How was your season? Boring
Happy with the gaffer? Neither happy nor unhappy
Who were the stars - and who flopped? No stars, many flops
Who were the best, and worst, away fans? Didn't notice them to be honest
Top hate figure at another club? Hate is such a negative term and I feel it's unfair to exclude our own players from selection. If I had to name someone based on your strict selection criteria I would say Ian Pulfer of the Woodley Saints.
Top 5 best opposition players? Ronaldo, Torres, Fabregas, Cahill, Bentley
Who do you want to win the Champions League? Chelsea, Man Utd, not bothered? not bothered
Fabio Capello - right choice, wrong choice, not bothered? I What as Steve Coppell's replacement? Would be the wrong choice. As for England manager I couldn't care less, England have let me down so many times I've lost interest
Game 39 - good idea, bad idea, not bothered? Good idea but not something I would support as a competitive fixture.
Review of the season
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Forbury Lion
-
Hob Nob Subscriber
- Posts: 9161
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- Location: https://youtu.be/c4sX57ZUhzc
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readingbedding
- Hob Nob Regular
- Posts: 4396
- Joined: 06 Dec 2005 21:10
- Location: cutting them all away for four runs
How was your season? Not as good as last season
Happy with the gaffer? He's the best Manager we have ever had, so I'm happy we have him, not too happy with the situation.
Who were the stars - and who flopped? We had no stars last season, same as this year really. Most of the players have not played as well as they know they can this year.
Who were the best, and worst, away fans? I don't pay any attention to opposition fans.
Top hate figure at another club? Don't hate anyone in football - Ken Bates could do with a kicking though.
Top 5 best opposition players? Rated Torres, Ronaldo, Robbie Keane, J Bullard and one other
Who do you want to win the Champions League? Chelsea, Man Utd, not bothered? Manchester United
Fabio Capello - right choice, wrong choice, not bothered? Whoever manages England is mental, but I don't blame him for the £££'s he's on.
Game 39 - good idea, bad idea, not bothered?[/quote] At the moment, I would be very happy with another match.
Happy with the gaffer? He's the best Manager we have ever had, so I'm happy we have him, not too happy with the situation.
Who were the stars - and who flopped? We had no stars last season, same as this year really. Most of the players have not played as well as they know they can this year.
Who were the best, and worst, away fans? I don't pay any attention to opposition fans.
Top hate figure at another club? Don't hate anyone in football - Ken Bates could do with a kicking though.
Top 5 best opposition players? Rated Torres, Ronaldo, Robbie Keane, J Bullard and one other
Who do you want to win the Champions League? Chelsea, Man Utd, not bothered? Manchester United
Fabio Capello - right choice, wrong choice, not bothered? Whoever manages England is mental, but I don't blame him for the £££'s he's on.
Game 39 - good idea, bad idea, not bothered?[/quote] At the moment, I would be very happy with another match.
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gazzer, loyal royal
- Hob Nob Regular
- Posts: 1935
- Joined: 18 Jul 2004 21:45
- Location: Khalifa Cisse sleeps with the light on, not because he is afraid of the dark, but because the dark i
How was your season?
Disappointing, after finishing 8th we expected to maintain or push on from there, in fact we've done the complete opposite
Happy with the gaffer?
I will never have a bad word to say about Steve Coppell, but the lack of investment in the squad as been farcicle. The worst thing about it was when we picked up 4 points over Liverpool and Birmingham and he seemed to think no money was needed to be spent, but a season is not built over 2 games.
Who were the stars - and who flopped?
Star-Marcus Hahnemann. the most worked keeper in the league and has made some wonderful saves. How he wasn't our player of the season i'll never know
Flop-Nicky Shorey. Brilliant season last year but has done nothing this year to warrant his England call-up at all. Regularly produces crap set-pieces that don't beat the first man or are over hit.
Who were the best, and worst, away fans?
Worst-LIverpool. 3-1 down and all left, best fans, only in Europe i'm afraid.
