2008–09 Reading F.C. season

{{see also|The Football League 2008–09}}

Reading opened their pre-season with an away game against Didcot Town, winning 9–0,{{cite news | date=2008-07-15 | url=http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1343086,00.html | title=Royals hit nine to sink Didcot | work=readingfc.co.uk | access-date=2008-08-05 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915140526/http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1343086,00.html | archive-date=15 September 2008 | url-status=dead }} with nine different scorers, including a fan who won the opportunity to play at a charity auction. After further away wins at Forest Green Rovers (2–0),{{cite news | date=2008-07-16 | url=http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1344746,00.html | title=Royals edge out Forest Green | work=readingfc.co.uk | access-date=2008-08-05 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080919093735/http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1344746,00.html | archive-date=19 September 2008 | url-status=dead }} Havant & Waterlooville (1–0){{cite news | date=2008-07-16 | url=http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1345538,00.html | title=Royals edge past gutsy Havant | work=readingfc.co.uk | access-date=2008-08-05 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080927141529/http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1345538,00.html | archive-date=27 September 2008 | url-status=dead }} and MK Dons (2–1),{{cite news | date=2008-07-19 | url=http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1347203,00.html | title=Royals see off MK Dons | work=readingfc.co.uk | access-date=2008-08-05 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080821174056/http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1347203,00.html | archive-date=21 August 2008 | url-status=dead }} Reading went on a three-game friendly tour of Sweden, winning their three games against FC Trollhättan (4–1){{cite news | date=2008-07-25 | url=http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1350646,00.html | title=Lita scores four in friendly win | work=readingfc.co.uk | access-date=2008-08-05 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080919093755/http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1350646,00.html | archive-date=19 September 2008 | url-status=dead }} in which Leroy Lita scored all four, against Lerkils IF (1–0){{cite news | date=2008-07-26 | url=http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1351841,00.html | title=Long goal sees off Lerkils | work=readingfc.co.uk | access-date=2008-08-05 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914220339/http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1351841,00.html | archive-date=14 September 2008 | url-status=dead }} and against Halmstads BK (3–1){{cite news | date=2008-07-30 | url=http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1353804,00.html | title=Royals see off Halmstads 3–1 | work=readingfc.co.uk | access-date=2008-08-05 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080919093811/http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1353804,00.html | archive-date=19 September 2008 | url-status=dead }} in which new signing Noel Hunt scored for the first time, ultimately scoring two. Reading's last friendly, and only home friendly, was against Aston Villa, and finished 1–1.{{cite news | date=2008-08-04 | url=http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1356996,00.html | title=Karacan nets in Villa draw | work=readingfc.co.uk | access-date=2008-08-05 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080904111818/http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1356996,00.html | archive-date=4 September 2008 | url-status=dead }} It was Reading's only pre-season game that they did not win.

Reading's league campaign began with a 0–0 draw at promoted Nottingham Forest. In a game of few chances, Kevin Doyle came closest for the Royals, glancing a header goalwards from a Stephen Hunt cross, that Forest goalkeeper Paul Smith did well to tip on to the crossbar.

Two days later, the Royals enjoyed their first victory of the season, as a late Noel Hunt goal, on his competitive debut for Reading, secured a 2–1 victory at Dagenham and Redbridge in the 1st round of the League Cup. James Henry had opened the scoring for Reading in the first half, with his first goal for the club, tapping home after Shane Long had beaten the Dagenham goalkeeper to a cross.

Reading's first home league match followed on 16 August, a game the Royals deservedly won 2–0, Ibrahima Sonko crashing home two headers, one in each half, both from Stephen Hunt corners.

A week later, the Royals lost a thrilling game 2–4 against Charlton Athletic. Matt Holland and Andy Gray's penalty gave the Addicks a 2–0 lead but Ibrahima Sonko kept up his scoring form with a thumping header before half-time. Stephen Hunt's retaken penalty completed the comeback for Reading, but further goals for Luke Varney and Hamer Bouazza gave Charlton all three points.

The Royals returned to the Madesjki on 26 August with a thumping 5–1 victory over Luton Town in the League Cup 2nd Round. Noel Hunt opened the scoring after nodding in brother Stephen Hunt's cross. Soon later it was the other way around, Noel Hunt sliding in a cross and Stephen Hunt slotted home. Alex Pearce, Jem Karacan and James Henry all got their first goals for the club. A consolation for Luton was scored by Ryan Charles.

The month started at Portman Road, Ipswich. Reading's bad away form continued as The Royals lost 2–0 to the hands of Ipswich Town. The game was followed up by the biggest win of the season, so far, as Reading forced six passed Sheffield Wednesday. The Royals were 2–0 up within 10 minutes, Kevin Doyle scoring them both. André Bikey got the third on the half hour mark. Noel Hunt got the fourth on the fiftieth minute. Doyle scored his third of the game and two minutes later Reading were 6–0 up. It stayed that way until the end of the match.

Watford. Reading came to Watford sitting fourth in the Championship. Reading took the lead on the 13th minute. The goal was scored by no-one! The goal was not claimed for by any Reading player. Watford soon went 2–1 up and an 89th minute spot kick was turned in by S. Hunt.

Reading played a cup side in the League Cup as the Royals headed to Stoke to play the Premier League side Stoke City. Reading battled hard only losing to the Premier League side on spot kicks, 4–3, after a 2–2 draw.

