EFL record NOT part of Reading team talk ahead of Birmingham City clash.

Reading manager Noel Hunt will not use the club’s 106-point record as part of his team talk for tomorrow’s game against League One leaders Birmingham City. In 2005/06, the Royals lost only two Championship games and finished with 106 points, advancing to the Premier League for the first time. Many clubs have attempted and failed to break the EFL record, with Hunt’s brother Stephen playing a significant role in Steve Coppell’s squad 19 years ago.

However, Chris Davies’ Blues, who are on a 16-game winning streak, are on course to score 109 points and surpass the Royals’ total. Back in 2023, while serving as interim manager when the club was relegated to League One, Hunt claimed that this was part of his team talk when Burnley’s Vincent Kompany paid a visit to the SCL Stadium, with the Clarets still on track to surpass the total in April. However, the 2012 Championship winner believes this time is ‘different’ and intends to focus on his own team’s strengths. “They’re on a wonderful run, 16 games unbeaten, and have put together a fantastic group with the signings they made in the summer and January. There are three points up for grabs and we will do everything we can to take them, and they will do everything they can to take them. We are in relatively good form, and we have to keep building to what we want to get to.

“That [record] existed a few years ago, but it was in the Championship, and because we hold it, it’s a significant record. I believe it’s different this year. “Birmingham will do what they will do, but we must attempt to do our part. We must do our best to stop them. We’ll see whether that changes our style slightly, but let’s try it and see what happens.” Blues secured their place in the EFL Trophy final on Tuesday, defeating Bradford City 2-1 at St Andrew’s, but appear set to be without £15 million forward Jay Stansfield after the 22-year-old was stretched off on the hour mark.

The two sides drew 1-1 in the Midlands on the opening day of the season, Ruben Selles’ Royals pegged back late on with a penalty after having two goals ruled out for offside.

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