The 2019-20 campaign was a turbulent but ultimately stabilising season for Reading as The Royals fought their way to a respectable 14th-place finish in the Championship. The year was defined by early drama, including the mid-season sacking of manager José Gomes, and the appointment of Mark Bowen, who steered the club away from a relegation battle. Leading the charge with vital attacking force was Yakou Méïté, whose 13 league goals (and 17 in all competitions) proved crucial in securing a safe mid-table spot, alongside a memorable run to the Fifth Round of the FA Cup. It was a year built on resilience that marked the club's successful consolidation in the second tier.