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Instead, the name 'D Caskey' could be found on the teamsheet of relegation-strugglers Notts County. Caskey, much-loved by the Reading faithful, was lining up in an alien black and white striped shirt at Port Vale.
The man who had it all at Reading had chosen not to renew his contract when it had expired. Many expected the Basildon-born midfielder to head for the Premiership - or at the very least the First Division in a bid to prove himself at a higher level. But instead he took the thousands that County had to offer and has rotted ever since.
Jamie Cureton could this summer become the next Darren Caskey. Out of contract, Curo finds himself at the same crossroads that Caskey was at two years ago. But will the Reading number twelve make the same wrong turn.
Reading Mad have looked at his options and reckon they know where he will end up.
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The Premiership could prove to be a good move for Jamie. However, it is unlikely that any club would be willing to field him ahead of experienced international stars. The chances are, if a Premiership side were to come in, most of his football would be played for the reserves in front of the proverbial one man and his dog. If it wasn't for the megabucks Premiership sides had to offer then he might as well stay playing for Reading's second eleven.
Whilst 'Big Sam' at Bolton is believed to be a big admirer of our former England Youth International - Jay Jay Okocha or Jamie Cureton who would you choose?
The Valley is certainly an alternate possibility. But Alan Curbishley was linked with a move for Gabriel Batistuta some weeks ago now - clearly he is aiming higher than Cureton.
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The idea of returning to Norwich City must appeal to Cureton - the side he started his career with. The Canaries, a club in a minor state of crisis, were reportedly interested in him earlier this year.
Cureton's desire to complete 'unfinished business' at Carrow Road was revealed last September prior to the Royals clash with the Canaries. He admitted: "I never wanted to leave Norwich, I was well settled and I loved the place. In a silly sort of way I still see them as my club."
A move to Norwich would neither be a step down or a step up from Reading - Reading Mad reckon that if the offer was there then Cureton would jump at the chance in the way David Beckham jumped at the chance to sign for Real Madrid.
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'The Fake Hoops' have been linked with a move for Mr Cureton. Defeated in last season's Division Two Play-Off Final The R's (they stole that name too) will be hoping to push for automatic promotion next season.
Whilst moving to QPR would be a step down for Curo they could certainly offer him regular first team football, in a Division he has scored a bucket load of goals in. What's more the fact that they are such a local side much surely appeal as the pint-size centre forward would not have to move house. Another offer that would be hard to refuse if it was on the table.
Colchester United - Teaming up with an old teammate
Phil Parkinson would undoubtedly love to take Cureton to Colchester. After a sparkling managerial debut last season Parky is looking to bolster his squad with some quality signings. A move for Cureton might possibly be out of the question as he would demand more money than United can realistically afford. Don't expect it to happen.
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Curo is currently over in the USA on trial with DC United and netted twice in a practice match today (Wednesday). Read all about it at:
http://www.dcunited.com/index.cfm?section=main&cont_id=189031
The USA are hardly known for their football, sorry soccer, so a move to the US to play in front of a vast concrete bowl can hardly be seen as a career move. Premiership players often move to the United States in the twilight years of their career to earn one last bumper pay cheque before retiring. Such a move would be a very Caskey-esque one and would earn little respect from Reading fans. After all, at 27 he is a long way short of retirement.
Reading Mad feel that the pay cheque from the US could be too hard for Curo to resist but are praying they are wrong.
Korea is another possible destination if Cureton just wants to take the money. Despite their World Cup success they are hardly a footballing nation, they are more interested in eating dogs. The idea of Curo getting to grips with Korean culture seems somewhat humorous also...
Bristol Rovers - Another Homegoing
Another one of Cureton's clubs are reportedly keen on re-signing him. Yes, a side that managed to stay in the Football League by the skin of their teeth last season want to sign one of Division One's top goal poachers. I'm not joking.
It ain't gunna happen folks.
Reading
It could still happen I suppose. In an ideal world it would happen. But any Reading fan can see that Mr Pardew and Mr Cureton do not get on. Reading Mad were told as much by Cureton's agent, Paul Martin, back in January. The agent said: "Jamie loves the fans and loves the club but the manager's not right at the moment."
Furthermore, if the 5ft 8inch was to stay, he would not get first team football, something he desperately needs at this stage in his career.
Cureton's lap of the stadium following the Play-Off defeat to Wolves was what we all believed it to be at the time - a farewell from one of our favourite sons.
THE VERDICT