Reading FC Bidding For UEFA Cup

It was by no mere coincidence that Reading FC advanced to the English Premier League this season; the first time it had done so in 135 years. Reading is now bidding for a ticket to the UEFA Cup.

Seol Ki-hyeon, the 28-year-old Reading FC winger, has once again assisted first-hand in his team’s deciding goal, enhancing Reading’s chances of securing a place in the UEFA Cup Tournament.

Seol assisted Dave Kitson’s first and only goal during the 51st minute of the EPL regular match against Newcastle United, held at the Madejski Stadium – Reading’s home pitch, on May 1 (KST); Reading won 1-0. After dribbling the ball around the penalty area, Seol crossed the ball with his left foot and Kitson struck truly from directly in front of the goals.

With this performance, Seol Ki-hyeon made another significant contribution to his team, after the 3-1 victory against Bolton on April 22, in which he assisted Kevin Doyle’s decider. Seol now has a season record of three goals and four assists. Although Seol did experience a slump during this season, missing numerous games, he played out the entire game against Newcastle – his fourth consecutive full-appearance.

Even after advancing to the EPL for the first time in its 135-year history, many people, before the season even began, had chosen Reading as a likely candidate to be demoted in the following season. However, Reading has returned a string of solid performances. It is now on a three-game winning streak, with 16 wins, 6 draws and 14 losses (54 points). It is in the seventh place overall, edging above Portsmouth and Tottenham who are both sitting on 53 points. Reading’s initial goal was to remain in the EPL, but it is now aiming for something far tougher – a ticket to the UEFA Cup – which is given to the teams ranked from fifth to seventh in the EPL.

In a post-game interview with Sky Sports, a British channel specializing in sports, Seol expressed his strong desires for the tournament. “It is our best chance to take part in the UEFA Cup.”

bluesky@donga.com