Reading played Swansea City and a 4–0 win set up a game with Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Royals went 1–0 up when an own goal by Wolverhampton Wanderers started off a hammering for Wolves. André Bikey made it 2–0 and Kalifa Cissé made a Reading win a game to forget for Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Burnley came to Reading. Reading won the game 3–1. The Hunt Brothers scored two and Shane Long made it 3–0. Burnley scored a goal, but it was too little to late. Away days. Reading lost to the hands of Preston North End 2–1. Mix ups saw a loss come to Reading's hands.

A home game to Doncaster Rovers followed. The Royals only won 2–1. This happened after Reading going 1–0 up, then Doncaster scored. One minute later the Royals scored to win the match.

A draw to Queens Park Rangers in front of the Sky Sports cameras at home, 0–0, and a loss, 1–0, away to Burnley rounded off a bad month for the Royals, home and away.

Reading returned to winning ways at Ashton Gate as the Royals opened November with a 4–1 win away to Bristol City. Kevin Doyle (twice) and Noel Hunt scored from close range, before Kalifa Cissé added Reading's fourth, smashing the ball into the top right-hand corner of the goal from outside of the penalty area. Reading's excellent home form continued the following weekend, Doyle (2) and Noel Hunt again got on the scoresheet in a 3–0 victory over Derby County.

The Royals secured a third successive victory at Bramall Lane the following weekend, Kalifa Cissé opening the scoring in the 5th minute, before a Kevin Doyle header, just before half-time, completed a 2–0 win at Sheffield United. Reading then lost to Southampton at home 2–1. The Royals' 1st home defeat of the season so-far. Kébé scored his 1st Reading goal. The Royals then headed off to Wales to play Cardiff City. Reading went 1–0 and 2–1 down. At 1–1, Reading were down to 10 men as André Bikey got sent off. Reading's scores were Kevin Doyle and Brynjar Gunnarsson in a 2–2 draw.

Reading were playing Coventry City at home in front of the Sky Sports Cameras. The Royals went 1–0 down, but came back to win 3–1. Reading won 1–0 at Barnsley and at home to Blackpool. A late rally by Reading help them win 2–0 at home to Norwich City. Reading moved into 2nd as Reading won 3–1 at then 2nd place Birmingham City.

Reading then had a home draw, 1–1, to Cardiff City. The Welsh side went 1–0 in the 89th minute, but Reading's keeper Adam Federici scored in the 6th minute of injury time. Reading then drew 1–1 at Southampton.

Reading met Cardiff City for the third time in six weeks in the FA Cup third round, and a largely second-string side were defeated 2–0 at Ninian Park, to end the Royals' eight-match unbeaten run.

The Royals returned to the Madejski Stadium for the first league match of the calendar year, completing a 4–0 victory over Watford. Chris Armstrong opened the scoring with his first ever goal for Reading, before Kevin Doyle, Noel Hunt and Leroy Lita, back from Norwich, added to the tally. A 2–0 defeat at Welsh side Swansea City followed, to end a run of 9 league matches unbeaten for Reading, before league leaders Wolves were beaten 1–0 at the Madejski Stadium, the game decided by a second-minute own-goal scored by Wolves' Neill Collins. The result closed the gap between Wolves and Reading, in 2nd place, to two points. January ended with a goalless draw at Loftus Road, as Reading and Q.P.R. drew 0–0 for the second time this season.

On the 6th of the month it was revealed that Bobby Convey had left the club by mutual consent.{{cite web|url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1547512,00.html |title = Reading {{!}} News {{!}} Latest News {{!}} Latest News {{!}} Royals confirm Convey departure |access-date=2009-02-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090312062251/http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10306~1547512%2C00.html |archive-date=12 March 2009 }} A second consecutive 0–0 draw followed, as the Royals were held at home by Preston. On 13 February it was revealed that Ivar Ingimarsson would be out injured for the rest of the season, scheduled for surgery on a knee cartilage problem. Reading's goal drought continued two weeks later, at home to Bristol City, as the Royals lost 2–0, a second home defeat of the season. Nottingham Forest visited the Madejski Stadium on 28 February, as the Royals slumped to a second straight home defeat, and a sixth consecutive game without scoring.

Reading secured a first win in five games under floodlights at Hillsborough, defeating Sheffield Wednesday 2–1, Kevin Doyle heading home from a corner, and Shane Long scoring the winner with nine minutes left.

The Royals headed to Home Park, Plymouth to play Plymouth Argyle. Reading went 1–0 down, but Alex Pearce scored two minutes later. Argyle went 2–1 up and in the 80th minute, Jimmy Kebe scored, through the keepers legs.

Reading played Charlton Athletic, at home, next. Reading drew 2–2 with two goals from young Irish striker Shane Long. However the Royals were denied victory by a last gasp equaliser. Reading next lost to Ipswich Town 1–0. The Royals went 1–0 down just 1 minute after the break. That meant the Royals went into a three match winless run with renewed purpose.

However, that was forgotten in midweek as they won 1–0 at Doncaster Rovers, thanks to a late Dave Kitson winner eight minutes from time. Kitson had returned to the club on loan, as did Glen Little.

The Royals ended the month with successive goalless draws, against Crystal Palace, eventually dropping into 4th place after Sheffield United's win over Barnsley.

The first game of April was away to Coventry City which ended in bore draw of 0–0. Both teams creating very little in another disappointing performance from the Royals.

On 10 April 2009, Sheffield United travelled to the Madjeski for an evening game in a real six-pointer with both teams needing the win to help secure that valuable play-off place. It ended in Reading losing 1–0 with Brian Howard scoring a scrappy goal on the hour mark.

