Reading FC have had an astounding campaign on the pitch despite all the turmoil off the field with the ongoing ownership saga with several candidates for the Player of the Season award.
Fans can now vote for their 2024/25 POTS as the Royals prepare for one final push to try and make it into the top six when they host Barnsley on the final day, needing a win and hoping that Orient drop points at Huddersfield.
You can make the case for several first-team players having a shout at the POTS, that’s how good Reading have been this season.
Going into the season I don’t think anyone realistically expected a play-off push. Despite how talented this group is, to ask them to be able to keep pace with the top six having lost their manager and top scorer halfway through the season, as well as with all the off field issues, really is quite something.
Even if Reading don’t manage to make the play-offs on the final day, it’s been a special campaign and one the club can hopefully build on going into next season with a fresh sense of optimism with new owners.
Here are our top picks for who deserves your vote for the award.
3. Harvey Knibbs
It’s been another excellent campaign for the midfielder who has contributed plenty of goals in big moments.
He’s been an absolute gem of a signing since arriving on a free transfer from Cambridge United the summer before last.
His versatility is vital, but he’s shown his best form playing in a central attacking role in the midfield which has allowed him to net 14 times and claim six assists in 42 League One appearances.
With a goal or assist contribution on average almost every other game, Knibbs is always one of the hardest working players on the pitch which sets the tone for others to press.
2. Joel Pereira
Having broken into the first-team ahead of David Button near the end of the previous campaign, the number one spot is now very much his own.
The League One campaign can be an absolute slog with the relentless schedule of fixtures across the season, Not every performance is going to be a good one and requires a strong goalkeeper. Pereira has been that and is a big factor in Reading being able to compete for a play-off place heading into the final day.
Pereira has 13 clean sheets in 39 league games and came up with a masterclass of a goalkeeping performance against Bristol at the weekend.
Reading were put under pressure throughout the first-half against the relegation battlers, but Pereira bailed his side out with three magnificent saves before they went on to win the game.
Honourable mentions
Lewis Wing – Reading’s midfield maestro has had another strong season. He’s not quite hit the massively high standards he set last year, however he’s still produced some moments of absolute magic, especially in recent weeks.
Charlie Savage – He’s gone from strength to strength this season. Having played what was his first full campaign in senior football last year, he’s now maturing into a very talented player who always works tirelessly in the middle and makes contributions at both ends of the pitch.
Amadou Mbengue – The most likeable player in the squad with his infectious energy and his trademark celebrations at the end in front of the fans after wins has become iconic. Not only is he likeable, but he’s also a very talented player. He’s formed an excellent defensive partnership alongside Tyler Bindon. Quick, strong, athletic, mentally strong. Mbengue has so many excellent qualities and has shown his best this season.
1. Tyler Bindon
A class above for this division. It’s no wonder that he was picked up by Premier League Nottingham Forest in January following transfer attention from a whole host of clubs. Thankfully Reading were able to get him back on loan until the end of the season and he’s been absolutely pivotal.
Defenders rarely get the headlines in great teams, but anyone who has watched Bindon over the past two years knows that he will go on to have an excellent career. Always calm, cool and collected and a very level headed young professional.
I’m sure Reading will be very keen to bring him back on loan next season if possible. Unfortunately, I think many teams in higher divisions will also be looking at that option if Forest do want to send him out.
