By Mark Sugar
January 21 2004

Ipswich Town boss Joe Royle has made an equiry regarding a possible loan move for Royals striker Shaun Goater. Goater has suffered a tough start to his Royals career with injuries and has been a target for abuse from supporters. It would seem likely he would favour a move to Ipswich. Shaun Goater signed for Reading on Friday 1st August from Man City for a fee of 500,000.Goater was a big hit with City supporters after scoring 100 goals in 6 seasons for them.Ex Royals manager Alan Pardew had hoped him and Nicky Forster would form a leathal partnership as they fired Reading to the Premiership.

Goater had little pre season training and his debut was against Ipswich a week later.

His first goal for Reading came on the 16th August against Nottingham Forest.He took his tally to 4 as he ended August the leading goalscorer in the Division.

But the departure of Alan Pardew saw a change of form for Goater.As Kevin Dillon was appointed caretaker manager and results going against him,Dillon went with the familiar 4-5-1 formation.This meant Goater would only get a place on the bench.

But with the appointment of Steve Coppell in early October,Goater would start to get a look in.He scored his 1st goal under the Coppell reign against Preston North End on the 18th October.

But on the 29th November manager Coppell revealed Goater would need knee surgery rulling him out for 6 weeks.This would be a big blow.

He returned to the Royals line up for the FA Cup Game against Preston as he scored 1 and was voted Man Of The Match.

His last goal was against Preston in the Cup replay,but left fans furious after missing 6 chances.The boo-boys made Goater there prime target.

Its no surprise Royle wants Goater,after all they know each other from the Man City days and Goater is a proven goalscorer at this level.He scored 28 goals for City in the 2001/2002 season as they were crowned champions.

However despite a tough start,hopefully Goater will stay a Reading player as I have great faith in him.We Scott Murray back to form and John Salako back in the side,hopefully Goater will help score some more goals.

Other RFC News
Ex Royal Lawrie Sanchez has been named new manager of Northern Ireland.He has signed a 2 year deal and faces a difficult World Cup 2006 qualifiying campaign with England,Wales and Poland in there group.

Scott Murray should be back for the game against Derby on the 31st January after getting an injury in the 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest.

Reading Reserves have been beaten 1-0 by local rivals Swindon Town at the County Ground despite fielding players such as Andy Hughes,Dave Kitson,Lloyd Owusu,James Harper and Dean Morgan.