Sky Sports pundit hopes Reading FC ‘will be up there’.

Don Goodman, a Sky Sports pundit, hopes Reading will challenge for promotion from League One this year after dealing with off-field issues in recent years, but believes it will be a difficult task.

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers, West Bromwich Albion, and Walsall forward is best known for scoring Walsall’s winning goal against the Royals in the 2001 third-tier play-off final, earning him a notorious reputation among fans.

Goodman has been a regular on television for the past 20 years and is one of the EFL’s leading voices. Looking ahead to the new season, Goodman discussed the Royals, Noel Hunt, and life with new owner Rob Couhig.

Speaking exclusively to football betting site talkSPORTBET, he said: “I think the danger when you have success is that the expectation for the following season just ramps up a little bit.

To be honest, what they did last season was quite sensational given the circumstances. “Accumulating 75 points and finishing seventh will only give reason to be optimistic.

I just believe League One will be a lot stronger next season. “When you look at the three relegated from the Championship, plus Bolton, Huddersfield, Rotherham, and Blackpool, I would expect to be there. I believe Stockport will also be there. So I’m not saying Reading can’t do it, but I believe it will be difficult.

“Noel Hunt deserves recognition. He did an excellent job of getting them to their destination. I always enjoy it when fans of a club that has been through it all, such as Reading, are given success and something to cheer about.

So I hope they’re right up there next season.” Reading’s League One season opener is on August 2 at Lincoln City.

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