Year Review 2003,January-July

By Mark Sugar and Matthew Grant
January 1 2004

With 2004 with us now,we look back in detail what has been a brillant year for Reading Football Club with the high's and low's of 2003.Today we review June where the Royals made there first summer signing,who was it?Also the fixture list was released with an intresting 1st game away game.

January 2003

Well 2003 started in the most controversial way. It was absolute pouring it down with rain on New Years Day as Reading tried to play Leicester. Despite 1 pitch inspection at 11am where the referee deemed it “playable”, he decided at half time to abandon the match which angered Royals boss Alan Pardew, Leicester City boss Micky Adams and 18,569 supporters. The score was 0-0. As a gesture, the club made a 50% reduction on ticket prices for the rearranged game.

Then the 1st Saturday of the New Year would see the Royals travel to the Midlands to take on Walsall. This game needed a pitch inspection due to the frost but thankfully it went ahead. The match was a very boring 0-0 draw. Well the Royals were still in the hat for the 4th Round draw and if they could beat Walsall in a replay, they would entertain Wimbledon at home.

Later that week Alan Pardew strongly denied rumours that Cardiff City were preparing a loan move for Sammy Igoe. James Harper was voted December Player of the Month despite the Royals struggling. Again that week more rumours were circulating this time with striker Martin Butler. It was thought Stoke and Preston North End were interested in the services but nothing happened possibly because of Butler’s high wage demands and also Butler’s wife was experiencing trouble with her pregnancy.

But the Royals suffered their 1st defeat of the season in amazing circumstances at Sheffield Wednesday. Despite going 2-0 up at half time at Hillsbrough thanks to goals from Nicky Forster and Martin Butler, the Royals managed to lose 3-2. January 14th turned out to be a crucial day of the year for the Royals with the 3 big stories emerging

a) A bid made for Arsenal star Steve Sidwell was accepted, prompting Stoke and Brighton to make bids as well b) Alan Pardew signed a new 3 year deal and also took a pay cut due to finances in the game and c) The Royals were knocked out of the FA Cup by Walsall on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Days later Walsall were the visitors again, this time in the league. It finished 0-0 after another boring game with them. Jamie Cureton missed an easy chance as the Saddlers frustrated us again. No more games with them for the rest of the season.

On the 20th January Steve Sidwell was confirmed as a Reading player. This was big news as the Royals continued there bid for the Premiership. Ex Royals loanee Matthew Upson played a big part in the move, claiming Reading was a fantastic club to be playing his trade at.

On the 21st January, the club faced one of the days they would rather forget when defender John Mackie was charged with “misconduct for the use of threatening behaviour and/or insulting words to an opponent.” This was following a clash with ex Royal Carl Asaba following the 2-0 defeat back in December.

28th January saw Reading slip to a 3-1 home defeat at the hands of Leicester, after going 3-0 down at half time. This was a disappointing debut for Steve Sidwell.

The only bright spark for the end of the month was Nathan Tyson getting called up for England U20’s match against Germany taking place at the Madejski Stadium.

February 2003

The first day of the month saw Reading travel up to the North West and record there biggest win of the season, winning 5-2. Steve Sidwell (2), John Salako (2) and Darius Henderson were the scorers.

Success was to follow for star striker Nicky Forster who was voted readingfc.co.uk Player of the Year 2002, getting 53% of the votes.

On the 6th, speculation mounted that Royals legend Phil Parkinson was being linked with the vacant manager’s role at Colchester United. Later that day Nathan Tyson was the star player as he scored both goals as England U20’s beat there German counterparts 2-1.

The following day Reading recorded a new signing with Manchester United winger Luke Chadwick moving on a month loan. He had looked certain to sign a deal with Cardiff City but it appears Reading’s late interest was a major factor. Also that day, John Salako opened up to the Reading World Camera’s after receiving boo’s from some sections of the Reading crowd. Salako saying “ I’ve never had that booing before, it knocked me off my stride a little bit, I didn’t like it.”

On the 10th, Reading played there first match under the Sky Camera’s with a late winner from John Salako. Luke Chadwick has got the Royals back into it after going 1-0 down.

The 12th saw promising star Nicky Shorey and goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann sign new deals after an impressive season.

Reading then travelled to the New Den on the 14th as they beat Millwall 2-0 with goals from Forster and Henderson.