On 13 April 2009, the Royals travelled to Bloomfield Road to face Blackpool and after taking a 2–0 lead, eventually drew 2–2. Jem Karacan scored his first goal of the season and league goal for the Royals.

A goalless draw with Barnsley at home meant Reading had now gone 7 home games without a win. However, the Royals showed a return to form on the following Tuesday night with a 2–0 win at Derby County, Dave Kitson and Shane Long the goalscorers.

With results having gone their way at the weekend, Reading went into their Monday night game with Norwich City knowing that only a win would keep their hopes of automatic promotion alive. Shane Long inspired Reading to a 2–0 win with both goals, both of them headers from Jimmy Kebe crosses. Reading, 4th, needed to win going into a clash with Birmingham City, 2nd. Reading lost 2–1 and Birmingham went up. Reading need to win to go up to the Premier League at the first attempt, and Sheffield United didn't win against Crystal Palace. United drew 0–0. If the Royals had won they would have gone up on Goal-Difference.

André Bikey was sent off as Reading lost the first leg of their play-off semi-final at Burnley by a single goal. Bikey was sent off for a stamp on Robbie Blake, minutes after pulling back Burnley striker Steve Thompson to gift the Clarets the winning penalty, scored by Graham Alexander. Burnley advanced to the final at Wembley three days later as Reading lost the second leg 2–0, goals from Martin Paterson, and Thompson, sealing Burnley's win. Hours after Burnley winning the game Steve Coppell resigned as Manager of the club.

{{updated|match played 12 May 2009}}

{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

{{Cnote2 Begin}}

{{Cnote2 End}}

{{fs start}}

{{fs player|no=38|nat=IRL|pos=MF|name=Scott Davies|other=at Aldershot Town until end of the season}}

{{fs mid}}

{{fs player|no=41|nat=ENG|pos=GK|name=Ben Hamer|other=at Brentford until end of the season}}

{{fs end}}

{{Fs start}}

{{fs player|no=3 |nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Nicky Shorey|other=to Aston Villa}}

{{fs player|no=17|nat=USA|pos=MF|name=Bobby Convey|other=}}

{{fs player|no=20|nat=CIV|pos=MF|name=Emerse Fae|other=to OGC Nice}}

{{Fs mid}}

{{fs player|no=31|nat=SEN|pos=DF|name=Ibrahima Sonko|other=to Stoke City}}

{{fs player|no=37|nat=ISL|pos=FW|name=Viktor Illugason|other=to Valur}}

{{Fs end}}

{{Main|List of English football transfers summer 2008|List of English football transfers winter 2008–09}}

{{Fb overview2

|c=3

|c1=Championship |fm1=10 August 2008 |lm1=3 May 2009 |sr1=Matchday 1 |fp1=4th |w1=21|d1=14|l1=11|f1=72|a1=40

|c2=Championship Play-offs |fm2=9 May 2009 |lm2=12 May 2009 |sr2=Semifinal |fp2=Semifinal |w2=0 |d2=0 |l2=2 |f2=0 |a2=3

|c3=FA Cup |fm3=3 January 2009 |lm3=3 January 2009 |sr3=Third round |fp3=Third round |w3=0 |d3=0 |l3=1 |f3=0 |a3=2

|c4=League Cup |fm4=12 August 2008 |lm4=23 September 2008 |sr4=First round |fp4=Third round |w4=2 |d4=0 |l4=1 |f4=9 |a4=4

|u=12 May 2009

|s=

}}

{{Main|2008–09 Football League Championship}}

{{Fb_rs |hw=12 |hd=5 |hl=6 |hgf=40 |hga=17 |aw=9 |ad=9 |al=5 |agf=32 |aga=23 }}

{{Fb_rs_footer|u=8 April 2011|s=[http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/LeagueTable/0,,10306,00.html Reading FC] |date=May 2011}}

{{#invoke:sports rbr table|table|legendpos=b|header=Round

|label1= Ground

| res1=A /H /A /H /A /H /A /H /A /H /A /H /H /A /A /H /A /H /A /H /A /H /H /A /H /A /H /A /H /A /H /H /H /A /A /H /H /A /A /A /H /A /H /A /A /H

|label2= Result

| res2=D /W /L /W /L /W /D /W /W /W /L /W /D /L /W /W /W /L /D /W /W /W /W /W /D /D /W /L /W /D /D /L /L /W /D /D /L /W /D /D /L /D /D /W /W /L

|label3= Position

| res3=14 /5/10 /6 /8 /4 /6 /3 /3 /3 /3 /3 /3 /4 /3 /3 /3 /3 /3 /3 /3 /3 /3 /2 /2 /2 /2 /2 /2 /2 /2 /3 /3 /2 /3 /3 /3 /3 /3 /4 /5 /5 /5 /4 /4 /4

|text_H=Home|text_A=Away

|color_W=green2|text_W=Win

|color_D=yellow2|text_D=Draw

|color_L=red2|text_L=Loss

|color_1=1st|color_2=2nd|color_3=3rd|color_18-=red1

|source=[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/reading/results/default.stm BBC Sport]

|date=December 2011

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=1

|date=10 August 2008

|time=13:15 BST (UTC+1)

|team1=Nottingham Forest

|score= 0–0

|report = [http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~43661,00.html Report]

|team2=Reading

|goals1=

|goals2=

|stadium=City Ground

|attendance=21,571

|referee=Stuart Atwell

|result= D

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date=16 August 2008

|round=2

|time=15:00 BST (UTC+1)

