Norwich City: The perfect example for newly promoted Reading

After a 1-0 home win to Nottingham Forest last week, Reading secured promotion to the Premier League after a four year absence from the top division. Brian McDermott's side have been hovering around the top of the Championship since late February and were rewarded with promotion after an excellent second half of the season from his side.

picture: espn.co.uk

Now back in the big time, it is imperative that the Royals invest correctly in the summer. With Anton Zingarevich set to take over the club in the coming weeks then the opportunity to bring in players will definitely be available to McDermott. The current side contains experienced players who have played in the Premier League before. Striker Jason Roberts and midfield dynamo Hayden Mullins have both spent long spells in the top division. But with other squad members in line to experience the top flight for the first time in their careers, it is important that they bring in good signings.If we take a look at the sides promoted to the Premier League this from last season, we can look at the success  of bringing in the right players. Take Norwich City for example. Under the guidance of Paul Lambert, they managed an excellent double promotion in just the two seasons. They currently sit comfortably in thirteenth and have not been at any threat of relegation this year. 

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Against the odds the Canaries have impressed this year and thanks to the right signings, they have produced some excellent performances. Norwich brought in a number of lower league players at the start of the season. These included Elliot Bennett, Bradley Johnson, Kyle Naughton (on loan from Spurs) and Steve Morison. Alongside the power of captain Grant Holt, these players have blended wonderfully into the squad. With the limited resources at the club, credit goes to the team who have proved the doubters wrong and will more than likely finish the league mid table ahead of the likes of Aston Villa and Bolton. 

In contrast to this, QPR are struggling and are fighting off relegation. Although this may have something to do with the change of manager mid season, the team have not produced such great performances that saw them champions of the Championship last season. Sacking former boss Neil Warnock has yet to prove the correct decision with the side currently in a relegation scrap. New manager Mark Hughes went transfer crazy in the January transfer window bringing in Bobby Zamora, Djibril Cisse, and Nedum Onuoha. Yes these players may bring in a wealth of Premier League experience, but the lack of togetherness alongside the never ending drama of captain Joey Barton has seen the London side struggle.

We can't finish without mentioning the success of Swansea who came up through the play offs beating Reading at Wembley last season. Thrashed 4-0 away at Man City on the opening day of the season, the Welsh team were odds on to be relegated come May time. But like Norwich, Brendan Rogers side have played some excellent football this year and are well worthy of their continuation in the top flight next year.

Reading have been in the Premier League before and slowly became an established side until performances dropped and were eventually relegated. It has taken them four years to get back to the big time but with decent signings and the odd bit of luck, there is no reason why they can't be as successful as Norwich and Swansea have been this year.