Best- Fulham just for humour
Top hate figure at another club? Alexander Hleb-in both matches he got away with raised hands, home game hitting Gunnarsson in the back of the head and away slapping Murty
Top 5 best opposition players? Adebayor, Torres, Ronaldo, Fabregas, Bullard
Who do you want to win the Champions League? Chelsea, Man Utd, not bothered? Man Utd, just because i simply cannot stand Chelsea
Fabio Capello - right choice, wrong choice, not bothered? don't care
Game 39 - good idea, bad idea, not bothered? terrible idea
Disappointing, after finishing 8th we expected to maintain or push on from there, in fact we've done the complete opposite
Happy with the gaffer?
I will never have a bad word to say about Steve Coppell, but the lack of investment in the squad as been farcicle. The worst thing about it was when we picked up 4 points over Liverpool and Birmingham and he seemed to think no money was needed to be spent, but a season is not built over 2 games.
Who were the stars - and who flopped?
Star-Marcus Hahnemann. the most worked keeper in the league and has made some wonderful saves. How he wasn't our player of the season i'll never know
Flop-Nicky Shorey. Brilliant season last year but has done nothing this year to warrant his England call-up at all. Regularly produces crap set-pieces that don't beat the first man or are over hit.
Who were the best, and worst, away fans?
Worst-LIverpool. 3-1 down and all left, best fans, only in Europe i'm afraid.
Best- Fulham just for humour
Top hate figure at another club? Alexander Hleb-in both matches he got away with raised hands, home game hitting Gunnarsson in the back of the head and away slapping Murty
Top 5 best opposition players? Adebayor, Torres, Ronaldo, Fabregas, Bullard
Who do you want to win the Champions League? Chelsea, Man Utd, not bothered? Man Utd, just because i simply cannot stand Chelsea
Fabio Capello - right choice, wrong choice, not bothered? don't care
Game 39 - good idea, bad idea, not bothered? terrible idea
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earleyroyal
- Member
- Posts: 591
- Joined: 17 Feb 2007 21:38
How was your season? Poor
Happy with the gaffer? Poor team selections and transfers, still the right man for the job
Who were the stars - and who flopped? Stars - Hahnemann, Hunt until December; Flops - Fae, Shorey, Sonko, Hunt after December
Who were the best, and worst, away fans? Best - Fulham; Worst - everyone else
Top hate figure at another club? Any Bolton/Chelsea player
Top 5 best opposition players? Zarate, Valencia, Torres, Berbatov, Kranjcar
Who do you want to win the Champions League? Chelsea, Man Utd, not bothered? Man Utd, hate Chelsea
Fabio Capello - right choice, wrong choice, not bothered? Don't care
Game 39 - good idea, bad idea, not bothered? Would bring about the death of the cash-filled cesspit that is the Premiership, so would have some good impacts. A stupid, arrogant, ill-thought idea.
Happy with the gaffer? Poor team selections and transfers, still the right man for the job
Who were the stars - and who flopped? Stars - Hahnemann, Hunt until December; Flops - Fae, Shorey, Sonko, Hunt after December
Who were the best, and worst, away fans? Best - Fulham; Worst - everyone else
Top hate figure at another club? Any Bolton/Chelsea player
Top 5 best opposition players? Zarate, Valencia, Torres, Berbatov, Kranjcar
Who do you want to win the Champions League? Chelsea, Man Utd, not bothered? Man Utd, hate Chelsea
Fabio Capello - right choice, wrong choice, not bothered? Don't care
Game 39 - good idea, bad idea, not bothered? Would bring about the death of the cash-filled cesspit that is the Premiership, so would have some good impacts. A stupid, arrogant, ill-thought idea.