|team1=Reading

|score= 2–0

|report = [http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~43705,00.html Report]

|team2=Plymouth Argyle

|goals1=Sonko {{goal|13||49}}

|goals2=

|stadium=Madejski Stadium

|attendance=19,202

|referee=Richard Beeby

|result= W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=3

|date=23 August 2008

|time=12:45 BST (UTC+1)

|team1=Charlton Athletic

|score= 4–2

|report = [http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~43748,00.html Report]

|team2=Reading

|goals1=Holland {{goal|25}}
Gray {{goal|41|pen.}}
Varney {{goal|68}}
Bouazza {{goal|71}}

|goals2=Sonko {{goal|45}}
S Hunt {{goal|53|pen.}}
Sonko {{sent off|0|84}}

|stadium=The Valley

|attendance=20,020

|referee=Lee Mason

|result= L

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=4

|date=30 August 2008

|time=15:00 BST (UTC+1)

|team1=Reading

|score= 4–2

|report = [http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~43645,00.html Report]

|team2=Crystal Palace

|goals1=Harper {{goal|18}}
Doyle {{goal|65||67||89}}

|goals2=Carle {{goal|38|pen.}}
Soares {{goal|64}}

|stadium=Madejski Stadium

|attendance=20,441

|referee=Clive Penton

|result= W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=5

|date= 13 September 2008

|time=15:00 BST (UTC+1)

|team1=Ipswich Town

|score= 2–0

|report = [http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~43858,00.html Report]

|team2=Reading

|goals1=Stead {{goal|63}}
Walters {{goal|84}}

|goals2=

|stadium=Portman Road

|attendance=21,366

|referee=Keith Hill

|result= L

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=6

|date=17 September 2008

|time=20:00 BST (UTC+1)

|team1=Reading

|score= 6–0

|report = [http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~43893,00.html Report]

|team2=Sheffield Wednesday

|goals1=Doyle {{goal|5||9||62}}
Bikey {{goal|30}}
N Hunt {{goal|50||64}}

|goals2=

|stadium=Madejski Stadium

|attendance=18,159

|referee=Andy Woolmer

|result= W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=7

|date= 20 September 2008

|time=15:00 BST (UTC+1)

|team1=Watford

|score= 2–2

|report = [http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~43920,00.html Report]

|team2=Reading

|goals1=Smith {{goal|57}}
O'Toole {{goal|64}}

|goals2=Eustace {{goal|13|o.g.}}
S Hunt {{goal|87|pen.}}

|stadium=Vicarage Road

|attendance=14,761

|referee=Stuart Atwell

|result= D

|note = In Reading's match at Watford, John Eustace apparently scored an own goal for Reading, giving Reading the lead. However, replays show that the ball passed the line, but didn't go in between the posts. It was given by referee Stuart Atwell on the say so of his assistant Nigel Bannister who flagged for the goal.

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=8

|date= 27 September 2008

|time=15:00 BST (UTC+1)

|team1=Reading

|score= 4–0

|report = [http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~43964,00.html Report]

|team2=Swansea City

|goals1=N Hunt {{goal|19}}
Doyle {{goal|26||90}}
S Hunt {{goal|40}}

|goals2=

|stadium=Madejski Stadium

|attendance=20,093

|referee=Scott Mathieson

|result= W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=9

|date= 30 September 2008

|time=19:45 BST (UTC+1)

|team1=Wolverhampton Wanderers

|score= 0–3

|report = [http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~44002,00.html Report]

|team2=Reading

|goals1=

|goals2=Hennessey {{goal|4|o.g.}}
Bikey {{goal|71}}
Cissé {{goal|89}}

|stadium=Molineux Stadium

|attendance=24,302

|referee=Rob Shoebridge

|result= W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=10

|date= 4 October 2008

|time=15:00 BST (UTC+1)

|team1=Reading

|score= 3–1

|report = [http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~44021,00.html Report]

|team2=Burnley

|goals1=N Hunt {{goal|4}}
S Hunt {{goal|52}}
Long {{goal|64}}

|goals2= McCann {{goal|89}}

|stadium=Madejski Stadium

|attendance=18,621

|referee=Kevin Friend

|result= W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=11

|date=18 October 2008

|time=15:00 BST (UTC+1)

|team1=Preston North End

|score= 2–1

|report = [http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~44086,00.html Report]

|team2=Reading

|goals1=Ingimarsson {{goal|54|o.g.}}
Elliott {{goal|81}}

|goals2=S Hunt {{goal|27|pen.}}

|stadium=Deepdale

|attendance=12,316

|referee=Nigel Miller

|result= L

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=12

|date=21 October 2008

|time=20:00 BST (UTC+1)

|team1=Reading

|score= 2–1

|report = [http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~44204,00.html Report]

|team2=Doncaster Rovers

|goals1=Bikey {{goal|18}}
Doyle {{goal|76}}

|goals2=Van Nieuwstadt {{goal|74}}

|stadium=Madejski Stadium

|attendance=17,924

|referee=Darren Deadman

|result= W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=13

|date=25 October 2008

|time=15:00 BST (UTC+1)

|team1=Reading

|score= 0–0

|report = [http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~44412,00.html Report]

|team2=Queens Park Rangers

|goals1=

|goals2=

|stadium=Madejski Stadium

|attendance=20,571

|referee=Chris Foy

|result= D

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=14

|date=28 October 2008

|time=19:45 GMT

|team1=Burnley

|score= 1–0

|report = [http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~44447,00.html Report]

