Kits out for New Season

On the day that my season ticket is a cert, I am getting rather excited.

I would like to make an omen to probably the most consistent striker Reading football club. Dave Kitson when you return to the Mad Stad you will be hailed with the upmost of respect and tranquillity throughout you stay in our home.

A modest and honest man, who’s stubborn nature gave him a good, friendly, approachable star, he was popular with the media as well as he embarked on the ‘football in the community’ scheme. Often in the papers for little, but wholly adequate claims.

He received a lot of bad press with his FA Cup comments but indeed, they were very true and realistic.

A mere £150,000 bargain from Cambridge United settled straight into the line up as he began his Reading career with a creditable 5 goals in ten games. From then on, he was present in the starting lining up and soon passed Nicky Forster’s goal scoring record at the Madejski Stadium.

The self-confessed hater of his ginger hair left for more premiership adventure and too be honest I cannot blame him.

Receiving £5.5 million from Stoke City is not bad business and the departing striker will, hopefully, flourish in his new role. Stoke playing the punt, head; chase game may suit him to the ground. Kits can certainly hold the ball up well.

They are many fond memories and many experiences I would love to share.

First of all, his wonder, well not quite, goal against Middlesbrough is particularly remembered by all Reading fans, as it was our first in the big time. Was not a classic from all means but its importance was relevant throughout. That day was marred by Chris Riggott’s pathetic and improper tackle as he put Kitson out until January of our first season.

His numerous goals against West Ham always went down well as he scored a brace and then a hat trick in consecutive home games. Of course, with Alan Pardew, returning always gave an added incentive but the crowd always went wild.

The two goals against promotion favourite Sunderland back in 2005 was always memorable, including his hat trick pass Gillingham.

His penalty against Stoke in our championship-winning season will be remembered as his new fans taunted him about being ginger and he reacted badly in the press claiming a sense of gingerism is similar to those who receive racist taunts.

The volley that spoiled Michael Owen’s return for Newcastle and his couple of goals in the infamous 6-4 defeat were magnificent.

The run and finish against Manchester City was always decent and would be probably my favourite goal of his. He took the ball swiftly, beating one, dragged inside beating two and tricked the goalkeeper with a little toe poke with his left foot. Amazing.

He is a complete striker, with speed, aerial ability, and clever on the floor to bring the midfield men back in the game.

A player to be sorely missed by all accounts.