Neil Warnock has reflected on his memories of Reading FC’s historic 2005/06 Championship winning campaign and his long standing rivalry with the Royals.
Reading famously secured promotion to the Premier League that season after amassing a record-breaking 106 points, the highest total ever recorded in the second tier. The team lost just twice and scored 99 goals en route to the Championship title, making it one of the most remarkable campaigns in English football history.
Speaking about Reading’s achievement to Royals TV, Warnock said: “It was incredible to watch. They were a fantastic side, so consistent and professional throughout the season. You knew they were going to break records, there was no stopping them.”
Warnock, whose Sheffield United side finished second that season to also gain promotion, praised the Royals’ squad and management. “Steve Coppell had that team so well organised. Every player knew their role, and they played with a freedom that made them really hard to beat. Credit to them, they deserved everything they got.
“When you got your record points haul, we were out on top earlier in the season but Reading were so strong in every department. We finished 16 points behind, but we were still pleased to finish that far because it was still a good season for us. Reading were head and shoulders the best team and we couldn’t get near. Full credit to them.
“We had a decent season the one before, but we missed out. Reading had that something special that year and I don’t think it will ever be beaten- not in my lifetime anyhow. What they did that year was out of the ordinary. There were no other really good teams in the league that year, so they made it look easy, but it wasn’t easy because there were some decent teams.
He also recalled the competitive nature of the Championship that season: “Even as opponents, you could feel the quality of that Reading side. You’re trying to win your own games, but when you face them, it’s clear they’re on a different level. You respect that as a manager.
“I’ve always had a soft spot for Reading. It always felt like my kind of club with the fans right on top of you. I’ve had some stick since I’ve been going there over the years, but it’s always been with a smile, and I think I’ve given them a few things to talk about when I went back. It’s a good club and I’m pleased they are doing quite well again.
“There was a lot of toing and froing. Even when I came back later, I remember having to get a result with Huddersfield to stay up so I’ve had battles with them all through my career. I’d rather play against Reading than the top Premier League teams, I call them bread and butter fans. They give me stick and I give them a bit of stick back. I think we enjoyed the battles. Even if one or two don’t like me, I think they respect me because we have always been very close. I don’t think that season will ever be repeated, it was just incredible. You didn’t have a weakness. I think you were quite fortunate with injuries, we had quite a few, but in the end, you walked it and we were just happy to hang on in there and go up with you.
The “106 Diaries” series reflects on the iconic season through the eyes of players, managers, and figures involved at the time, as Reading prepares to mark the 20th anniversary of their historic promotion-winning campaign. To see more, visit readingfc.co.uk
