manager Greg Abbott said his disappointment at losing Harte was tempered by the money received for team strengthening. Harte thanked manager Abbott, saying "The move really came from nowhere but I have to be honest and say that it is nice to see a club at that level showing an interest. They are a big club who were in the Premier League just a few years ago. They are in the Championship and the chance to go and play at that level again was one I didn't want to miss. The difficult part was that I have really enjoyed my time at Carlisle. Greg Abbott has really looked after me and he was willing to give me a chance to get myself back into the game at a point when I didn't have a club. I can't thank him enough for that." Harte scored on his debut from the penalty spot against Crystal Palace and then in his fourth appearance with a stunning free kick against Barnsley. He continued his fine scoring record (for a defender), which helped Reading maintain their challenge for the play-offs for the Premier League. On 9 April, Harte scored the opening goal in a 4–3 away win at promotion-chasing Nottingham Forest. In April, he was named in the PFA Championship Team of the Year, following his appearance in the corresponding list for League One a year earlier. Harte also scored a superb free kick against Middlesbrough in a 5–2 win for Reading, and perhaps his best of the season away to Ipswich Town in a 3–1 win on 8 March. Harte was named as the Championship player of the month in March 2011. Harte also scored from the penalty spot away to Scunthorpe United on 12 April as Shane Long was unavailable; the game finished 2–0 to Reading. Harte was part of a defence that shut out his old team Leeds United in 0–0 draws at both Elland Road and the Madejski. Harte was applauded throughout by the home fans (Leeds United). Harte played in a 3–2 defeat to Sheffield United at the Madejski Stadium on 25 April 2011. The game also involved a tribute for former Reading and Sheffield United player Chris Armstrong. Reading lost the game 3–2, the first defeat for Reading since 4 February 2011 to QPR. Harte was named in the PFA Team of the Year for the second year running,