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madreadingfan
- Member
- Posts: 713
- Joined: 19 Jan 2008 23:09
- Location: madejski
How was your season? awful
Happy with the gaffer? Nope poor decision maker but i love him
Who were the stars - and who flopped? Stars - Hahnemann, bikey flops were rest of the team
Who were the best, and worst, away fans? Best - Villa by far; Worst - wigan, bolton,spurs
Top hate figure at another club? fulham and chelsea
Top 5 best opposition players? Torres, berbatov, zarate, samba, fabregas
Who do you want to win the Champions League? Chelsea, Man Utd, not bothered? not bothered
Fabio Capello - right choice, wrong choice, not bothered? not bothered
Game 39 - good idea, bad idea, not bothered? BAD IDEA
Happy with the gaffer? Nope poor decision maker but i love him
Who were the stars - and who flopped? Stars - Hahnemann, bikey flops were rest of the team
Who were the best, and worst, away fans? Best - Villa by far; Worst - wigan, bolton,spurs
Top hate figure at another club? fulham and chelsea
Top 5 best opposition players? Torres, berbatov, zarate, samba, fabregas
Who do you want to win the Champions League? Chelsea, Man Utd, not bothered? not bothered
Fabio Capello - right choice, wrong choice, not bothered? not bothered
Game 39 - good idea, bad idea, not bothered? BAD IDEA
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handbags_harris
- Hob Nob Regular
- Posts: 3793
- Joined: 10 Jul 2005 12:57
How was your season?
A major disappointment after the last two seasons. A promising start was quickly curtailed by a resounding 3-0 stuffing by Sammy Lee's Bolton and it went pretty much downhill from there. The occasional run of form in December (including a 3-1 win over then unbeaten Liverpool) and March increased optimism, but the season, particularly since New Years Day, has been awash with poor performances. That's not to say that there's been a lack of effort on the players part, it's down to the one relative aspect you need in every league: quality. And there's been a crippling lack of it in key areas of the field. Couple that with a loss of form from key players, alternative creative players not getting a look in when their direct playing competition wasn't performing effectively, and not having a suitable replacement for a certain Steve Sidwell, and you have the makings of a struggling outfit. No real signings to shout about in pre-season also prompted what I thought to be premature murmurings of discontent. The signings of Khalifa Cisse from bottom half Portuguese BwinLiga Boavista and Emerse Fae from relegated Ligue 1 Nantes haven't been successful, although Cisse showed his worth when played at centre back against the likes of Man Utd. We needed to invest to keep up to speed, we needed to improve the squad to compete effectively, and we didn't. That decision not to invest is looking, at the time of writing, like a fatal mistake.
Happy with the gaffer?
After the answer above people would expect me to say no, but actually I would be worried if he left. The performances on the pitch haven't been good, and I think Coppell has pretty much admitted that. The one major flaw in him, I feel, is his undying loyalty to players. It's an admirable trait is loyalty, but there comes a time when it's stretched too far. Fundamentally, the second half of this season has been a disaster and when changes were cried out for they weren't made, or were made too late. Coppell is an intelligent man though, arguably the most intelligent in the Premier League, and I believe he will learn from his mistakes. If we're lucky enough to stay up this season I believe Coppell will do the right things and ship perceived deadwood out of the squad and replace them with quality, hopefully improving in the key areas that are in desperate need of attention (defence and midfield). The attack, I think, is fine, and the lack of goals cannot be wholly attributed to them. Either way, if (and in my opinion it's a BIG if) Coppell stays for next season it will be a very different side, whatever league we play in, to the side that will take to the field against Derby.
Who were the stars - and who flopped?
No real stars. Certain players had good spells. Hunt in December, Kitson until his conviction for failing to provide a breath specimen, Hahnemann in the second half of the season. Too many players have flopped though. Shorey isn't a patch on the player he's been over the last few years, Cisse hasn't the quality to succeed in the Premier League, Sonko was a liability when he came back from his knee injury, Stephen Hunt hasn't lived up to his wage packet (I never thought he was worth that much in the first place), Lita hasn't kicked on from the summer and evidently believed his own hype.
Who were the best, and worst, away fans?
