Round-Up of all the latest Royals news

WEST HAM PROMOTED

Alan Pardew's West Ham United have returned to the Premiership after a two year absence. The Hammers beat Preston North End at the Millennium Stadium 1:0 with reported Reading target Bobby Zamora scoring the all important goal. After the game manager Alan Pardew hit back at his critics, talking to Sky Sports the former Royals chief stated;

"We proved a lot of people wrong after they said we didn't turn up last year."

"It's a team effort. It was a great effort and we're chuffed back where we belong and that's important."

While in the League One Play-Off final Sheffield Wednesday returned to the Championship after a thrilling encounter against Hartlepool United. Wednesday eventually won the game 4:2 after extra time. Although it could have been so different if Wednesday had not been awarded a penalty with ten minutes to go as Chris Westwood was adjudged to have fouled Drew Talbot in the box. Westwood was consequently shown a red card. Steven MacLean stepped up and tucked away the penalty and the game was sealed in extra time as Glenn Whelan and Drew Talbot scored either side of the break.

The Royals now know which teams they will be facing next season with Southampton, Crystal Palace and Norwich City from the Premiership and Luton Town, Hull City and Sheffield Wednesday all promoted from League One visiting the Madejski Stadium next season.

The fixture list for the 05/06 Championship season will be released on June 23rd at 10am.

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In other news the trio of Jamie Young, Darren Campbell and Simieon Howell have all agreed new one year contracts at the club. All three were out of contract this summer but have decided to stay put with The Royals. The club are hoping that Young and Howell can both be loaned out in order to gain first team experience as they enter their 'make or break' season at the club.

Although missing most of last season through injury, Darren Campbell has been awarded a new contract at the club. Director Of Football Nicky Hammond had been impressed with his professionalism after his cruciate injury which left him on the sidelines.

Nicky Forster has has also been offered a new one year contract but has yet to sign. Forster has stated he will look at other offers first before committing another season with The Royals.