Royals Embark On Swedish Pre-Season Tour

Last updated : 19 July 2003 By Rob Cooper
The Royals flew out to Sweden yesterday as they embarked on a pre-season tour, following a successful similar trip to Germany this time last year.

Alan Pardew's side will play two games whilst in Sweden. On Tuesday, the team will take on Swdish League side Gavle, kick off 7pm local time. This game is followed by a fixture against Borlange on Thursday, also kicking off at 7pm.

Despite not fully fit, Graeme Murty and Nicky Forster have made the trip to Sven Goran Eriksson's homeland.

The duo are both recovering from niggling injuries and are both expected to miss Tuesday's game. However, Forster, who has been out since May with an ankle ligament injury, could feature against Borlange on Thursday.

Scott Murray, Reading's only summer signing thus far, flew out with the squad yesterday, and is expected to play in both of next week's games.

However, Joe Gamble and Andre Boucard, who will spend the start of the new season out on loan, did not travel with the squad. Up-and-coming stars Darren Campbell, Ahmet Rifat and Jamie Young also did not travel, despite having been given squad numbers.

Obviously, with the new season so near, heavy training is on the agenda, but the tour also represents a unique chance for the team to bond. A closely-knit team unit is vitally important for any team that wants to fulfill their potential.

Upon arrival at the hotel it is said that Andy Hughes, Scott Murray, Kevin Watson and Martin Butler could not get into their rooms as they were already occupied. A slapstick pre-season moment if ever there was one. However, Reading fans are advised they don't let the news slip to prospective new signing David Connolly.

Conolly, who played at the World Cup with Ireland last year, is said to have been as incensed as Roy Keane was at the poorly organised trip to Japan and Korea. Keane of course stormed out on the Republic, snubbing the chance to play in the World Cup, due to their lack of professionalism.