|team2=Reading

|goals1=Blake {{goal|81}}

|goals2=

|stadium=Turf Moor

|attendance=11,538

|referee=Martin Haywood

|result= L

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date=1 November 2008

|round=15

|time=15:00 GMT

|team1=Bristol City

|score= 1–4

|report = [http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~44494,00.html Report]

|team2=Reading

|goals1=John {{goal|90+3}}

|goals2=Doyle {{goal|14||47}}
N Hunt {{goal|16}}
Cissé {{goal|54}}

|stadium=Ashton Gate

|attendance=18,296

|referee=Jonathan Moss

|result= W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=16

|date=8 November 2008

|time=15:00 GMT

|team1=Reading

|score= 3–0

|report = [http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~44545,00.html Report]

|team2=Derby County

|goals1=N Hunt {{goal|20}}
Doyle {{goal|68||75}}

|goals2=

|stadium=Madejski Stadium

|attendance=18,724

|referee=Scott Mathieson

|result= W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=17

|date=15 November 2008

|time=15:00 GMT

|team1=Sheffield United

|score= 0–2

|report = [http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~44570,00.html Report]

|team2=Reading

|goals1=

|goals2=Cissé {{goal|5}}
Doyle {{goal|44}}

|stadium=Bramall Lane

|attendance=25,065

|referee=Michael Oliver

|result= W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=18

|date=22 November 2008

|time=15:00 GMT

|team1=Reading

|score= 1–2

|report = [http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~44613,00.html Report]

|team2=Southampton

|goals1=Kébé {{goal|57}}

|goals2=Wright-Phillips {{goal|14||49|}}

|stadium=Madejski Stadium

|attendance=23,121

|referee=Lee Probert

|result= L

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=19

|date=25 November 2008

|time=19:45 GMT

|team1=Cardiff City

|score= 2–2

|report = [http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~44646,00.html Report]

|team2=Reading

|goals1=Routledge {{goal|10}}
McCormack {{goal|41|pen.}}

|goals2=Doyle {{goal|16}} Bikey {{sent off|0|30}}
Gunnarsson {{goal|50}}

|stadium=Ninian Park

|attendance=17,154

|referee=Peter Walton

|result= D

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=20

|date= 1 December 2008

|time=20:00 GMT

|team1=Reading

|score= 3–1

|report = [http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~46814,00.html Report]

|team2=Coventry City

|goals1=N Hunt {{goal|32||62}} Cissé {{goal|37}}

|goals2=Fox {{goal|26}}

|stadium=Madejski Stadium

|attendance=16,803

|referee=Kevin Wright

|result= W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=21

|date=6 December 2008

|time=15:15² GMT

|team1=Barnsley

|score= 0–1

|report = [http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~44305,00.html Report]

|team2=Reading

|goals1=

|goals2=Kebe {{sent off|0|36}}
Gunnarsson {{goal|63}}

|stadium=Oakwell

|attendance=11,938

|referee=Clive Oliver

|result= W

|note= The game was delayed by 15 minutes after the Reading team bus broke down on the M1.

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=22

|date=9 December 2008

|time=20:00 GMT

|team1=Reading

|score= 1–0

|report = [http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~44348,00.html Report]

|team2=Blackpool

|goals1=Ingimarsson {{goal|27}}

|goals2=Hendrie {{sent off|0|30}}

|stadium=Madejski Stadium

|attendance=16,514

|referee=Jarnail Singh

|result= W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=23

|date=13 December 2008

|time=15:00 GMT

|team1=Reading

|score= 2–0

|report = [http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~44369,00.html Report]

|team2=Norwich City

|goals1=S Hunt {{goal|84|pen.}} Long {{goal|86}}

|goals2=

|stadium=Madejski Stadium

|attendance=19,382

|referee=Trevor Kettle

|result= W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=24

|date= 20 December 2008

|time=12:45 GMT

|team1=Birmingham City

|score= 1–3

|report = [http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~44408,00.html Report]

|team2=Reading

|goals1=Phillips {{goal|60}}

|goals2=N Hunt {{goal|12}}
Doyle {{goal|65}}
Cissé {{goal|81}}

|stadium=St Andrews

|attendance=19,695

|referee=Mike Dean

|result= W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=25

|date= 26 December 2008

|time=15:00 GMT

|team1=Reading

|score= 1–1

|report = [http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~43584,00.html Report]

|team2=Cardiff City

|goals1=Federici {{goal|90+6}}

|goals2=Chopra {{goal|89}}

|stadium=Madejski Stadium

|attendance=22,770

|referee=Andy Hall

|result= D

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=26

|date= 28 December 2008

|time=15:00 GMT

|team1=Southampton

|score= 1–1

|report = [http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~43633,00.html Report]

|team2=Reading

|goals1=McGoldrick {{goal|74}}

|goals2=Long {{goal|84}}

|stadium=St Mary's Stadium

|attendance=20,142

|referee=Phil Crossley

|result= D

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=27

|date= 10 January 2009

|time=12:45 GMT

|team1=Reading

|score= 4–0

|report = [http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~46940,00.html Report]

|team2=Watford

|goals1=Armstrong {{goal|38}}
N Hunt {{goal|66}}
Doyle {{goal|67}}
Lita {{goal|88}}

