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

After struggling off the pitch in recent years, Sky Sports analyst Don Goodman hopes to see Reading challenge for promotion from

League One this year, but he thinks it will be difficult.

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers, West Bromwich Albion and Walsall forward infamously scored Walsall’s winner against the

Royals in the 2001 third tier play-off final, gaining a notorious reputation among supporters.

A regular on television for the last 20 years, Goodman is one of the leading voices of the EFL.

Looking ahead to the new season, Goodman spoke of the Royals, Noel Hunt and life under new owner Rob Couhig.

“I think the danger when you have success is that the expectation for the next season just ramps up a little bit,” he remarked in an

exclusive interview with sports betting website talkSPORTBET. To tell the truth, what they did last season under the conditions was

pretty spectacular.

“Accumulating 75 points, finishing seventh, that is going to just give cause for optimism. I just feel League One is going to be a lot

stronger next season.

“I would anticipate being among the three Championship relegated teams as well as Bolton, Huddersfield, Rotherham, and

Blackpool.” I believe Stockport will also be present. While I don’t think Reading can’t succeed, I do believe it will be difficult.

“Noel Hunt deserves a tip of the hat. He did a fantastic job of getting them to their destination. When supporters of a team that has

endured hardships like Reading are granted triumph and something to truly celebrate, I always adore it. Therefore, my personal goal

is for them to be at the top next season.

The first League One game of the season will take place at Lincoln City on August 2.

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