The Madejski Stadium on Friday played host to a friendly fixture between Reading and Charlton, the Royals went down fighting, losing 4-3. Finnish international forward Jonatan Johansson scored a last minute winner for the visitors.
Reading last met Charlton in August 2000, on that occasion a vastly superior Addicks side triumphed by three goals to one.
Following the fixture Alan Curbishley was singing the praises of the Royals squad. He told readingfc.co.uk: "I was impressed with Reading.
"They have come a long way since we last played, it was a much more competitive game and they look a good team.
"I also feel we (Charlton) are stronger now, we're more prepared for the Premiership than we have been before, so the fact that it was a tight game shows how much better Reading are now."
There are now just five days until the season kicks off, Reading face an opening day clash with Derby. If Alan Curbishley's comments are to believed we should see the Royal's roar to many victories this coming season!