Reading 2 - 5 Arsenal

For those that thought it could not get any worse, than going bottom of the league on Saturday.

It just did!

Dropped the wife off and drove home in time to watch the match on Sky Sports, just as Gary Neville was analysing the teams and formations. To those that ever doubted Gary's ability, do yourself a favour and look it up. He got it spot on, I doff my cap to you Gary, you were spot on with how we would have no chance in midfield, and almost to a tee described how Arsenal would score their first two goals.

 

A word that is banded about more and more of late is "embarrassment" and that is an understatement.

 

 

Rubbish formation, tactics and no team spirit, and the off the field battles continue, with no end in sight.

 

 

I was amazed that we pulled two goals back, and no sooner had Kebe scooped the ball out of the net and ran to the half way line to restart and go again, he was substituted, the one player that was causing Arsenal any problems aside Alfie, surely not another injury, from that point on I was beyond caring, put the coat on and went out to the car to go and fetch the wife from the football mecca Madstad. As I was driving along Radio Berkshire announced the score was now five to the Arsenal, once again frustration was replaced with despair.

 

 

Reading fans have been patient with the owner's and Managers in recent past, but they are now being mugged off big time.

 

How did Brian McDermot justify our position, "You have to remember three years ago when I took over the club they were heading for Division One" Well Brian that might be your idea of justification but it sure in hell isn't mine.

 

We were told the new owners had big ideas, plans to take the club forward and establish them as a top ten side, well that is not going to happen anytime soon.

 

 

My one bit of advice to Brian McDermot is do not even try to justify or defend this inept team and football club. Previously I had concerns over your tactics but do not try to make a mug out of the fans, they don't deserve it. The notes that you are seen writing down after each goal should be thrown away and face up to what is staring you in the face, you got it wrong, you carry on getting it wrong and you are learning nothing. With each performance this team is being hung out to dry.

 

 

My final bit of advice to the new owner AZ, please remind us of your intentions for this club.

 

 

Sold down the river by JM, expect now for the fans to express their support in a negative way to reflect the utter shite being dished out.

 

 



Bottom of the league Readingfc

Houston we have landed, we have a problem.

Well it has been coming for a while now but Readingfc have now secured our rightful spot at the bottom of the table, what an utter shambles this club has become. 

They were so poor against Southampton and Sunderland, it was not even worthy of writing about, for the record we did not score in either game, but travelling south we conceded just the one but three times as many in the North East.

QPR won their first game yesterday to near rivals Fulham, (Fulham never do us any favours, but why should they) thus placing us firmly at the foot of the table. 

The achievements and impact we made at our last visit to the premiership could not have prepared us for the shambolic position we find ourselves in.

Daily now we are hearing of rifts in the team and between players and manager, the new owners have gone very very quiet.

I don't have the answers because i do not know all that is going on but, we currently would have to over achieve just to produce the basics, our tactics worked last season, let the other team have the ball and do whatever they want with it, we will simply play counter attack football through the channels and the wings.

Not exactly new news, but it doesn't work against quality sides, to be honest there was recorded a more spirited performance by the band on the Titanic, God rest their souls.

All I hope for Christmas is friends and relatives do not buy my presents from Readingfc Megastore!!

Monday night we take on Arsenal, my wife and I take it turns to go in the week, one of us always stays at home to look after our German Shepherd Blue.

It was a tough fought battle as to who goes, but I won, Sue has to go!!

The overriding factor was that I had already seen us play the Arsenal for 45 minutes at the Madstad in the "Whateveryouwanttocallitthisyearleaguecup". So my time has been served.

I hope that whatever the problems are, they are sorted so that even when we are relegated we can go without shame or embarrassment. For now it is merely a question of not if but when.

One solution to prevent Arsenal scoring seven against us is to secure the shutters, batten down the hatches, and don't let them in the ground on Monday night. (We would still probably fail to secure victory)

Defence against Arsenal

Still worse things happen in life, you could have been brought up supporting Swindon Town or Oxford United.

Reading 3 - 4 Manchester United

The Royals were taking on the top of the league Manchester United, an evening kick off for the sake of ESPN to show on TV.

Given our performance against Aston Villa, who knows what the score would be and how it would come across on the TV.

So with a 5.30 pm kick off what little warmth there was from the sun during the day had already disappeared before taking up the customary seat in the lower west stand.

