The 2020–21 season was Reading's 150th year in existence and eighth consecutive season in the Championship, and covers the period from 23 July 2020 to 30 June 2021. Season review Pre-season On 24 July, the EFL confirmed that the Championship would begin on the weekend of Saturday 12 September 2020. Transfers and contracts On 28 July, Reading announced the signing of Josh Laurent to a two-year contract, after his Shrewsbury Town contract expired at the end of the 2019–20 season. On 3 August, Reading confirmed that Gabriel Osho had declined a new contract with the club after his old contract had expired on 31 July, and had left the club. On 28 August, Reading confirmed the signing of Ovie Ejaria to a four-year contract from Liverpool. August Reading announced their first pre-season friendly on 13 August, an away trip on 28 August to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to face Tottenham Hotspur. On 18 August, Reading were drawn at home against Colchester United in the first round of the EFL Cup. The following day Reading announced they'd play Gillingham at home on 22 August in their first pre-season friendly game. On 21 August, the EFL Championship fixture list was released, with Reading starting their campaign with an away trip to Derby County on 12 September. The following day, Reading faced Gillingham in a friendly at the Madejski Stadium. Two quick-fire goals from Lucas João and Andy Rinomhota gave Reading a 2–0 half time lead. In the second half, John Akinde pulled one back for Gillingham from the penalty with the games ended 2–1 to Reading. On 28 August, Reading faced Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Tottenham opened the scoring through an Omar Richards own goal, before goals from Dele Alli and Son Heung-min saw Tottenham take a 3–0 first half lead. In the second half Erik Lamela scored a free-kick before a late George Pușcaș penalty gave Reading a consolation goal to finish the game 4–1 to Tottenham. After the game the club announced that their planned friendly with West Ham United on 1 September was cancelled. On 29 August, Reading announced the appointment of Veljko Paunović as manager. On 31 August, Reading announced that as part of their Portuguese training camp, they would face Portimonense in a friendly at the Estádio Municipal de Portimão on 1 September. On the same day, the club confirmed that Mark Bowen had left