|goals2=

|stadium=Madejski Stadium

|attendance=18,072

|referee=Andy D'Urso

|result= W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=28

|date= 17 January 2009

|time=15:00 GMT

|team1=Swansea City

|score= 2–0

|report = [http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~45351,00.html Report]

|team2=Reading

|goals1=Scotland {{goal|44}}
Orlandi {{goal|89}}

|goals2=Rosenior {{sent off|2|75|80}}

|stadium=Liberty Stadium

|attendance=15,197

|referee=F Graham

|result= L

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=29

|date= 27 January 2009

|time=20:00 GMT

|team1=Reading

|score= 1–0

|report = [http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~45415,00.html Report]

|team2=Wolverhampton Wanderers

|goals1=Collins {{goal|2|o.g.}}

|goals2=Collins {{sent off|0|90+3}}

|stadium=Madejski Stadium

|attendance=23,009

|referee=John Booth

|result= W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=30

|date= 31 January 2009

|time=15:00 GMT

|team1=Queens Park Rangers

|score= 0–0

|report = [http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~45465,00.html Report]

|team2=Reading

|goals1=

|goals2=

|stadium=Loftus Road

|attendance=17,120

|referee=John Moss

|result= D

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=31

|date= 7 February 2009

|time=15:00 GMT

|team1=Reading

|score= 0–0

|report = [http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~43507,00.html Report]

|team2=Preston North End

|goals1=

|goals2=

|stadium=Madejski Stadium

|attendance=19,570

|referee=Mike Jones

|result= D

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=32

|date= 21 February 2009

|time=15:00 GMT

|team1=Reading

|score= 0–2

|report = [http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~44706,00.html Report]

|team2=Bristol City

|goals1=

|goals2=Adebola {{goal|26}}
Rosenior {{goal|48|o.g.}}

|stadium=Madejski Stadium

|attendance=22,462

|referee=Andy Penn

|result= L

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=33

|date= 28 February

|time=15:00 GMT

|team1=Reading

|score= 0–1

|report = [http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~44750,00.html Report]

|team2=Nottingham Forest

|goals1=

|goals2=McGugan {{goal|61}}

|stadium=Madejski Stadium

|attendance=21,196

|referee=Neil Swarbrick

|result= L

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=34

|date= 3 March 2009

|time=19:45 GMT

|team1=Sheffield Wednesday

|score= 1–2

|report = [http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~44795,00.html Report]

|team2=Reading

|goals1=McAllister {{goal|44}}

|goals2=Doyle {{goal|56}}
Long {{goal|81}}

|stadium=Hillsborough Stadium

|attendance=19,268

|referee=Andy Hall

|result= W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=35

|date= 7 March 2009

|time=15:00 GMT

|team1=Plymouth Argyle

|score= 2–2

|report = [http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~44834,00.html Report]

|team2=Reading

|goals1=Gallagher {{goal|20}}
Mackie {{goal|56}}

|goals2=Pearce {{goal|22}}
Kebe {{goal|80}}

|stadium=Home Park

|attendance=14,014

|referee=Anthony Bates

|result= D

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=36

|date= 9 March 2009

|time=20:00 GMT

|team1=Reading

|score= 2–2

|report = [http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~44866,00.html Report]

|team2=Charlton Athletic

|goals1=Long {{goal|46|pen.|66}}

|goals2=Bailey {{goal|16}}
Hudson {{goal|85}}

|stadium=Madejski Stadium

|attendance=17,875

|referee=Anthony Taylor

|result= D

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=37

|date= 14 March 2009

|time=15:00 GMT

|team1=Reading

|score= 0–1

|report = [http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~44912,00.html Report]

|team2=Ipswich Town

|goals1=

|goals2=Stead {{goal|47}}

|stadium=Madejski Stadium

|attendance=20,592

|referee=Michael Oliver

|result= L

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=38

|date= 17 March 2009

|time=19:45 GMT

|team1=Doncaster Rovers

|score= 0–1

|report = [http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~43461,00.html Report]

|team2=Reading

|goals1=

|goals2=Kitson {{goal|82}}

|stadium=Keepmoat Stadium

|attendance=10,393

|referee=Paul Taylor

|result= W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=39

|date= 21 March 2009

|time=17:20 GMT

|team1=Crystal Palace

|score= 0–0

|report = [http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~44955,00.html Report]

|team2=Reading

|goals1=

|goals2=Rosenior {{sent off|2|35|71}}

|stadium=Selhurst Park

|attendance=14,567

|referee=Andy D'Urso

|result= D

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=40

|date= 4 April 2009

|time=15:00 BST (UTC+1)

|team1=Coventry City

|score= 0–0

|report = [http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~45025,00.html Report]

|team2=Reading

|goals1=

|goals2=

|stadium=Ricoh Arena

|attendance=17,281

|referee=Tim Kettle

|result= D

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=41

|date= 10 April 2009

|time=17:30 BST (UTC+1)

|team1=Reading

|score= 0–1

|report = [http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~45072,00.html Report]

|team2=Sheffield United

|goals1=

|goals2=Howard {{goal|59}}

|stadium=Madejski Stadium

|attendance=20,756

|referee=Keith Friend

|result= L

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=42

|date= 13 April 2009

|time=15:00 BST (UTC+1)

|team1=Blackpool

|score= 2–2

|report = [http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~45103,00.html Report]

|team2=Reading

|goals1=Southern {{goal|31}}
Campbell {{goal|66}}

|goals2=N Hunt {{goal|10}}
Karacan {{goal|24}}

|stadium=Bloomfield Road

|attendance=7,722

|referee=Tim Kettle

|result= D

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=43

|date= 18 April 2009

|time=15:00 BST (UTC+1)