The 18th saw Reading record a fantastic victory, totally outplaying Neil Warnock’s Sheffield United as we won 3-1. Goals again from Forster (2) and Adie Williams sent the 300 travelling fans into party mood.

The following day saw Adie Williams commit himself with him signing a new deal and also saw Tony Rougier join Steve Coppell’s Brentford on a 1 month loan.

The 22nd saw the Royals easily beat Rotherham 3-0 with goals from Harper, Hughes and Forster. This was a great result at the Madejski Stadium, sending the Beard Day celebrations crazy.

3 days later the Royals said goodbye to a true Royals legend, and we mean that 110% as Phil Parkinson left to become manager at Colchester United. He left us after 10years of service with the hoops.

The 27th saw John Mackie being found guilty of “misconduct for the use of threatening behaviour and/or insulting words to an opponent.” He was given a 3 match ban and £1500 fine. This was not a good day for the future of Reading FC. His actions saw him fined 2 weeks wages in December straight after the incident.

March 2003

The Royals started March by travelling to Selhurst Park to play Wimbledon. But the Royals were beaten 2-0 which wasn’t the start Alan Pardew had hoped for in March.

But 2 days later Alan Pardew was crowned Nationwide Manager of the Month for February and described it as a “real team effort”. His side had played some great stuff over the past month.

On the 5th Reading faced a very difficult trip to Norwich City, which was live on Sky Sports. The Royals managed to win 1-0 after a Darren Kenton own goal 15minutes from time. But the real hero story was the performance of the Royals defence. Steve Brown was ruled out of the match after getting injured against Wimbledon so Adie Viveash had to travel on the day of the game with the readingfc.co.uk team. He hadn’t travelled the night before because it was expect Brown would be fit enough to at least make the bench. But Adie Williams was injured early in the game so it was an unlikely partnership of John Mackie and Viveash who played brilliant and kept the Royals a clean sheet.

The 12th saw Reading lose at home 1-0 to fellow promotion rivals Wolves. Scottish International Kenny Miller got the winner in the 1st half.

3 days later the Royals beat Alan Pardew’s former side Crystal Palace 2-1. Stand in Captain Steve Brown had given Reading the lead after a brillant free kick but moments later Andy Johnson equalised for the Eagles. But in the 94th minute James Harper won the game for Reading sending the crowd and Alan Pardew mad into wild celebrations.

The 17th saw Reading made an amazing bid to sign Italian star Paolo Di Canio on loan. He was in and out of Glenn Roeder’s plans and had a massive bust up following Di Canio being substituted against West Brom. But the moves seriously back fired on the club after West Ham were furious with Alan Pardew for going public. There was tension between the clubs which would have serious implications later on in the year.

The 19th saw Reading travel to Portman Road to face Ipswich. They lost 3-1 and finished the game with 10men after Adie Viveash was sent off for violent conduct.

The 22nd saw Reading travel to Yorkshire to face Bradford City. A goal from Nicky Forster was enough for the 3 points. But the Royals played the majority of the game with 10men after Nathan Tyson was sent off. However the card was rescinded after the referee studied video evidence of the decision.

Transfer deadline day saw Reading get a new player with 2 leaving. Glen Little arrived from Burnley. He was a right-winger who has been talked about as a real prospect for the future. But leaving were fans favourite Sammy Igoe who went to Luton while Andre Boucaud went to Peterborough to join Barry Fry’s team.

April 2003

April started with the news that assistant manager Kevin Dillon had signed a new deal. This was pleasing as he was out of contract at the end of the season.

On the 4th, Steve Coppell’s Brighton and Hove Albion side came down for the live Friday night Sky Clash. The Royals lost 2-1 in bizarre circumstances. Defender Greame Murty passed the ball back to goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann that the American picked up thinking it wasn’t a back pass. But the referee awarded it and then Marcus gave it to Bobby Zamora who showed great skill in quickly passing to Paul Brooker to tap into the empty Royals net. Albion then went 2-0 up thanks to a Paul Kitson header but Jamie Cureton give the Royals a fighting chance with a brilliant struck goal. But the match was marred when Seagulls striker Bobby Zamora threw a football at the ball boy that struck him. Also there was reported crowd trouble before and after the game. Zamora later apologised handing him a signed England shirt and a letter of apology.

