AB: Games played since joining 4 years ago - 168. Games played this season - 45.
The highlight of this bad season was beating Leeds United at Elland Road in the Coca Cola Cup 4th round and progressing to the quarter finals where we lost 0-1 to Middlesbrough. Tommy Burns, the ex Celtic manager, has become our new manager.

EA: Games against Non League sides in the FA Cup always give League sides a lot of concern. This year Reading were drawn away to Cheltenham Town of the GMVC who were in the middle of a long undefeated run. You eventually won a close tussle after a replay.
How do clubs like Reading cope with the added pressure of possibly being knocked out by a team of part-timers?

AB: Not only Reading, but all pro clubs including Man United and Liverpool understand that Non League clubs have nothing to lose in these one off matches and can be very tough opponents. Warning! Non league teams should not be taken lightly.

EA: Do you see yourself just staying a short while in England (or overseas generally) and what sort of timetable have you set yourself for coming back to Australia? Do you see yourself playing Ericsson Cup football again?

AB: I’d like to stay in football in some sort of capacity either in England or Australia. I can’t say whether or not I’ll play Ericsson Cup football again, but I suppose anything is possible.

EA: What do you do with your spare time when you are not training or playing at Reading?

AB: I have a radio show and I do some study on football related subjects.

EA: We see that big name players and clubs get heavily involved in supporting community projects such as visiting sick children in hospital. Do you get involved in projects like this as a Reading player?

AB: Yes, we frequently visit sick kids in hospital and we give a lot of our time at fundraising events for various organisations. It is very rewarding work.

EA: As one of a growing number of Australians playing in England, do you ever get together with other Aussies for a drink and a chat to talk about the weather (Australian not English) and other things that you miss about home?

AB: I occasionally chat to the other Aussies but it is very hard to meet up a lot as we have very busy schedules during the season.

EA: What do you miss most about Australia?

AB: Family and the sun!

EA: Andrew, thank you for taking time to talk to Studs Up. We wish you a restful off-season and look forward to watching your progress during the 98/9 campaign as you strive to help Reading return quickly to the 1st division..

FOOTNOTE: Paul Gellard reports from London....

I have some more news that you may find interesting. Stuart Lovell was given a free transfer at the end of the season by new manager Tommy Burns. However, Lovell has now said that he wishes to stay with Reading anyway and so he and Burns are locked in contract talks. I personally don't know why Lovell isn't a regular in the side, after all whenever he plays he scores!