|team1=Reading

|score= 0–0

|report = [http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~45154,00.html Report]

|team2=Barnsley

|goals1=

|goals2=

|stadium=Madjeski Stadium

|attendance=19,240

|referee=R. Beeby

|result= D

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=44

|date= 21 April 2009

|time=19:45 BST (UTC+1)

|team1=Derby County

|score= 0–2

|report = [http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~44660,00.html Report]

|team2=Reading

|goals1=

|goals2=Kitson {{goal|56}}
Long {{goal|73}}

|stadium=Pride Park Stadium

|attendance=31,345

|referee=C. Webster

|result= W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=45

|date= 27 April 2009

|time=19:45 BST (UTC+1)

|team1=Norwich City

|score= 0–2

|report = [http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~45200,00.html Report]

|team2=Reading

|goals1=

|goals2=Long {{goal|68||78}}

|stadium=Carrow Road

|attendance=25,041

|referee=C. Oliver

|result= W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|round=46

|date= 3 May 2009

|time=13:15 BST (UTC+1)

|team1=Reading

|score= 1–2

|report = [http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~44149,00.html Report]

|team2=Birmingham City

|goals1=Matejovsky {{goal|61}}

|goals2=Fahey {{goal|19}}
Phillips {{goal|60}}

|stadium=Madejski Stadium

|attendance=23,879

|referee=Howard Webb

|result= L

}}

{{main|2008–09 Football League Championship#Playoffs}}

{{football box collapsible

|date=9 May 2009

|round=1st Leg

|time=17:20 BST (UTC+1)

|team1=Burnley

|score= 1 – 0

|report = [http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~47259,00.html Report]

|team2=Reading

|goals1=Alexander {{goal|84|pen.}}

|goals2=Bikey {{sent off|0|90+4}}

|stadium=Turf Moor

|attendance= 18,005

|referee= Martin Atkinson

|result= L

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date=12 May 2009

|round=2nd Leg

|time=19:45 BST (UTC+1)

|team1=Reading

|score= 0 – 2

|aggregatescore= 0 – 3

|report = [http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~47263,00.html Report]

|team2=Burnley

|goals1=

|goals2=Paterson {{goal|51}}
Thompson {{goal|58}}

|stadium=Madjeski Stadium

|attendance=19,909

|referee= Mike Riley

|result= L

}}

{{:2008–09 Football League Championship|showteam=REA}}

{{Main|2008–09 FA Cup}}

{{football box collapsible

|date=3 January 2009

|round=Third round

|time=15:00 GMT

|team1=Cardiff City

|score=2–0

|report=[http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~46860,00.html Report]

|team2=Reading

|goals1=McCormack {{goal|58}}
Ledley {{goal|83}}

|goals2=

|stadium= Ninian Park

|attendance=12,448

|referee= Anthony Taylor

|result=L

}}

{{Main|2008–09 Football League Cup}}

{{football box collapsible

|date=12 August 2008

|round=First round

|time=19:45 BST (UTC+1)

|team1=Dagenham & Redbridge

|score=1–2

|report=[http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~46460,00.html Report]

|team2=Reading

|goals1=Taiwo {{goal|66}}

|goals2=Henry {{goal|25}}
N Hunt {{goal|89}}

|stadium= Victoria Road

|attendance=2,360

|referee= Andy Penn

|result=W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date=26 August 2008

|round=Second round

|time=20:00 BST (UTC+1)

|team1=Reading

|score=5–1

|report=[http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~46487,00.html Report]

|team2=Luton Town

|goals1=N Hunt {{goal|11}}
S Hunt {{goal|15}}
Pearce {{goal|54}}
Karacan {{goal|55}}
Henry {{goal|76}}

|goals2=Charles {{goal|80}}

|stadium= Madejski Stadium

|attendance=7,498

|referee= Dean Whitestone

|result=W

}}

{{football box collapsible

|date=23 September 2008

|round=Third round

|time=19:45 BST (UTC+1)

|team1=Stoke City

|score=2–2

|report=[http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10306~46551,00.html Report]

|team2=Reading

|goals1=Pericard {{goal|8}}
Sidibe {{goal|49}}

|goals2=Henry {{goal|45+1|pen.|75}}

|aet = yes

|penaltyscore = 4 – 3

|penalties1 = Fuller {{pengoal}}
Lawrence {{pengoal}}
Whelan {{pengoal}}
Buxton {{penmiss}}
Pericard {{pengoal}}

|penalties2 = {{pengoal}} Bikey
{{penmiss}} Henry
{{pengoal}} Sigurðsson
{{pengoal}} Long
{{penmiss}} Lita