The 9th saw the news that defender Adie Whitbread was forced to retire after a long-term knee injury sustained at Oldham in October 01. He made a total of 37 appearances for the club. He received a great tribute from manager Alan Pardew who said “Adie Whitbread played a total of 37 games for this football club and every one of them was played with tenacity, spirit, flair. Whit represents everything I like about football and life. A fantastic professional, a great personality and he will be sorely missed by everyone at this football club”

The following day Nathan Tyson was giving a contract extension for his good performances for the Royals.

The 15th saw Reading thump Preston North End 5-1 at the Madejski Stadium. Nicky Forster bagged his third hat trick in Reading colours and Preston finished the match with 9 men. It lifted the Royals back to 4th spot.

3 days later the Sky cameras were back again for the Good Friday clash against fellow promotion chasers Nottingham Forest. It was a brilliant match in which the Royals won 1-0 thanks to an Andy Hughes header.

But on Easter Monday the Royals were put back in their spot when they were thrashed 3-0 by the Champions Portsmouth. It was a bad day at the office for Reading but was well and truly beaten.

The 24th saw James Harper crowned readingfc.co.uk 2002/2003 Player of the Year. Harper started the season in poor form and was dropped for a short spell but returned for the home clash against Ipswich Town and played behind Nicky Forster. Harper had a brilliant game and since then carried his form all through the season. Harper received 23.67% of the votes with Greame Murty in 2nd place and Nicky Forster 3rd.

The following day Carl Asaba was charged with misconduct after the clash with John Mackie back in December that saw Mackie serve a 3-match ban.

The 26th saw the Royals at home against Grimsby which Reading won 2-1 and secured them a playoff spot alongside Sheffield United. It had been a fantastic achievement for the players; staff and fans that weren’t expected to make such an impact after getting promoted the previous season. It also saw Reading reach a new record after a new all time average record attendance.

The 30th saw Reading field a weakened team as they travelled to Watford. They won 3-0 thanks to goals from Tony Rougier, Darius Henderson and Jamie Cureton. But it was also a special day as it guaranteed Reading at least 4th in the table which would mean the Royals would face home advantage for 2nd leg Playoff semi final which was seen as a big boost for Alan Pardew and his side. But the real history was Peter Castle becoming the youngest ever player to represent Reading at the age of 16 years and 49 days.

May 2003

The 4th May saw Reading finish the league season with a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Stoke at the Britannia Stadium. It was an unusual match for Reading because Stoke needed only 1point to stay up but if Reading won and Brighton won then it would have meant Stoke were relegated. But it finished 1-0 and it also meant we would find out who we would play in the Playoffs and it was Wolves. The first leg was to take play at Molineux on Saturday 10th May Kick Off 17:35pm live on Sky. The second leg was to be played at the Madejski Stadium on Wednesday 14th May Kick Off 20:00pm again like on Sky.

The 6th May saw Royals skipper called up to the Wales squad for the match against USA taking place in the States. It had been well deserved.

The 8th May saw the return of a Royals legend-but only on loan! Phil Parkinson was to travel up with the squad and spend a few days at the club for his experience. It was great to see the legend himself back at the club.

The 10th saw the match take place and despite a brilliant start for the Royals they lost 2-1. Nicky Forster had given the Royals a first half lead after a Nicky Shorey cross that Matt Murray fumbled, ready for Forster to finish. But a Greame Murty own goal on 74minutes and then a Lee Naylor free kick on 82minutes saw the Royals beaten. But the turning point of the game was the injury sustained to star striker Nicky Forster. He suffered a nasty ankle injury that definitely ruled him out for the return leg. Reading also finished the match with 10men after a wreck less challenge by Nathan Tyson. He was to miss the second leg and the start of the 2003/2004 season.

But the 14th saw the Royals season end in terrible heartbreak. Reading had played the best game of their lives but got beat 1-0 thanks to a late Alex Rae goal that saw the Royals lose 3-1 on aggregate. But the performance had given supporters so much encouragement for the coming months ahead and the future.

The 15th saw the Royals announce a pre season tour of Sweden. This was second year in a row they were going abroad after going to Germany the year before that. Also Steve Sidwell was named in the England U21’s squad for the trip to Sardinia. It gave Sidwell time to impress for the upcoming friendly against Serbia & Montenegro.

16th May saw Colchester Manager Phil Parkinson deny that he was interested in taking Joe Gamble to the club.