Best away fans: probably Fulham. Always enjoy matches against Fulham. Witty humour coupled with their first away in since the Normans invaded pretty much gives them top spot. In all honesty despite being massively disappointed we'd lost to them, I was quite pleased they'd finally broken their hoodoo. About time such a traditional and friendly club got some away day happiness.
Worst away fans: Portsmouth or Liverpool. Everybody hates Portsmouth, I wish somebody would shoot that t**t with the frikkin bell? Liverpool because I can't stand their inward thinking mentality. "We're not English, we are Scouse?" What's that all about?! Is Liverpool not in England then?!
Top hate figure at another club?
Frank Lampard or Stephen Gerrard. Difficult to distinguish. Frank Lampard because he's probably the most overrated player in England at the moment, and Stephen Gerrard because he's a diver. Quite why such a gifted player has to resort to that sort of stuff is beyond me. He's got balls though, I'll give him that, he stood up to Andre Bikey chest to chest!
Top 5 best opposition players?
Christiano Ronaldo, Jimmy Bullard, Dimitar Berbatov, Steed Malbranque, Gary Cahill.
Who do you want to win the Champions League? Chelsea, Man Utd, not bothered?
Man Utd. If Chelsea win it it'll be horrible and we'll never hear the end of it. It would also be an injustice against the unwritten ethics of football.
Fabio Capello - right choice, wrong choice, not bothered?
Not bothered. I don't like international football.
Game 39 - good idea, bad idea, not bothered?
Shockingly bad idea. Domestic league football is just that - domestic, and the Premier League should stay within the shores of England and Wales (some would dispute the latter!). It's a ludicrous money-making idea that would further widen the gap between the Football League and Premiership, making it even more difficult for a team being promoted to survive in the Premier League.
A major disappointment after the last two seasons. A promising start was quickly curtailed by a resounding 3-0 stuffing by Sammy Lee's Bolton and it went pretty much downhill from there. The occasional run of form in December (including a 3-1 win over then unbeaten Liverpool) and March increased optimism, but the season, particularly since New Years Day, has been awash with poor performances. That's not to say that there's been a lack of effort on the players part, it's down to the one relative aspect you need in every league: quality. And there's been a crippling lack of it in key areas of the field. Couple that with a loss of form from key players, alternative creative players not getting a look in when their direct playing competition wasn't performing effectively, and not having a suitable replacement for a certain Steve Sidwell, and you have the makings of a struggling outfit. No real signings to shout about in pre-season also prompted what I thought to be premature murmurings of discontent. The signings of Khalifa Cisse from bottom half Portuguese BwinLiga Boavista and Emerse Fae from relegated Ligue 1 Nantes haven't been successful, although Cisse showed his worth when played at centre back against the likes of Man Utd. We needed to invest to keep up to speed, we needed to improve the squad to compete effectively, and we didn't. That decision not to invest is looking, at the time of writing, like a fatal mistake.
Happy with the gaffer?
After the answer above people would expect me to say no, but actually I would be worried if he left. The performances on the pitch haven't been good, and I think Coppell has pretty much admitted that. The one major flaw in him, I feel, is his undying loyalty to players. It's an admirable trait is loyalty, but there comes a time when it's stretched too far. Fundamentally, the second half of this season has been a disaster and when changes were cried out for they weren't made, or were made too late. Coppell is an intelligent man though, arguably the most intelligent in the Premier League, and I believe he will learn from his mistakes. If we're lucky enough to stay up this season I believe Coppell will do the right things and ship perceived deadwood out of the squad and replace them with quality, hopefully improving in the key areas that are in desperate need of attention (defence and midfield). The attack, I think, is fine, and the lack of goals cannot be wholly attributed to them. Either way, if (and in my opinion it's a BIG if) Coppell stays for next season it will be a very different side, whatever league we play in, to the side that will take to the field against Derby.
Who were the stars - and who flopped?
