Reading were tipped by some observers to mount a promotion push before the season began, but inconsistent form put paid to those hopes and cost Nigel Adkins his job.
Reading won four of their first seven league matches, but the Royals boss came under increasing pressure during a poor run of form, which culminated in a heavy defeat at Birmingham City in December.
© Getty Images
Adkins was dismissed soon after, with former West Bromwich Albion head coach Steve Clarke taking charge. The Scot instigated a brief revival, but the team's bad habits that were apparent under Adkins soon started to appear again.
The Berkshire outfit had something to shout about as Clarke led them to the FA Cup semi-finals, where they faced Arsenal at Wembley. However, it would end painfully as an Adam Federici blunder helped the Gunners to a 2-1 win.
Five key results
Reading 3-2 Millwall, September 16, 2014: Having missed out on the playoffs in 2013-14 on goal difference, Royals fans were optimistic that they could improve on that following this win over Millwall. The hosts threw away a two-goal lead but snatched the win with six minutes remaining thanks to Simon Cox. The result put them sixth in the table and in touch with the league's early pacesetters.
© Getty Images
Bournemouth 3-0 Reading, October 25, 2014: A run of six games without a win, including four defeats, followed the Millwall success. The Royals made a promising start against Bournemouth but collapsed in the second half, as Callum Wilson and a brace from Brett Pitman gave the Cherries a comfortable win. Adkins's side were 17th by this point and losing touch with the playoff places.
Birmingham City 6-1 Reading, December 13, 2014: This was a damaging defeat for the Royals to a side that were below them in the league table. Birmingham, who were beginning their revival under new boss Gary Rowett, put six past Reading, which included a hat-trick from youngster Demarai Gray. The result proved to be the final straw for the Madejski Stadium hierarchy, who sacked Adkins two days later.
Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-2 Reading, February 7, 2015: On their day, Reading are more than a match for any side in the division and they proved that with this victory at playoff-chasing Wolves. The visitors got off to a flyer, scoring straight from the kickoff through Pavel Pogrebnyak's finish from a Cox flick-on. Benik Afobe equalised 25 minutes later but Clarke's men regained the lead in the second half through Danny Williams. The result could not spark a resurgence in form, though, as Reading won just three more times before the season's end.
Derby County 0-3 Reading, May 2, 2015:
© Getty Images
When Reading travelled to the iPro Stadium on the final day of the season, they were expected to be brushed aside by Derby, who needed a win to earn a playoff spot. However, the visitors silenced the home crowd in the second minute when Kwesi Appiah put the Royals in front. Michael Hector made it two with 18 minutes remaining then Garath McCleary consigned the Rams to another season in the Championship when he converted an 85th-minute penalty.
Best Player - Adam Federici
© Getty Images
The fact that a goalkeeper won Reading's Player of the Season award perhaps shows just how difficult a campaign it was for them. Nevertheless, Federici was a deserving winner, playing 49 times in all competitions and delivering fine performances throughout. Aside from his high-profile mistake in the FA Cup semi-final, the Australian shone in a largely disappointing season. He kept the side in many games and without him, relegation would have been a realistic possibility.
Federici's form earned him a move to Premier League Bournemouth on a free transfer, but after 10 years and 235 appearances in a Reading shirt, his commitment to the Royals cannot be questioned.
Most Improved Player - Michael Hector
The young defender has improved significantly this season, especially since Clarke took charge. Hector has always been regarded as a talent, but the 22-year-old has added a consistency to his game that was lacking before.
© Getty Images
His commanding displays at the back during the final couple of months of the season were impressive and his strong performance against Arsenal in the cup semi-final in particular was a plus point. Earlier this month, Hector signed a new deal in Berkshire to potentially ward off any interest.
Best Signing - Jamie Mackie
The 29-year-old joined the Royals on a season-long loan from Nottingham Forest in August and proved to be one of the most consistent performers of the campaign. Mackie chipped in with five goals and four assists from his 32 Championship appearances. His energy and high work rate made him popular with the Reading supporters, who will be hoping that his move to the Madejski will be made permanent.
However, Forest boss Dougie Freedman might now be tempted to bring him back into the fold following his exploits this term.
Best Goal - Nathaniel Chalobah vs. Sheffield Wednesday
The England Under-21 international joined the Royals on loan from Chelsea in January and marked his home debut with a fine strike in the 2-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday. McCleary picked the ball up inside his own half and carried it 60 yards upfield before crossing for Chalobah, who met it on the half-volley to fire a sweet strike into the top corner of the net.
Must Do Better - Hal Robson-Kanu
The Wales international has been a regular in the Reading side for some years now, but his league form this season was patchy at best. He netted three times during the club's FA Cup run, but one goal and one assist from 29 Championship appearances shows that there is room for improvement.
The winger has played a big role in successful Royals teams in recent years and they need him to find his form again if they are to improve under Clarke next season.
End-of-season grade: D
It was a long, arduous campaign for Reading supporters, as an early promotion chase soon turned in to a relegation battle. The Royals need to score more goals next season if they are to be successful, and one of Clarke's priorities will be getting his side firing in the final third. Despite their faults, there is the basis of a great Championship squad in place at the Madejski and if they can start to show their best form, a top-half finish next year is attainable.
© Getty Images
Steven Toplis
