Last season started with such promise for Reading but tailed off into mid-table mediocrity by the end.
It has been a summer of change at the Madejski Stadium with Jaap Stam replacing Brian McDermott at the helm.
The Dutchman's recruitment is now in full flow as he looks to strengthen this Reading side and push for promotion.
Reading fans are used to unpredictability now and are fully aware that they could finish in any position from the top to the bottom of the Championship.
Whether the Jaap Stam gamble will pay off remains to be seen and signing a number of players from foreign leagues is also a risk which might backfire or prove to be genius.
The opening fixture sees the Royals welcome Simon Grayson's Preston North End to the Madejski Stadium.
It will be a tough game but Reading will know they can come away with 3 points if they perform.
Here is the 4-4-2 team that Jaap Stam should start on the opening day of the season...
GK: Anssi Jaakkola
Anssi Jaakkola has not come to England to be second choice to Ali Al-Habsi, so he might be given a go in the opening game of the season.
The 29-year-old arrives from South African side Ajax Cape Town as a bit of an unknown quantity for Reading fans.
Jaap Stam would know him as Ajax Cape Town are partnered with Ajax - where Stam was a coach.
Once capped by Finland, Jaakkola has travelled around during his career, having had spells in Finland, Scotland, Italy, Czech Republic and South Africa in his 12 year career prior to moving to Reading.
Jaakkola is a real presence at 6'5'' and Reading fans will be hoping that he can become a reliable goalkeeper for them next season.
RB: Niall Keown
With Chris Gunter's departure imminent, Niall Keown could be called upon to start the opening fixture of the season.
The 21-year-old has impressed with the under 21's and Reading fans have been crying out for him to get some game time.
Keown is the son of former Arsenal and England defender Martin and is considered as one of the hottest prospects in Reading's academy.
The right back is a Republic of Ireland under-21 international and should be given an opportunity in the opening game to stake his claim for a regular spot in their starting XI.
CB: Jake Cooper
Young Jake Cooper is one of the Championship's hottest prospects and is wanted by a number of Premier League clubs.
The 6'4'' centre half displays the physical attributes that suit Championship football and he is a handful in the air.
He established his place in the first team last year and looks set to stay as a starting centre back under Stam.
The 21-year-old is still learning and could improve dramatically if he's given plenty of games next year.
The England under-20 international looks set to stay with the Royals so he should find himself in the starting line-up for the opener against Preston.
CB: Paul McShane
Paul McShane is one of the few in this side that is almost certain to start in Reading's opening game.
The 30-year-old brings experience and leadership to the defence and is more than competent at Championship level.
He played 35 games last season after joining on a free transfer and outshone Michael Hector as Reading's best centre half.
The former Republic of Ireland international is expected to partner Cooper as their respective games and experience complements each other aptly.
LB: Jordan Obita
Obita is another who is almost guaranteed a starting spot against Preston.
Despite only being 22 years old, he has amassed over 100 league appearances for Reading since his debut in 2010.
The attack-minded left back is a real threat going forward and he possesses a dangerous delivery from the left flank.
The former England youth international has previously been courted by Premier League sides, but looks set to stay at Reading and maintain his place at left back for the Royals next season.
RM: Garath McCleary
Jamaica international Garath McCleary is a fan favourite at Reading and should continue to start for them next season.
The 29-year-old has played 132 league games for Reading since joining from Nottingham Forest in 2012.
The tricky winger still causes problems for Championship full backs with his exciting dribbling down the flank.
Reading will be hoping that McCleary can hit top form and create plenty of chances next year.
CM: Danny Williams
Combative box-to-box midfielder Danny Williams will give Reading fans a huge boost if he is still there next season.
The German-born USA international is a powerhouse in the centre of midfield and when he is performing well, the whole team performs well.
He has played 94 league games for Reading since joining 3 years ago and is considered one of their better players.
The 27-year-old also has experience from playing his career in Germany and has been subject to interest to a number of clubs, including Sunderland and Newcastle.
CM: Joey van den Berg
Partnering Williams in this midfield is new signing Joey van den Berg.
He follows manager Jaap Stam from Netherlands to England and he has never played anywhere but the Dutch league in his career.
The 30-year-old defensive midfielder is a gamble but it looks like Stam is relying on him to start the season as a central midfield starter. He joined on a free from Heerenveen having previously played for PEC Zwolle, Go Ahead Eagles and FC Omniworld. It will be interesting to see how he does in a new country.
LM: John Swift
Although he is naturally a central midfielder, Jaap Stam has been trialling using John Swift as a wide left midfielder during pre-season.
On paper this could work; Swift is a technically gifted player with good ball control and a superb passing range.
He grabs plenty of assists and also has the ability to find the back of the net so maybe the wing position could become his.
The 21-year-old already has plenty of experience in the football league following successful spells with Rotherham, Swindon and Brentford on loan.
The England under-21 midfielder could be one of the unexpected stars in the Reading side next year.
ST: Joseph Mendes
Joseph Mendes is another foreign import who might or might not pay off.
To be frankly honest, his goalscoring record has not set the world alight previously. T
he 25-year-old scored 11 times in 59 games for Le Havre and had previously had unsuccessful spells at Lokomotiv Plovdiv and Luzenac.
Before that, he scored 3 in 22 for Epinal and 3 in 20 for Le Mans.
But Mendes is a big unit and could be a handful for English defences.
His best form in France came most recently so it will be interesting to see how Stam uses him and if he can start picking up the goals in England.
ST: Deniss Rakels
Dennis Rakels only played 10 games for Reading towards the end of last season, but his lively performances and 3 goals have the fans something to be hopeful of this season.
The 23-year-old had a good goalscoring record with Cracovia prior to joining - bagging 26 goals in 61 matches.
The Latvia international is small and nippy so will be the ideal partner for someone like Mendes, who will present himself as a target man.