The Story of 106 Points

Reading FC’s Record-Breaking 2005-06 Championship Season: The Story of 106 Points

Being a younger fan, I have always heard the chant ” 106, 106, we’ve got the record, 106″. I have heard my dad telling me about some of the matches and the unbeliveable season, however until we started to look into it, I never really understood how amazing that season really was.

The 2005-06 season was nothing short of extraordinary for Reading Football Club. It marked a historic milestone as they secured promotion to the Premier League for the first time in our 135-year history, breaking records along the way. Steve Coppell’s side achieved an astonishing 106 points – a record in the Football League Championship that still stands to this day. This blog takes you through the incredible highs of that season, key matches, and the pivotal moments that made it unforgettable.

A Humble Beginning

The season kicked off on 6 August 2005 with a somewhat shaky start. Reading lost 2-1 at home to Plymouth Argyle, casting doubts on their prospects for the campaign. It wasn’t the ideal beginning, but this team was far from ordinary. Just three days later, on 9 August, they bounced back with a 2-0 away win against Brighton & Hove Albion, thanks to goals from Leroy Lita and Kevin Doyle. This victory set the tone for the resilience and consistency that would define the season.

Building Momentum

The Royals quickly found their rhythm. A commanding 3-0 win at Preston North End on 13 August showed their attacking strength, with Steve Sidwell and Doyle on target. The team’s confidence grew as they strung together results. The early highlight came on 20 August, when Reading thrashed Millwall 5-0 at the Madejski Stadium. Bobby Convey dazzled with two goals, while Dave Kitson, Sidwell, and James Harper added to the tally. This performance sent a clear message to the rest of the league: Reading meant business.

The Unbeaten Run

What followed next was nothing short of spectacular. After their defeat on the opening day, Reading embarked on an unbeaten league run that lasted 33 matches, stretching from 9 August 2005 to 25 February 2006. This streak became the backbone of their historic season.

One of the standout games during this run was on 1 October, when Reading defeated Sheffield United 2-1 at home. The Blades were one of their main rivals for automatic promotion, but Reading, led by Gunnarsson’s brace, held firm. This result cemented their position at the top of the table and showcased their ability to win under pressure.

Another key moment came on 4 February 2006, when Reading faced Cardiff City at Ninian Park. Cardiff were known for their strong home form, but Reading pulled off an impressive 5-1 victory. Convey was instrumental, while Kitson, Lita, and Doyle also contributed to a dominant performance. By this stage, it was clear that Reading were not just promotion contenders – they were the best team in the league.

The Team Behind the Triumph

The squad assembled by Steve Coppell was a perfect blend of youth, experience, and talent. Each player played a crucial role in the campaign, some of the standout players were:

Marcus Hahnemann: The American goalkeeper was a rock at the back, providing assurance and leadership.

Nicky Shorey and Graeme Murty: As full-backs, their defensive solidity and attacking support were invaluable.

Steve Sidwell: The midfield maestro was at the heart of everything, controlling games and scoring crucial goals.

Kevin Doyle and Leroy Lita: The strike duo terrorised defences with their pace, movement, and finishing.

Bobby Convey: His creativity and knack for scoring from midfield added another dimension to the team’s attack.

Coppell’s tactical approach also played a significant role. He built a side that was disciplined in defence yet free-flowing in attack, striking the perfect balance. Reading’s ability to grind out results and win games convincingly made them unstoppable.

Securing Promotion

The moment fans had been waiting for arrived on 25 March 2006. Reading faced Leicester City at the Walkers Stadium, knowing a point would be enough to secure promotion. In front of nearly 4,000 travelling fans, Kevin Doyle’s goal ensured a 1-1 draw, sparking jubilant celebrations. With six games still to play, Reading had achieved promotion in record time – a testament to their dominance.

The significance of this achievement cannot be overstated. Reading had been a second-tier club for most of their existence, with brief spells in the third tier. The prospect of Premier League football was a dream come true for players, staff, and supporters alike.

Crowned Champions

Just a week after securing promotion, Reading were crowned Championship champions on 1 April 2006 with a thumping 5-0 win against Derby County at the Madejski Stadium. Goals from James Harper, Doyle, John Oster, and Shane Long (who scored twice) sealed the title in style. This victory encapsulated everything that had made Reading special that season – attacking flair, defensive solidity, and a relentless will to win.

What made this moment even more special was that it was achieved with five games remaining – another record. The Madejski Stadium was a sea of blue and white as fans celebrated their team’s historic triumph.

Breaking the 100-Point Barrier

With promotion and the title secured, some teams might have eased off, but not Reading. Coppell’s side continued to push for every point, eventually breaking the 100-point barrier on 17 April 2006 with a 2-1 victory over Queens Park Rangers. Goals from Sidwell and Doyle secured the win and ensured the team kept their focus.

The final game of the season on 30 April 2006 was against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road. Reading ran out 2-1 winners, courtesy of goals from Doyle and Long, bringing their points total to an incredible 106. This final tally set a record for the most points ever achieved in a professional English league season – a record that remains unbroken.

The Legacy of the 2005-06 Season

Reading’s achievements during the 2005-06 season were not just about statistics, though those alone were impressive:

106 points: A Football League record.

99 goals scored: The highest in the division.

33-game unbeaten run: Spanning more than six months.

18 away wins: Demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure.

The season was a culmination of years of hard work, both on and off the pitch. Chairman John Madejski’s vision and investment laid the foundation, while Steve Coppell’s management turned potential into reality.

For the fans, it was a season they would never forget. Reading’s rise to the Premier League was a story of hope, belief, and excellence. It showed that with the right blend of talent, hard work, and leadership, even the unlikeliest of dreams could come true.

A Season for the Ages

Looking back, the 2005-06 season remains a defining moment in Reading FC’s history. The records set, the memories made, and the milestones achieved have left an indelible mark on English football. For those who were lucky enough to witness it, it was a journey of pure joy.

The Royals may have moved on to new challenges since then, but the story of the 106-point season will always stand as a testament to what can be achieved when a team comes together with a shared purpose and a relentless determination to succeed.

Up the Ding.