Leam Richardson, the manager of Reading, is preparing for a pivotal encounter against his former team, Rotherham United. This match is set to take place on Saturday and marks Richardson’s first meeting with the Millers since leaving the club in April 2024. With Richardson at the helm, Reading has experienced mixed results, including a disappointing exit from the FA Cup and a narrow league victory.
Current Standing and Team Updates
Reading currently sits in 18th place in League One, accumulating 18 points from 15 games. Their recent FA Cup exit has removed them from any domestic cup competition, shifting the focus strictly to league play.
- Current League Position: 18th in League One
- Total Points: 18
- Games Played: 15
Richardson emphasized the stakes of the upcoming match during an interview with BBC Radio Berkshire. He stated, “This Saturday is very important because it’s three points for a football club that I’m leading.” He is optimistic about meeting this challenge head-on.
Recent Performances
Since taking charge, Richardson’s time at Reading has been a mix of challenges. His tenure began with an FA Cup loss to Carlisle, a match that left fans disappointed. However, he quickly rebounded with a league victory over Stevenage, a crucial win that energized the squad.
Player Acquisitions
During the international break, Reading welcomed two new signings. The first was Randell Williams, who joined on a temporary basis earlier this month. The more recent addition is Andy Rinomhota, who returns to Reading for his second spell. Notably, Rinomhota has previously played under Richardson at Rotherham.
- Player Signings:
- Randell Williams (short-term deal)
- Andy Rinomhota (returning midfielder)
Richardson praised Rinomhota’s professionalism and character, saying, “He’s a fantastic person… and a great character within the dressing room.” The midfielder’s potential return against his former club adds an extra layer of significance to the upcoming match.
As Richardson prepares for this crucial match against Rotherham, he aims to steer Reading towards a brighter league performance. With over 90 points still available this season, the focus remains sharp on securing the next three points to improve their standing.
