Former Reading midfielder Jeff Hendrick says a return to the Championship would provide a “huge boost” for the club and admits he was surprised by their difficult start to the season.
Hendrick, who spent a year with the Royals, said he retains a strong affection for the club and believes recent improvements in form have given supporters renewed optimism.
“I really enjoyed my year there and I thought the club deserved to be doing a bit better with the training ground, the stadium, the fans and all,” he said.
“It did surprise me how they started.”
Reading endured a challenging opening to the campaign but have since climbed the table, leaving themselves in contention of the play-off places.
“Now, the recent run of form and where they’re sitting is looking positive,” Hendrick added.
“They’ve still got, I think it’s a nine-point gap to climb. There still is work to be done, but I think compared to where they were, maybe in October time, it’s a lot more positive.”
The 33-year-old believes being near the bottom earlier in the season could ultimately benefit the squad, easing pressure as they chase a late push.
“They can gain experience from being down in the bottom. It’s encouragement as well,” he said.
“It’s probably that freedom where people think they’re doing well, but won’t necessarily expect them to get into the play-offs.
“So they’ll have that freedom where they can just go out to games and give it their best shot.”
Hendrick hopes Reading can maintain their momentum through to the end of the season and secure a return to the second tier.
“Hopefully, come the end of April/May, they’re sitting in those play-off spots and get back to the Championship because it would be great to see them back there,” he said.
“Like I said, I really like the club and enjoyed my time there.
“Not just for the fans, but for the people who work behind the scenes and around the training ground and all, it would be a great, great boost for the whole club.”
Hendrick was speaking to Fruity King: https://www.fruityking.co.uk/