All the usual pre-match hype was all done and dusted as we waited for the teams to enter the field of play, now in my mind, this was going to be a match to savour, forget about winning just compete was the phrase rattling round in my head, just compete please.

 

 

As the teams entered the field to a rapturous roar, from both sets of fans, our league position had now been put to one side for 90 minutes, all our woes and troubles did not mean a jot. The match kicked off and from both sides it was a thoroughly entertaining encounter, action all the way, to summarise how do you begin to describe a game where by half time you have seen Reading take the lead twice, scoring three goals but conceding four, without one that by all accounts crossed the line but was not given. A penalty which was almost so comical it was like our defence had the mindset of the keystone cops.

 

Ferguson was left to substitute his right back, after being skinned more times than a Fyffes banana, really although he only received a yellow card, he was lucky it was not his second, so Rafael was substituted and left the field not a happy bunny, strop of the day.

 

Now whatever Reading achieve this season to have scored three goals against Manchester United within 23 minutes of play has to merit recording some sort of record, just a shame that we were to concede four in 34 minutes.

 

Finally the half was brought to a close, remaining at 3-4, but we were still in the game.

 

The second half came and unlike the Arsenal game there were to be no further goals, but entertaining all the same, chances at both ends.

 

Now I went to the game to be positive and I am going to share one moment of utter frustration, his name is Adam Federici, some of his antics and performances of late have been shocking, he is in the side due to the injury of Alex McCarthy, forgiven for all those previous misdemeanours, including being beaten at his near post by Anderson in the 13th minute. But for all in the world that is holy, what was that lunatic doing trying to dribble around Robin Van Persie.

 

If I were the Manager he would have been taken off the field of play, and never seen first team action again as a player for Reading FC. We were already struggling to deal with a team that was top of the league, who were leading by one goal and sympathy from the man in black favoured those in red, so he tries to dribble around RVP, absolute lunatic, is my honest opinion.

 

 

 

The goalless second half was concluded and the score remained as it did the end of the first, once again Reading were defeated. Note I said defeated and not losers, because losers they are not.

 

 

Somehow it seems inevitable that we will be relegated, but life will go on, and matches like we watched today are what is great about being in the Premier league, unfortunately the tables that record our progress, reflect the other side that in the cold light of day is based on facts, not how you feel.

 

One final thought to share, I heard that the match was the lead on Match of the Day, a programme I gave up on a few seasons back, it does very little to provide an in depth unbias reflection of the football of that day, no longer my cup of tea.

 

So of an official crowd of 24,095 this Royals fan went home very content with watching a terrific game of football, and thinking how close we came from winning or loosing by a larger margin, the score line was fair.

 

Urzz

 



Aston Villa 1 - 0 Reading

 

So this was the night to put matters right, we were looking to right a lot of wrongs at Villa Park.

Well that did not happen, familiar story same result as our history has laid out, no win, worse of all not even a clean sheet which could of earned at least one point from a sorry game.

The line ups were looking promising at the start and watching on Sky Sports, all the action could be observed and highlights analysed at the end of the match.

Highlights could have been written on the back of a stamp there were so few, actually there was only one, and that was for Villa scoring their winning goal.

We were beaten by a very poor Villa side, which says more about us than them. They have an excuse young side, new manager etc etc. Our excuses have now run out. Forget about luck, rub of the green, players out injured, all I can see is we did well to get nil.

Pressure and stress at work can manifest itself in many ways, but whatever form it takes you have to deal with it. Reading ain't.

The whole sorry saga has now been there for the world to see,  though a lot of people would of shut the TV off or moved to another channel after 20 minutes of dire football.

Reading fans are hurting really bad now, and like the majority of them, you watch with concern and worry, even the basics are a level we could not hope to achieve without a sherpa to guide us up to such heights.Many choose social media websites and work or family to sound off and seek some understanding, like myself here.

On Saturday we are hosts to Manchester United, well that is a god send really, because no one of sound mind and body would expect us to achieve anything.




From here on in there is only one way to follow my beloved club Reading FC, practise some of the old tried and tested methods of support using Gallows Humour, perfected by West Ham United's supporters, this is a compliment not a dig to those Hammers fans that may read this one day.

Gallows humour will reduce stress levels, lower expectations, which in turn will mean a positive approach in adversity.

The club and team including all levels of management are capable of seeing what we all see, they have tried placating the growing concerns by following social media to help pick the team, and look what that achieved at Villa Park last night.

