This article originally appeared in the Royals matchday programme on 5th May 2007.

We have enjoyed a truly historic season and I would like to pay a huge tribute to the players and staff who have made it possible.

We all hold some very special memories from the season, starting in the August sunshine with that unforgettable opening day victory against Middlesbrough, which really set the season up.

Ever since then, our players have consistently shown an incredible appetite for success and an irresistible desire to prove themselves at this highest level of football. Without any doubt they have succeeded in that aim, and each and every player can be very proud of their efforts.

The players have been expertly led by Steve Coppell, Nick Hammond and their highly professional team of coaching staff. Steve's reputation as one of the most intelligent and judicious managers in the country has rightly continued to grow, and we are extremely pleased that he has already committed himself to Reading for another two seasons.

Overcoming the much-hyped 'second-season syndrome' is our next challenge. Steve and his team are well aware of the pitfalls presented by a second season in the top flight, and we are already working hard to plan for next season. I am confident that we will continue to overcome all the obstacles that are put in front of us.

I would also like to compliment the Club's behind the scenes staff, led by my chief executive Nigel Howe, who, like the players, have risen admirably to the demands of running a Premiership football club.

Unfortunately we have taken the sad decision to close the Promotions department at the end of this season, and I would like to offer a sincere thank you to Mike Kearney and his excellent staff - both full-time and part-time - who have worked so hard for the Club for many years.

It is a great shame for the many agents who gave so much of their time and the many people who have supported the various activities, but the decision to disband the department, which was a non-profit making venture that raised funds for our Academy, is a reflection on the changing business environment rather than the standard of our staff's work, which has been first rate at all times.

In closing, a tremendous amount of credit goes to you, the supporters, for the vital role you have played in our success. The atmosphere inside Madejski Stadium is now regularly among the best in the country, and the players often comment favourably on the excellent backing they receive on their travels.

On behalf of everybody at the Club, thank you for your brilliant support this season, have a great summer and we look forward to seeing you in August as we enter the 2007/8 Barclays Premiership season

Best wishes
John Madejski OBE, DL
Chairman