Lessons Learnt

Well that was certainly an eventful weekend. The trip up there was long, and the performance was, in the end, disappointing. It wasn’t a weekend where Reading went to enjoy themselves but it was one where they were educated by brutal realisation that football in this division maybe harder than first expected.

Newcastle United, full of emotion, played outstanding and it’s a win they wholly deserved without question. Reading however, made it easy for them. Forever pumping long balls to an isolated Shane Long will never, ever work. Long started to sulk in the manner he approached the game and he clearly wasn’t enjoying himself or relishing playing this ‘lone’ striker role. It wasn’t until the introduction Noel Hunt that Long started to look himself again.

The defence looked as stable as a Katie Price relationship and had no answer for the power that was Shola Ameobi. The striker taught Alex Pearce many lessons with endless torments of physical presence and Ameobi, to his credit, took his goals very well. The defender may not come up against a more physical opponent this season, but if the case occurs, he may know how to handle it better next time around.

The midfield was completely overrun and even the enthusiasm of Jay Tabb and Scott Davies had no answer for the vastly Premier League experienced duo of Alan Smith and Kevin Nolan. They completely dominated proceedings and if the Magpies are able to keep them from joining average top-flight teams they would surely be a contender for automatic promotion.

Jem Karacan looked a tad nervous in front of a 36,000 crowd, as some wayward passing was very uncharacteristic of him. Perhaps the occasion got the better of him but as the game wore on, he improved and his passing had rhythm and purpose.

It was obvious that a very young Reading team would have days like this but the fact the team failed to perform, even slightly, as they did against Nottingham Forest is a cause for concern. The last time I remember Reading being completely out played and without any answer was probably the 2-0 defeat against Fulham at the Madejski.

Positively Brendan Rodgers praised the performance and the man does speak a lot of sense: "In the first half we were well in the game but went to sleep a couple of minutes before the first goal. Newcastle deserved to win the game but I am very proud of the young players, this is a great experience to come here. We will be better."

It was an experience for the youngsters and perhaps it was good to get these nerves out of the system early before it could matter at the end.

Trip to Newcastle

I woke up this morning with a slight spring in my step and thrill of football fever.

A trip to the Loony Toons awaits Reading and us loyal royals. The hotel is booked, the transport is ready and the beer’s are in the fridge so it’s set to be a spectacular weekend.

The last journey up there I endured delayed trains, rain and a comprehensive 3-0 defeat courtesy of Michael Owen, Obafemi Martins, and Mark Viduka under the leadership of Kevin Keegan. How times have changed?

From that starting XI for Reading only four remain, but only two can possibly feature this Saturday, which may be a concern. Andre Bikey is suspended for his foolish outburst at Burnley last season; Ivar Ingimarsson is injured so that leaves Liam Rosenior and James Harper who had played at St James’ Park. The fifth member could had been Stephen Hunt but he has now gladly got his wishes and entered the gateway of Hull.

The concern for the game is that our young players could become fazed with all of the attention and emotion surrounding the hysteria at Newcastle. Alternatively, on the other hand, they will relish the opportunity, perform above expectations, and record a famous win. I do hope it is the latter.

Newcastle has been a delicate place for the last few years and it’s been nothing short of a drama starring Robson Green, but Reading have the chance to lay down their early season credentials showing the league that they will not settle for mid-table.

It is anyone’s guess what the outcome will be. Nonetheless, with a little bit of optimism, Newcastle are there for the taking and, although it will be an emotional first competitive match since the death of Sir Bobby Robson, Reading will be a little too wise for the home side as they can dictate the pace play the way they want too.

On paper Newcastle should walk all over the Royals with players at their disposal: Nicky Butt, Steve Taylor, Damien Duff, Steve Harper, Fabricio Coloccini, Kevin Nolan, Alan Smith, Geremi, Jonas Gutierrez are all Premier League class but Reading will have the expertise to make them struggle in a new climate and we’ll give them a true welcoming to the Championship.

So Reading’s youngsters have the chance the portray their talents in front of the Sky Sports cameras, I do hope they put on a great show.

Prediction: Newcastle 0 – 3 Reading

Reading Youngsters Prove Worth

The performance was quite simply breathtaking; a burst of goals that coincided with some excellent football to make an all-enjoyable evening but many did miss it. The sea of blue seats was a little disheartening but the fans that turned up still made good voice and saw five top quality strikes in a comprehensive 5-1 win.