So to those that hold Reading dear to your hearts, allow those people to do what they are capable of doing and know what they should be doing, and remember that the reason you follow your team is for the swing of feelings you have watching your team, win loose or draw. It's what keeps us alive.

My advise to the following is

• Owners;        Put your cards on the table and share your true vision good or bad
• Brian McD;  Be your own man and pick YOUR team
• Players;        Leave everything you have on the pitch, give it your all
• Supporters;  Support and enjoy the bad times as well as the good

Come the end of the season in the words of the great Steve Coppell

 

 "We will finish where we deserved to".

But god willing we will all awake the next day and the world will still be as wondrous as the day it was before, the sun will shine and the stars will sparkle at night.

Come on you Royals

 

URZZ

Wigan 3 - 2 Reading

Dark and gloomy at the Madstad

 



Never been a happy hunting ground for Reading, but the performance is far worse than the result.

After missing the first half commentary on Radio Berkshire, doing something useful, taking the dog out for a walk, it was time to tune in to the second half.

That was a big mistake, what unfolded was a huge worry. Not only did we concede a lead once more but worse we lost a game once again we were supposed to be in control of.

Live reports from Tim Dellor and Mick Gooding were very concerning, once again we blew it. After the horror first half showing against Everton I thought we had identified the problem, resolved it and were moving on, not a cat in hells chance.

Apart from a few outbursts on twitter, this is my first attempt to vent my feelings on this whole sorry saga, no need for details of who had done what wrong, who played badly etc, the whole thing is a bigger mess than most thought, the win against Everton was now irrelevant.

Today I learnt that Reading are now the bookies favourite for relegation, with Harry at QPR, somehow I do not think this makes a jot of difference to us. We are the worse team in this league.

How can the team take the blame, should not those that pick an inept team with atrocious tactics be accountable. There have been enough wake up calls already this season, true we will not be relegated until the maths says so, but even the most optimistic supporters can see the writing is on the wall, now it is only a case of when not if.

Quite honestly I have never felt so helpless watching/listening to a team representing my home town.

Will I give up on them No, but somehow the crap that is being churned out both on and off the field is an insult to peoples intelligence.

I asked a colleague at work today how many chances would his boss give him if he continued to make costly mistakes that affected our business and standing in the world, we agree one or two, so shall we say Reading FC have had their two.

Now drop all the crap of;  we have to learn; we need to move on; this game has gone; and whatever other gems are in the pipeline.

Who will draw a line in the sand and make others accountable, to be honest it must be driven from the top, others have had a chance to make a difference but not delivered, time to sharpen the axe and allow heads to roll.

If the people from the stands can see what is wrong, are others too close to see, if they are take a step back and leap forward into action.

Rant over, now going to find somewhere dark to complete my recuperation, ready to come out and watch the next episode on Sky Sports against Aston Villa.

Urzz

Reading 2-1 Everton

The phrase "must win game" was seldom heard this week, cracks in the club were starting to appear. Reports be they true or false of players contracts, players not fitting in and now Brian McDermott already only warming the seat for Dick Advocaat.

The day did not have the feel of match days previous, it felt more like a dentist appointment, you had to go and you were likely to come home feeling hurt and sorry.

Taking up my seat in the Lower West, foot already hurting, caused by new boots rubbing on my heel,  my wife Sue and I had ourselves a hot drink, Hot Chocolate for her, coffee for me, regrettably no milk, but could not be bothered to return back just for a spot of the white stuff.

So the game began, notably slightly subdued, Everton were looking a confident side, we were looking apprehensive, most notably the only atmosphere being generated was from the scousers in Blue. Once again we had little to show, and Tim Howard only had a few harmless crosses to keep him warm.

As the ball dropped to McAnuff on the edge of our area his clearance was sliced sending the leather sphere into orbit, where gravity was its only saviour, no sooner had the ball arrived back on earth and it was directed by Everton into the Reading net.

Delirium from the travelling fans from Mersyside, groans from the other fans. The half got no better, and my team looked lost, out of their depth. Brian McDermott, unusually, suited and booted, was busy writing his notes,CV or resignation. Who knows? Occasionally descent was creeping in and players were starting to point and question fellow team mates.

It was a feeling of despair as the whistle went for half time, muted sounds rang out from the stands, no booing, but the silence spoke louder.

Team talks at half time were key, and as the players returned to the field, there was only ever going to be one winner, David Moyes would want his Everton team to put this game to bed.

