'Quality not in doubt' but can Reading win promotion?

Jack Marriott scored 17 goals in 26 games for Reading last season [Getty Images] Strap yourself in and hold on to your hat – another Reading FC league season is about to kick off. After a summer praying for new signings to bolster the squad and rain to help the grass grow at the stadium, everyone's champing at the bit. If recent history is anything to go by, we're all in for another rollercoaster ride full of peaks and troughs. There's grounds for optimism. After a big spend, the stadium looks, feels and sounds better than it has ever done. Newly-painted seats "pop with colour" according to chairman Rob Couhig. The spend on the sound system should make everything crystal clear, but it is not just the fans who benefit. The revamped tunnel, dug-outs and re-laid pitch ought to make life more exciting for the players as well. The quality of the squad is not in doubt. If all 20 players stayed fit and were available for the 46 games, manager Leam Richardson would back his chances. Going into the first league game, that's the case. The worry is what happens when the inevitable injuries, suspensions and fatigue kicks in. Again, recent history should be the best guide. Reading generally use closer to 30 players in a league season. For now though, let's kick that can down the road, and worry about that as we head into autumn. Call it pre-season procrastination. If Jack Marriott stays fit and continues his blistering form from last season, he'll be the League One leading scorer. Reading have pace on both flanks with Kyreece Lisbie and Daniel Kyerewaa. Josh Stokes, on loan from Bristol City, brings the creativity in the 10 role. The mercurial Lewis Wing and the industrious Andy Rinohmota or Charlie Savage make central midfield a real strength. Paudie O'Connor is the senior defender, but Benn Ward and Udoka Godwin-Malife look solid additions. Kelvin Abrefa takes over the mantle as 'promising youngster', at full-back. Many observers of League One football say Joel Pereira is the best goalkeeper at the level. All in all, that's a starting line up fully capable of doing well and competing in the top six. Really, the big question is how often will the manager be able to pick that 11? If the answer is more than 35 out of 46, then expect promotion. Based on the current depth in the squad, dip below 25 and it could be a bit of a slog. New season, new pitch, new stadium, new squad, new hope. But you know what they say about hope in football…