No real stars. Certain players had good spells. Hunt in December, Kitson until his conviction for failing to provide a breath specimen, Hahnemann in the second half of the season. Too many players have flopped though. Shorey isn't a patch on the player he's been over the last few years, Cisse hasn't the quality to succeed in the Premier League, Sonko was a liability when he came back from his knee injury, Stephen Hunt hasn't lived up to his wage packet (I never thought he was worth that much in the first place), Lita hasn't kicked on from the summer and evidently believed his own hype.
Who were the best, and worst, away fans?
Best away fans: probably Fulham. Always enjoy matches against Fulham. Witty humour coupled with their first away in since the Normans invaded pretty much gives them top spot. In all honesty despite being massively disappointed we'd lost to them, I was quite pleased they'd finally broken their hoodoo. About time such a traditional and friendly club got some away day happiness.
Worst away fans: Portsmouth or Liverpool. Everybody hates Portsmouth, I wish somebody would shoot that t**t with the frikkin bell? Liverpool because I can't stand their inward thinking mentality. "We're not English, we are Scouse?" What's that all about?! Is Liverpool not in England then?!
Top hate figure at another club?
Frank Lampard or Stephen Gerrard. Difficult to distinguish. Frank Lampard because he's probably the most overrated player in England at the moment, and Stephen Gerrard because he's a diver. Quite why such a gifted player has to resort to that sort of stuff is beyond me. He's got balls though, I'll give him that, he stood up to Andre Bikey chest to chest!
Top 5 best opposition players?
Christiano Ronaldo, Jimmy Bullard, Dimitar Berbatov, Steed Malbranque, Gary Cahill.
Who do you want to win the Champions League? Chelsea, Man Utd, not bothered?
Man Utd. If Chelsea win it it'll be horrible and we'll never hear the end of it. It would also be an injustice against the unwritten ethics of football.
Fabio Capello - right choice, wrong choice, not bothered?
Not bothered. I don't like international football.
Game 39 - good idea, bad idea, not bothered?
Shockingly bad idea. Domestic league football is just that - domestic, and the Premier League should stay within the shores of England and Wales (some would dispute the latter!). It's a ludicrous money-making idea that would further widen the gap between the Football League and Premiership, making it even more difficult for a team being promoted to survive in the Premier League.
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Dan - B15 Royal
- Member
- Posts: 172
- Joined: 28 Feb 2008 18:16
- Location: Newbury
How was your season?
With 4 points at the end of August i thought we would continue to pick-up points steadily, however long spells wihout points has cost us. overall mark 6/10 - we have seen plenty of goal mouth action this season, its just happened to be at the wrong end.
Happy with the gaffer?
Considering the resources avaiailable he has done a sterdy job, at times thois season i havent agreed with his team selection, but overall i am pleased.
Who were the stars - and who flopped?
Stars - Marcus, started off the season with a few costly aeas, but this second half of the season he has been superb, and without him we would be doomed allready.
Harper - still cant tackle in my view, but he has constant energy, and hig performance levels despite our league position, and has chipped in with important goals & assists this season.
Bikey - his determination and motivation have lifted the team & fans at crucial times this season, and his goals have been critical this seaso as well.
Flops - Fae, im still not sure why we bought him, he hasnt really seen any worthwhile first team to judge him on, but not playing in the reserves in stupid, bye bye!!
Shorey - Not the same player as last year, hopefully he will come good on sunday though.
Who were the best, and worst, away fans?
Worst = Bolton, dull team to watch and suporters didnt make the game interesting either as they didnt sing and somehow walked away from the Mad Stad with 3 points
Best = Newcastle or Man United, though one to call, both sets of fans were superb by backing their team throughout the game.
Top hate figure at another club?
Constant 'diving' around by opposing players after being caught slightly, i.e. worst offenders: Drogba/Ronaldo/Torres
Top 5 best opposition players?
Ronaldo
Lescott
Rooney
Carvalho
Torres
Who do you want to win the Champions League? Chelsea, Man Utd, not bothered?
Chelsea because of ex-royals connections.
Fabio Capello - right choice, wrong choice, not bothered?
Hopefully the right choice
Game 39 - good idea, bad idea, not bothered?
