While nearly all the Premier League clubs are parading their new signings, Reading seem to be twiddling their thumbs when it comes to the transfer market. The club do not have the depth of, say,  Chelsea, who have been able to strengthen their squad with classy players such as Claudio Pizarro and Florent Malouda.

Jose Mourinho also picked up Steve Sidwell from Reading for absolutely nothing recently - and to further add to Reading's woes, Leroy Lita managed to damage a leg muscle through a freak injury. So will it be a miracle for the Royals to maintain their top-half standing, which they did so brilliantly to achieve last season? Or will they even be in the Premier League when the dust settles next May?

'Reading huffed and puffed near the end of the last campaign, and I suspect they will start this season with more of the same'


The players that Steve Coppell has are more or less the same as the squad who last season surpassed themselves to finish eighth. They huffed and puffed near the end of the campaign, and I suspect they will start this season with more of the same. But the threadbare squad may not even be able to breathe enough to last them through the entire season.

Trying to get even one point from champions Manchester United in their opening match at Old Trafford is an uphill task. United will not be an easy meat and their  menace was apparent in their FA Community Shield victory against Chelsea - who Reading entertain in their second match of the season.

That is not all that Royals fans should concerned about. Seol Ki-Hyon's seemingly imminent departure and Nicky Shorey’s refusal to sign a new contract are likely to further dampen the 2007/08 season for Coppell and his men. I guess we'd better start praying.