Reading boss makes relegation comparison in emotional speech following season's end
Reading boss Noel Hunt believed the current squad were more disappointed at missing out on the League One play-offs than the 2022/23 Championship side which were relegated.
The Royals needed to win beat Barnsley on Saturday and hope Leyton Orient failed to beat Huddersfield Town. On the day, more than 21,000 supporters turned out but the side lost 4-2 to the Tykes while the O's beat the Terriers.
Finishing seventh on 75 points, it was the highest tally since Jaap Stam's side finished third in the Championship.
A deeply-popular squad among fans, thousands stayed behind to show their appreciation long after the full-time whistle.
It is a stark contrast to Hunt's only other experience as Royals boss, which was a five-game spell as interim back in 2023 following Paul Ince's sacking.
Reading were relegated without kicking a ball, while it was reported that striker Lucas Joao refused to travel to the final match of the season, a 2-0 defeat at Huddersfield Town, once the club were condemned to the drop.
🗣️ "What you have done will never be forgotten."
Noel Hunt was full of praise for his side in his final team talk of the 2024/25 season. pic.twitter.com/rvOkBdQHCt
— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) May 7, 2025
Speaking to his players in the dressing room, Hunt said: "You have done f*****g unbelievable this season. I feel there is more disappointment in here now than when I stood here two years ago to the day when we were relegated, which shows the group we have and the f*****g characters we have in this room and how special this group is.
"What you've done over the last two years is remarkable, from where we were, to what you've done, where you had to start from to now. Be proud of yourselves. Look with pride because you've given those fans back their club- you could hear them singing it. What you've done will never be forgotten, but we're just getting started. We build from this and work hard.
"Enjoy your off-season, you deserve it more than anyone. It's been a tough few years, but a new page turned today. We will get what we deserve, I can guarantee that. I'm really proud of every one of you, you couldn't put me anywhere else other than this dressing room."
Only five players remain under contract for next season, with Hunt wanting to get plans underway as soon as possible for renewals.
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