Congratulations to Reading as they win promotion to the Premier League

Reading last night secured their place in the Barclays Premier League ahead of the 2012 – 2013 season with a narrow 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest. A late winner secured the Royal’s promotion back to the top flight when Mikele Leigertwood connected with an Ian Harte free-kick so secure three points, ending an absence of four years for Reading. Manager Brian McDermott said “this doesn’t seem real” following the Berkshire club’s disappointment at losing in the play-off final to Swansea nearly 12 months ago. A jubilant McDermott said of his Reading side’s promotion:

“We are in the Premier League and I will celebrate for the next couple of months. But this doesn’t seem real at the moment.

“It’s a strange feeling. In fact it feels like it’s happening to someone else.

“But I’ve been very lucky with the players and staff I have. They have carried me along.

“I’m happy. I’m content. But you do it for the fans.

“I had the worst summer after losing in the play-off final last season. I’ll have the best summer now.”

It’s an amazing turnaround for Reading, who have earned 46 points from the last 51 available in the Championship, especailly after a slow start to the season which saw them sitting in the bottom half of the league until November last year.

Reading become the first Championship team to be promoted to the Premier League this season and I’m sure all football fans will wish them well for the long, hard season ahead.

But who will join Reading and gain promotion to the Barclays Premier League next season? Feel free to have your say below.