Although it was ‘only’ Burton Albion, Reading produced a fine display and it just goes to show what a hungry, young squad Brendan Rodgers has at his disposal. This little youngster Nicholas Bignall made his debut and what a debut it was. Not many can claim that they scored two for their hometown club within 9 minutes of the start.

Bignall’s took his goals brilliantly and his all round game was equally as impressive. He caused constant havoc, his speed and energy troubled Burton’s helpless defence, as they didn’t know how to handle him.

I’m sure Burton defenders would have loved some rope to tie him to the corner flag just to have a moment’s rest from his movement off the ball, he must have tried to cover every blade of grass. He was always an option and the midfield consisting of Marek Matejovsky, Gylfi Sigurdsson and James Harper loved picking him out, he chased everything.

Irish eyes must have been smiling over David Mooney; he took his two goals very well, one from an almost impossible angle, to show case his talents in front of new manager Rodgers and fans alike. There’s a fans’ favourite in the making here.

The crowd sung ‘Mooney, Mooney, Mooney, Mooney, Mooney, ahaha’ in a remediation of the Kaiser Chiefs ‘Ruby’, inspirational stuff and no doubt it’ll be heard again. I fancy it for a ringtone in all honesty.

What a cracking little player Sigurdsson is. Before last night’s performance, he seemed a little unhurried and a tad weak to dominate the midfield, but those thoughts are now forgotten.

His goal flew in and I couldn’t believe I missed it. Damn dehydration. However, having the luxury of Sky Sports News and Sky+ I was able to watch it over and over again and once more after that. What a sensational strike it was; Cristiano Ronaldo would be eating his heart out.

Sigurdsson is the youngster in Reading’s Iceland contingent and has fine role models and compatriots he can look up to in Brynjar Gunnarsson and Ivar Ingimarsson. No doubt he has been given guidance and understands what it takes to succeed at the Mad Stad and on this perform, his career certainly looks promising.

New signing Matthew Mills also made his debut and performed amicable alongside skipper Alex Pearce and this is possibly, and hopefully, Reading’ first choice centre back pairing for the season. Mills looked commanding and has a bit of pace about him; first signs are very encouraging.

Rodgers would have a learnt a little more about his side. Now a trip to Newcastle awaits us.

Sky Sports Taking an Interest

See posts here as well as on the Sky Sports Website!

Click HERE

First Sign Encouraging

Well it wasn’t the fairytale beginning of an exciting new era that we all dreamed off, but it’s weren’t too far off.

A stalemate at home is nothing to sneer your nose at and some, even just a little, composure up front and we could have bagged the first three points of the season and a first home win since January.

I cannot believe it’s been that long.

Nonetheless, it was a very, very encouraging performance and it’s spectacular that potential we have. I was excited.

Brendan Rodgers, the youngest manager in the league, showed that he has the initiative, passion and the expertise to exceed in this job and his animated stances and reactions on the sidelines were a pleasure, a complete contrast to what we saw under Steve Coppell.

Rodgers’ tactics were clever and the formation inspiring, the youngsters looked to be enjoying themselves and playing with some creative freedom.

Scott Davies played surprisingly well on debut and he looked a real driving force in midfield, with Jimmy Kebe and Hal Robson-Kanu occupying the width, Reading looked dangerous every time they attacked.

I went into the game a little anxious, unexpected what was to come really. Forest are no mugs by any means and it was blatantly obvious that they’ve brought £6 million worth of talent. When they nicked a 1-0 win at the Mad Stad last term, they didn’t look good. They played well and performed better as an unit; they will definitely be there or thereabouts at the end of the season.

Although Reading have spent significantly on Matthew Mills, signings have not been flooding in and a few new faces are still expected to come to enhance the squad. A 20 goal a season striker could come in handy but I have faith that Reading will do well.

Playoffs for sure.

Alex Pearce, what a fine centre half he’s becoming, captained Reading to a clean sheet and played like a man who’s been in the playing for ten years; he is pinnacle to Reading’s destiny this season.

I was convinced that Kebe had scored when the deflected of him. Then somehow Davies and then Shane Long blasted over from close range – all was needed was a little bit of composure.