But before my very eyes Reading were the team asking the questions, and early in the second half as the atmosphere was starting to grow, up popped Alfie to put the ball back in the net, previously used to capture the Everton first half goal, joyous celebrations rang out around the ground, game on.

The field of play now contained two teams who believed they could win this match, for a change, a draw would be welcomed today after the start we had.

Chances were a plenty now at both ends of the stadium, the atmosphere was electric, as both sets of fans could taste an opportunity for victory.

Once more the ball entered the Everton penalty area, and as Alfie controlled the ball with his chest, he was clattered from behind, all eyes turned to the man with the whistle, and as if in slow motion, as he blew his whistle, his arm raised to the horizontal position and pointed forwards towards a little pained dot in front of him, penalty.

Contested vigorously by the team all in Black, but to no avail the penalty stood, and waiting patiently was Alfie. The usual mind games were directed at Alfie from Tim Howard and his fellow teammates.

Now we had a chance, only a chance, our record of penalties of late has not been great.

As the shrill of the whistle signalled the penalty to be taken, before it fell silent the coolest person in the stadium Adam Le Fondre had struck the ball straight down the centre of the goal and into the net.

As the net bulged, the stadium absolutely erupted, joy and pandemonium a plenty, scenes of joy unequalled this season, the roof barely managing to stay on, what an unbelievable feeling, celebrations turned to joyous dancing around the stadium, it was like we had won a cup, title or the greatest trophy known to football.

The scenes were reflecting what a monumental step our season had just taken, how could a team be so poor in the first half and return to the field of play, not to dominate the game, but take their chances and the lead.

There were times after, when both teams had opportunities, the most notable was the header from Fellani which was goal bound only to strike a post and into the grateful arms of Federicci, our goalie who had in recent games been left out, but did the club proud today.

As we entered the closing stages and added time the Arsenal result was coming to the fore of my mind, we must hang on, please hang on.

Once more the stadium erupted as the game was brought to a close, the team were rightfully given a standing ovation until the last player left the field.

The whole team earned that today, and this was an immense result from a fabulous second half performance.

My Man of the Match award goes to Sean Morrison, an outstanding performance from a 21 year old central defender who left the field of play carrying his shirt in his hand and his chest as inflated as any you will have seen before.

Make no mistake this was a game of two halves and we should never been given the opportunity, but not only was it given, it was taken with interest, Reading were back, we now proved that we can compete, given some luck and the rub of the green who knows.

Today was about the team, squad, Management and all about the support staff, they turned it around, responded to a half time team talk, and delivered an inspired performance.

Reading fans can be fickle, but today they stayed with the team, a team that could have been booed off at half time. All those of Blue and White hoops persuasion crossed the line together and witnessed a fantastic result, and celebrated as one.

To put this result into context, Everton entered this game with only one defeat in twenty games, they leave Berkshire with the Royals celebrating, so loudly ringing in their ears.

No offence to Everton, have no problem with them or their followers, a much respected club, but today was ours, we not only needed this win, we bloody well earned it.

Urzz

P.s. my heel was as sore as ever as we returned to the car in a side road off Hartland Road, but it did not matter, the Royals have won. :-)

Oh dear, oh dear oh dear

I was looking forward to celebrating and charting the success of Readingfc return to the top flight of football.

To say it has been a disappointment so far is an understatement. Ten games into the season and yet to win a game is bad enough, but to celebrate not conceding against a poor looking Norwich City, is taking the wee wee.

No longer can I suffer in silence. The whole campaign thus far has failed to deliver apart from one glimmer of hope, unlucky to get only a draw against Newcastle United.

Tactics and formations are for cleverer people than me, but as a fan of my home town club, who I have supported since the late sixties, what they are doing ain't working.

The club try hard, but I have only witnessed true progress at the club when Steve Coppell brought respectability from within the football world, sadly that hit a brick wall, due to the clubs lack of ambition. When they were last promoted not only did those involved with the club celebrate, but we were welcomed with open arms as a breath of fresh air. Sadly that is now but a memory.

Playing in the Premiership is not the be all and end all, but if your club want success this is the only place it will be measured. It is a mixed bag at the moment, though it is good to see the stadium nearly full each game, those games are fewer and each one is a must win game.

Leaving the ground yesterday felt even worse than the collapse against Arsenal.

So my plea is thus.

Sort yourselves out Reading F C

If we are going to get relegated go down with a fight not a whimper.

Reading till I die