Leam Richardson Highlights Reading’s Quick Start In Burton Win

5 days ago 2

The Royals picked up their first victory of 2026 with a 2-0 win against Burton Albion at the SCL Stadium on New Year’s Day.

Both Reading goals came in the first half, with Jack Marriott giving the Royals the lead and Daniel Kyerewaa making it two shortly after.

The win keeps us in 10th, but widens the gap between us and the relegation zone, which is now five points. Here is what manager Leam Richardson had to say, he spoke to Royals TV.

Richardson on the victory

“We spoke a lot about that – [Burton] had been to Bradford and Cardiff and won and Huddersfield and drawn. They have had good results on the road, and they are coached very well, I have known Gary [Bowyer] for a very long time and he is going well.

“I knew it was going to be challenging so the way we started was the most pleasing thing. We had some really good actions throughout.

“You have to respect everybody, but it was more of the same. We needed a few tweaks in the second half, and the second half was probably as good as we have managed a game since I have been here.

“To touch on the officials, we have probably lost two key players in Randell [Williams] at Plymouth, which was a horrendous challenge, and Charlie [Savage] at Peterborough, which was again a horrendous challenge. Today, the officials were really good.

“Compliments to Charlie, who has been through the mill with the doctors and his mouth. He wanted to put the shirt on and go again today so I took the decision out of his hands.

“The energy around him – Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan comes off the treatment table and onto the pitch – that is what we need. We need all hands to the pump. You need everybody all the time.”

Richardson on upcoming fixtures

“They’re all tough and challenging games so compliments to the players and staff. We have travelled over 2,000 miles across 90 hours. The people behind me will be working very hard so we are good to go on Sunday.

“I want to develop a squad and club that has trust and quality within there. Mamadi Camara comes out of the squad and in to start because I trust him, Matt Ritchie does the same from Plymouth into Peterborough and starts today. Squads and subs get picked for certain games, but it is all for the greater good. I want to develop that culture within us.

“If you want to compete at the top end of the table and go where we want to go, we have to have competition for places and train properly. We have to have the hunger and desire to wear the shirt and push each other. That is what we will try to do.

“Sometimes results can mask what we want to do and where we want to go, but I will always do what is right for the football club.”