|stadium= Britannia Stadium

|attendance=9,141

|referee= Lee Mason

|result=D

}}

{{updated|match played 12 May 2009}}

{{efs start|Championship|FA Cup|League Cup|Play-offs}}

{{efs player|no= 1|name=Marcus Hahnemann |nat=USA|pos=GK|32|0|0|0|1|0|2|0}}

{{efs player|no= 2|name=Graeme Murty |nat=SCO|pos=DF|0|0|1|0|0|0|0|0}}

{{efs player|no= 3|name=Chris Armstrong |nat=SCO|pos=DF|40|1|0|0|1|0|0|0}}

{{efs player|no= 4|name=Kalifa Cissé |nat=MLI|pos=MF|24+12|5|0|0|2|0|0+1|0}}

{{efs player|no= 6|name=Brynjar Gunnarsson |nat=ISL|pos=MF|13+14|2|0|0|1|0|2|0}}

{{efs player|no= 7|name=Marek Matějovský |nat=CZE|pos=MF|11+11|1|1|0|0|0|2|0}}

{{efs player|no= 8|name=Leroy Lita |nat=ENG|pos=FW|6+4|1|1|0|1|0|0|0}}

{{efs player|no= 9|name=Kevin Doyle |nat=IRL|pos=FW|39+2|18|0|0|0|0|1|0}}

{{efs player|no=10|name=Stephen Hunt |nat=IRL|pos=MF|41+5|6|0|0|2|1|0+1|0}}

{{efs player|no=11|name=Noel Hunt |nat=IRL|pos=FW|27+10|11|0|0|2|2|0|0}}

{{efs player|no=12|name=Dave Mooney |nat=IRL|pos=FW|0|0|0|0|0+2|0|0|0}}

{{efs player|no=14|name=Jimmy Kébé |nat=MLI|pos=MF|38+3|2|0+1|0|0|0|2|0}}

{{efs player|no=15|name=James Harper |nat=ENG|pos=MF|28+6|1|0|0|2|0|0|0}}

{{efs player|no=16|name=Ívar Ingimarsson |nat=ISL|pos=DF|26|1|0|0|2+1|0|0|0}}

{{efs player|no=17|name=Dave Kitson |nat=ENG|pos=FW|9+1|2|0|0|0|0|0+2|0}}

{{efs player|no=19|name=Liam Rosenior |nat=ENG|pos=DF|42|0|0|0|0|0|2|0}}

{{efs player|no=21|name=Jem Karacan |nat=TUR|pos=MF|15|1|1|0|1|1|0|0}}

{{efs player|no=22|name=André Bikey |nat=CMR|pos=DF|23+2|3|1|0|1|0|1|0}}

{{efs player|no=24|name=Shane Long |nat=IRL|pos=FW|11+26|9|1|0|3|0|2|0}}

{{efs player|no=26|name=Alex Pearce |nat=SCO|pos=DF|13+3|1|1|0|2+1|1|1|0}}

{{efs player|no=27|name=James Henry |nat=ENG|pos=MF|3+4|0|1|0|3|4|0|0}}

{{efs player|no=29|name=Michael Duberry |nat=ENG|pos=DF|27|0|0|0|1|0|2|0}}

{{efs player|no=31|name=Dan Harding |nat=ENG|pos=DF|3|0|0|0|0|0|2|0}}

{{efs player|no=32|name=Adam Federici |nat=AUS|pos=GK|14+1|1|1|0|2|0|0|0}}

{{efs player|no=33|name=Scott Golbourne |nat=ENG|pos=DF|0|0|0|0|2|0|0|0}}

{{efs player|no=34|name=Gylfi Sigurðsson |nat=ISL|pos=MF|0|0|0+1|0|0+2|0|0|0}}

{{efs player|no=35|name=Simon Church |nat=WAL|pos=FW|0|0|0+1|0|0|0|1|0}}

{{efs player|no=37|name=Jay Tabb |nat=IRL|pos=MF|6+3|0|0|0|0|0|2|0}}

{{efs player|no=42|name=Julian Kelly |nat=IRL|pos=DF|4+3|0|1|0|3|0|0|0}}

{{efs player|no=52|name=Glen Little |nat=ENG|pos=MF|5+3|0|0|0|0|0|0+1|0}}

|-

|colspan="14"|Players who appeared for Reading no longer at the club:

{{efs player|no=17|name=Bobby Convey |nat=USA|pos=MF|3+3|0|1|0|2|0|0|0}}

{{efs player|no=31|name=Ibrahima Sonko |nat=SEN|pos=DF|3|3|0|0|0|0|0|0}}

|}

{{Fb mfs header}}

{{fb mfs player |bg= |p=Marcus Hahnemann |nb=USA |n=1 |pos=GK |gs=35 }}

{{fb mfs player |bg= |p=Liam Rosenior |nb=ENG |n=19 |pos=RB |gs=44 }}

{{fb mfs player |bg= |p=Ívar Ingimarsson |nb=ISL |n=16 |pos=CB |gs=28 }}

{{fb mfs player |bg= |p=Michael Duberry |nb=ENG |n=29 |pos=CB |gs=30 }}

{{fb mfs player|bg=|p=Chris Armstrong|nb=SCO|n=3|pos=LB|gs=40 }}

{{fb mfs player |bg= |p=Jimmy Kébé |nb=MLI |n=14 |pos=RM |gs=40 }}

{{fb mfs player |bg= |p=James Harper |nb=ENG |n=15 |pos=CM |gs=30 }}

{{fb mfs player |bg= |p=Kalifa Cissé |nb=MLI |n=4 |pos=CM |gs=26 }}

{{fb mfs player |bg= |p=Stephen Hunt |nb=IRL |n=10 |pos=LM |gs=43 }}

{{fb mfs player |bg= |p=Noel Hunt |nb=IRL |n=11 |pos=CF |gs=29 }}

{{fb mfs player |bg= |p=Kevin Doyle |nb=IRL |n=9 |pos=CF |gs=40 }}

{{end}}

{{reflist}}

{{Reading F.C. seasons}}

{{2008–09 in English football}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:2008-09 Reading F.C. season}}

Category:Reading F.C. seasons

Reading