19th May saw Southampton confirmed as the main pre season opposition for Reading. They had given the smaller clubs a lift last season with them reaching the FA Cup final. The day also saw the news that Phil Whitehead, Tony Rougier, Steve Warren, Sammy Igoe and Alex Smith were not to be offered new deals. But Jamie Cureton, Ricky Newman and Adie Viveash were given new 1 years deal and had the chance to accept or decline. The big question was will they or won’t they?

23rd May saw Joe Gamble leave the club to go on loan to Barnet for 3 months with a view to a permanent loan deal. Gamble has struggled to get into the side for a few years now and a loan deal made sense. It also saw the news that John Mackie was free to leave the club in order to get regular first team football and also Nicky Shorey being crowned young player of the year.

28th May saw Steve Sidwell confirmed in the England U21 squad for the friendly against Serbia & Montenegro.

31st May saw another Royal selected for his country with Marcus Hahnemann selected for the American squad for the Confederations Cup Tournament taking place in France throughout the summer

June 2003

Reading midfielder Steve Sidwell made Reading history on 2nd June by becoming the first Reading player to represent England U21’s when he played against Serbia & Montenegro at the Kingston Communications Stadium, Hull. He was even awarded the Sky Sports Man of the Match. This was all on his debut as well.

The 5th June saw the news that Reading has enquired about the availability of Bristol City winger Scott Murray. But the Royals faced stiff competition from West Brom, Wigan and Cardiff.

The following day James Harper put pen to paper on a new 3-year deal running until 2006. Harper had been in brilliant form last season and he was attracting the interest of Everton.

The 9th saw Marcus Hahnemann start the 1st half for USA against New Zealand. He conceded a goal as USA won 2-1. Also the Royals were linked with a move for Manchester City striker Shaun Goater.

Meanwhile the following day Preston North End boss Craig Brown admitted he would love to sign ex Royal midfielder Glen Little but admitted his wages would be too high. Also Alan Pardew admitted he would be interested in bringing ex England striker Teddy Sheringham to the club but his wage demands would be hard to match. Also Jamie Cureton was to travel to America to spend a few days training with DC United.

The 11th saw Steve Sidwell take his England U21 appearances to 2 after starting the Euro 2004 qualifier against Slovakia. There was also more good news after the Royals broke the 7,000 mark for season ticket holders.

The 13th saw the news that Bristol City had rejected a £500,000 offer for Scott Murray.

3 days later saw Andy Hughes commit his long-term future to Reading until 2006.

The 17th saw Reading win another award with the news that readingfc.co.uk had been voted best website out of teams in the Premiership and Division 1.

The 19th saw Bristol City reject another bid for Scott Murray, this time it being a player plus cash deal. Also the big news was that the fixture list, and it got some amazing run in’s for the Royals. 1st Game would be RFC travelling to Ipswich on 9th August while the 1st home game would have Nottingham Forest coming down to the stadium.

The 24th saw Reading have a bid accepted for Wimbledon striker David Connolly. Also ex Royal Sammy Igoe looked set to sign for local rivals Swindon Town.

The following day the 1st Round of the Carling Cup was made and Reading were to travel to Boston for the match-taking place on the 13th August.

Scottish side Hibernian confirmed there interest in taking defender John Mackie to the club. Also on this day, Adie Viveash had verbally agreed to join Sammy Igoe at local rivals Swindon.

The 29th finally saw the news that Scott Murray was on his way to the Madejski Stadium after Bristol City had accepted a £650,000 offer for him.

30th saw Murray sign after a long drawn out saga.

July 2003

15th July saw Reading lose their opening pre season game at Griffin Park against Brentford who’s contained a number of trialists. Scott Murray made his debut and scored after only 5 minutes before Reading doubled their lead only to go on and lose 3:2. It did not take long for Reading to take their revenge, a day in fact when a stronger Reading side swept aside a inexperienced Brentford team and go on to win by 3:0.

22nd July saw Reading start their tour of Sweden with a 3:1 win against Gefle IF with Tyson grapping two and Henderson the other.

A few days later confirmation came through that Reading had a bid accepted for Manchester City forward, Shaun Goater believed to be around £500,000. It came after Reading failed in a bid to sign Wimbledon’s David Connolly who later went to West Ham for £200,000.

Reading finished there highly successful and enjoyable trip to Sweden with a 1:1 draw with IK Brage with Henderson scoring yet again. A couple of days later Reading played Bournemouth at the Fitness First Stadium only to record a rather dull 0:0 draw.