Reading FC have given themselves a “fighting chance” of reaching the League One play-offs after a strong upturn in form under head coach Leam Richardson, according to EFL expert Don Goodman.
The Royals have collected 21 points from Richardson’s first 12 matches in charge – the fifth-highest total in the division over that period – lifting them from just above the relegation zone into a tightly packed mid-table group.
Goodman says Reading’s revival highlights the unpredictable nature of League One this season, with momentum capable of swinging dramatically in a short space of time.
“League One is even more bonkers than the Championship,” Goodman said.
“You look at the table, and then three games later it’s almost upside down.
“Take Mansfield, Exeter City and Plymouth as examples. They’re the three teams that have taken the most points in the last four games – more than Cardiff, more than Lincoln, more than any of the top teams. Prior to that, they were all in relegation trouble.
“Now they’re on 36 points, seven points off the relegation zone and six off a play-off spot, all with lots of momentum.”
Goodman believes Reading’s situation mirrors that pattern, pointing to the impact Richardson has made since his appointment.
“When he took over, Reading were just two points above the relegation zone,” he said. “Now they’re on 36 points alongside four or five others and have positive momentum.”
He added that similar turnarounds elsewhere in the division underline how quickly fortunes can change.
“Peterborough United are another example. They were in massive trouble, Luke Williams comes in, and now they’re even closer to the play-offs.”
While Goodman accepts that breaking into the top six remains a challenge, he feels Reading’s January recruitment has strengthened their chances.
“It’s still a tall order because of the traffic at the top,” he said, “but with the experience they’ve brought in during January, they’re in with a fighting chance.”
Don Goodman was speaking to https://www.newbettingsites.uk/
