Tom Ince identifies key traits that are behind Reading’s success so far this season | OneFootball

Tom Ince has suggested Reading’s “fight and desire” has been key to their success this season, two traits that were clearly on display in the win against Swansea City on Tuesday night.

Paul Ince’s side went ahead after 27 minutes when Andy Carroll pounced on Swansea goalkeeper Steven Benda’s punch out to volley the ball through a crowded box and into the net.

They should have doubled their lead five minutes later  but Yakou Meite blazed his penalty over the bar.

A second goal put distance between Reading and Swansea in the 52nd minute with Ince pouncing on lacklustre defending from the Swans. Liam Cullen did pull a goal back in the 71st minute, but Reading held on.

Speaking to media after the game, Ince highlighted the traits behind his teams success: “I think the biggest thing for us is our spirit. I think that’s what defines us, that’s what defines how we are.

“We at times are very defensive. We at times don’t make the games easy for ourselves but what we’ve got is fight and desire and people to put their bodies on the line and a sprinkle of quality throughout the team.”

Reading moved up to eight in the Championship and are level on points with Norwich City in fifth, highlighting how successful of a season they’re having.

To be sat level on points with a team who have just been relegated from the Premier League highlights those essential traits mentioned by Ince.

The big Xmas Day Reading FC quiz – Can you score 18/18?

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Paul Ince is Reading's manager?

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The Verdict

Reading’s lack of resources in the summer meant they had to be shrewd with their transfers.

They recruited experience, as well as players with points to prove and Tom Ince was one of those. He has struggled to rekindle the form he showed at Blackpool and Derby but has since found his best form under the tutelage of Paul Ince.

But the ability to display traits like having the fight and hunger are difficult to coach, so credit must go to the boss for his ability to motivate and organise his team.

It’s so far paying off for Reading who were widely tipped for a relegation battle but comfortably find themselves ten points above the bottom three and looking up.