10John Swift1001
DF 17Andy Yiadom1001
DF 2Tomás Esteves1001
Total620365

Clean sheets

PlacePositionNationNumberNameChampionshipFA CupLeague CupTotal
1GK 33Rafael Cabral170017
TOTALS170017

Disciplinary record

NumberNationPositionNameChampionshipFA CupLeague CupTotal
3 DFOmar Richards80000080
4 DFMichael Morrison20000020
5 DFTom McIntyre20000020
6 DFLiam Moore30000030
7 MFMichael Olise30000030
8 MFAndy Rinomhota40000040
9 FWSam Baldock10000010
10 MFJohn Swift10000010
11 FWYakou Méïté10000010
14 MFOvie Ejaria20000020
17 DFAndy Yiadom10000010
18 FWLucas João30000030
28 MFJosh Laurent40000040
29 DFTom Holmes40000040
30 MFAlfa Semedo40000040
33 GKRafael Cabral10000010
34 MFDejan Tetek10000010
46 MFJayden Onen10000010
47 FWGeorge Pușcaș10000010
Players away on loan:
Players who left Reading during the season:
Total4600000460

Awards

Manager of the Month

MonthNameAward
SeptemberVeljko PaunovićWon[24]

EA Sports Young Player of the Season

MonthNameAward
Young Player of the SeasonMichael OliseWon[43]

Sky Bet Championship Team of the Season

PositionNameAward
MidfielderMichael OliseWon[43]

References

Match reports