Long looked like he had something to prove and he showed what he was capable, he must be relishing not to be wrestling Kevin Doyle and Dave Kitson for a start up front, he needs to have a good season.

The first signs are certainly encouraging.

Skipper Ivar

So it was the conservative decision for Ivar Ingimarsson to be appointed Reading’s new captain, a far cry from the far left decision to give youngster Alex Pearce the armband, he will be given the vice captaincy instead.

With Ingi’s injuries of late, it must have been tricky to give the responsibility to someone who may not be in the team often.

As determined last year and the year before that, Graeme Murty’s presence was solely missed and his influence and passion was left best on the pitch, when out of the side, the team missed that certain drive.

Let’s hope Ingimarsson will be able to supply that drive on a regular basis.

The Icelandic international was always the safe bet as he has been the club since October 2003, Steve Coppell’s first signing, and his love and knowledge of the clubs exceeds most other candidates.

James Harper’s potential move to Wolves, as reported earlier, gave indication that he was never in the running, and with Andre Bikey linked with many clubs it would be doubtful he would be risked with the responsibility, not that he would have been a good leader anyway.

Brendan Rodgers is certainly a clever man and what he said of Ivar speaks volumes: “Ivar has great respect from everybody here and his communication is open. He is ruthlessly simple, he says it as it is. I know he can put my message across when I am not there.”

That’s fair enough really and that is more than enough for me.

Pearce being given the vice captaincy role is fantastic new, Rodgers definitely knows his worth and if he’s playing constantly this season he’ll now doubt be able to fill role to a very good standard.

Rodgers spoke inspiring words of him: “In terms of Alex, I know that over time he can progress into a natural captain and he can learn from guys like Ivar. I want to help Alex in his progress because he is a natural leader of this club. He will learn as vice captain and be mentored to become captain one day.”

This may be the indication that Pearce may not be automatic first choice and with the signing of Matthew Mills he may have to show his worth more and more.

In all, a fine decision. The obvious one.

We just need a good song for him now.

Mills. Mills. Mills.

Excellent we have a signing and one to shout out about.

Matthew Mills is the latest, with some rumoured to follow, signing of a relatively peaceful summer and it’s the first purchase under the new Brendan Rodgers era.

He joins Ryan Bertrand, on loan from Chelsea, in beefing up the defence and it’s two players that I, personally, am really looking forward to seeing.

Last season Mills had a great season and was arguably Doncaster’s finest performer as Sean O’Driscoll exceeded all expectations to finish mid table in the Championship.

Mills comes to Reading for a slightly different task. He and Alex Pearce should form a formidable partnership as the club can get rid of the ever so slightly expansive Andre Bikey for a significant profit. There’s many rumoured in the hunt for his signature.

Doncaster paid a record signing fee for the centre albeit it only £300,000 but they made a grand profit of their own. Gladly he has a winning playoff mentality, when he secured promotion with Donny via the playoffs after beating Leeds ‘Scum’ United, and this may be a crucial factor come the end of the season.

It’s reported that Reading paid anything up to £2.3 million for his services and if he performs well he could attract a higher fee in the future.

It’s a grand transfer policy and a player that fits the bill perfectly. Well done Nicky Hammond.

He’s young, only 23, and ambitious but there is only one serious problem – he was born in Swind*n.

The Shock

If The Independent is regarded extremely left wing, it’s Championship coverage must be the same.

Have a look who they have touted as ‘one to watch’ for next season for the whole Championship.

I’m still in shock.

He's not that good is he?

Highlights of 2008/09 season

I saw something worthwhile when bored searching this wonderful thing called the internet.

I came across a brilliant highlights package on YouTube for last season.

So, If you want to relive last season’s ‘failure’ and the ending of an era feel free.

I certainly did and felt good for doing so. It made me more excited for this up and coming one.

The highlights shows footage of some of the finest players that wore the blue and white of Reading.

So watch Kevin Doyle, Graeme Murty, Glen Little, Dave Kitson, Stephen Hunt (Maybe, or rather hopefully), Marcus Hahnemann, Leroy Lita and ...er........ Michael Duberry for the last time* in a Reading shirt.

Enjoy.

* That's if there not on loan to us come January.