The Loyal Royal

A heart-warming story or crazy fool?

You decide.

Nevertheless I am in awe of you - Charles McLeod, you take the term Loyal Royal pass all expectations.

And I honour you.

Full Story

'Winning Football'

Brendan Rodgers’ battle cry is in full force. The Reading website seems to have a different interview published every day on the manager’s intentions. Well it fills the void of nothing I suppose.

Today’s strong message was about him wanting the fans’ to be on his side.

“Our supporters are absolutely vital.” Rodgers told the Reading website, “They are down as number 13 on the teamsheet – and they certainly are just that.

“The atmosphere they can create, and the intensity of their emotion, it helps the players, no question.”

It’s all a rather nice sentiment at the moment and it reassure fans that something is happening, even though I expect these words were just an extension of the press conference when he was appointed but oh well it gives us something to read.

Rodgers says he is ‘the biggest Reading supporter’ and pledged to ‘give his life’ in order to bring success.

It’s all saying this but nothing has happened of note yet, us fans don’t quite know whose names we can be put on the back of our pending new shirts.

He continues, “It’s my job, with the players, to ensure that energy returns and the way to do that is with entertaining and exciting football – and of course winning football.”

His words do excite me a little.

‘Winning football’ – hallelujah!

Please, please, please, let that be the case.

On a lighter note, I’ve booked and reserved the hotel up in Newcastle for our first away trip of the season; Dick has volunteered to drive up there and that will be one fun road trip.

Let’s just hope it won’t be a fruitless journey.

The Blackpool Donkey

Easter Holidays! Who bloody needs them.

All it reminds me off is yet another dismal weekend as a disgruntled Reading supporter.

It must be a cardinal sin throwing away a 2-0 lead against the power that is Blackpool. Another poor draw from a game that we should be running away with 3 points. Two points definitely dropped.

It must have been more comforting watching 11 donkeys on the poorly named Pleasure Beach walking one side of the beach to the other. At least there might be more life in them.

Talking about Donkey’s, the courageous Michael Duberry made an inevitable mistake, we saw it coming ever since he put on a Hooped Shirt. His slip allowed Roy O’Donovan through but he missed an absolute sitter, but unfortunately for Reading, DJ Campbell was on hand to steer in the rebound and it was for the equaliser.

It made it worst that he is an ex-Brentford player; I thought we had snapped up any decent ones already.

One you missed Wally!

To add insult to injury, Duberry was captain. His leadership could be compared to that off George W. Bush. Not having a clue and making things more difficult for everyone. At least we can use him as an excuse.

Rightly, Jem Karacan was restored to the starting line up and he made damn sure he should be included in the next starting XI. His goal was through sheer persistence, and it was wholly deserved.

Noel Hunt’s knee looked clean, he scored and instantly became more effective than Dave Kitson or Kevin Doyle. The rub of the Irish is wearing off, as the travelling 903 fans were treated to two, yes two, goals. The first time since Charlton if my mind has not mistaken me. But the first time we conceded two since Charlton too.

Now there is only four games left, Barnsley and Norwich will be scrapping for their lives in a dire relegation battle. One against Birmingham, as it looks like we will both be playing for position in the playoffs. Oh yeah, and Derby, our game in hand, what good is that now.

We had this league to a tee and now it has gone to dust.

I am now looking to May 25th, Bank Holiday Weekend. God we better make it there at least. Just a couple of wins needed.

Urzzzzz

The Down to 5th

What a horrible, horrible weekend – another defeat and down to 5th! I haven’t felt this sad since the defeat to Ipswich!

Times have not been this bad for a while (well two weeks) and this is on the back on a performance that was, in my view, encouraging.

Unfortunately, ‘encouraging’ is not good enough with only five games to go and seeing those thugs from Cardiff climb above the Royals is not the easiest to take.
Reading need to get their act together and play to the best of their ability if they are going to get out of this league.

Dave Kitson looked back to his regular ‘Reading self, as he created opportunities and was guilty of missing some good ones as well.

Reading looked so much more comfortable in a 4-4-2 formation instead of the bizarre formations Steve Coppell has been trying to experiment with recently.

Marek Matejovsky and Kalife Ciise in the middle did wonders, although I would like to see Jem Karacan back in the fray. He makes up for his lack of experience with his exuberant play he adds something different.

The defence looked solid enough again, even though I am forever biting my nails every time Michael Duberry or Andre Bikey are near the ball, just in case they cock-up.

Having Kevin Doyle captain again seems bemusing; Marcus Hahnemann would have had my vote. A man whose interests include shotguns and heavy metal music is not someone to mess with. He would command respect, if you don’t give it, he’ll soon be chasing you in his Yank Car firing rounds at you.

It is the three consecutive 1-0 defeats at home that fail to inspire the Loyal Royals.

The Boos ringed around the stadium once again, as another chance to close in on the top two went begging.

However, the performance indicates to me that Reading have the chance to get the maximum 15 points from the remainder of the season, a view that is also kindly shared with Noel Hunt and hopefully the squad.

I particularly enjoy the lads in the Upper West causing havoc. It was brilliant to hear voices from that end of the stadium. I was disappointed not to join them, as seats were nowhere to be seen, an influx of Reading fans could take up seats vacant in the South Stand and together with East we could drown out the away fans. Imagine the noise.

Automatic promotion must be out of reach for us now; a day out at Wembley would not go a miss though. Surely, it would be third time lucky!

Urzzzzz