Bad idea
With 4 points at the end of August i thought we would continue to pick-up points steadily, however long spells wihout points has cost us. overall mark 6/10 - we have seen plenty of goal mouth action this season, its just happened to be at the wrong end.
Happy with the gaffer?
Considering the resources avaiailable he has done a sterdy job, at times thois season i havent agreed with his team selection, but overall i am pleased.
Who were the stars - and who flopped?
Stars - Marcus, started off the season with a few costly aeas, but this second half of the season he has been superb, and without him we would be doomed allready.
Harper - still cant tackle in my view, but he has constant energy, and hig performance levels despite our league position, and has chipped in with important goals & assists this season.
Bikey - his determination and motivation have lifted the team & fans at crucial times this season, and his goals have been critical this seaso as well.
Flops - Fae, im still not sure why we bought him, he hasnt really seen any worthwhile first team to judge him on, but not playing in the reserves in stupid, bye bye!!
Shorey - Not the same player as last year, hopefully he will come good on sunday though.
Who were the best, and worst, away fans?
Worst = Bolton, dull team to watch and suporters didnt make the game interesting either as they didnt sing and somehow walked away from the Mad Stad with 3 points
Best = Newcastle or Man United, though one to call, both sets of fans were superb by backing their team throughout the game.
Top hate figure at another club?
Constant 'diving' around by opposing players after being caught slightly, i.e. worst offenders: Drogba/Ronaldo/Torres
Top 5 best opposition players?
Ronaldo
Lescott
Rooney
Carvalho
Torres
Who do you want to win the Champions League? Chelsea, Man Utd, not bothered?
Chelsea because of ex-royals connections.
Fabio Capello - right choice, wrong choice, not bothered?
Hopefully the right choice
Game 39 - good idea, bad idea, not bothered?
Bad idea
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From Despair To Where?
- Hob Nob Legend
- Posts: 24783
- Joined: 19 Apr 2004 08:37
- Location: See me in m'pants and ting
I'll do a pictoral review:
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papereyes
- Hob Nob Addict
- Posts: 6027
- Joined: 14 Apr 2004 18:41
- Location: “The mother of idiots is always pregnant”- Italian proverb
How was your season?
Pretty dire. I don't think anyone was really expecting a repeat of last season but with a few astute signings, the same team ethic and a smattering of good fortune, midtable safety could and, arguably, should have been achieved. To make it worse, the first three games saw us play well as a team and get a good point at Old Trafford, run Chelsea close and then beat Everton.
After that, it went downhill. Losing three nil to Bolton, then West Ham, struggling to get results against the teams around us, embarassing games where we concede seven. The two Fulham games showed our level - comfortably beaten by a team that, if we were to stay up, we should beat.We didn't, we've not looked like doing so, and that's why we're in the relegation zone with one game to go and safety in the hands of others.
Happy with the gaffer?
The debate has to be centred around a simple question: "Could we have done better". I personally think we've lost three players from last season and simply not replaced them. As a result, the first team is not as good and the squad is not as deep.
In Sidwell, we had a player who knew his job in the side; to break up attacks on the one hand and to join the attack with a bit of quality on the other. We replaced him with the man who was his understudy. Amazingly, some Reading fans saw this as a strengthening of the side but I think this was more to do with how he left than any rational views on his abilities.
In Little, we had someone who was skillful, really skillful. Last season, the Reading method was to stop the other side attacking through the centre and to break down the wings, with overlapping fullbacks. The two wingers were key to this and Little's ability to beat his man gave us the ability to create something out of nothing. So with him out with a long term injury, the best option to the squad was to sell his cover, the admittedly underperforming Seol Ki-Hyeon.
Finally, Leroy Lita has to be mentioned. In a season where our strikers have all played poorly for the majority of the season, the talented Lita's utter refusal to show any level of commitment or ability stood out. Kitson had a run of goals that may be what keeps us up, Doyle and Long at least work hard. Lita believed his own hype and filmed a sex-tape.
So what has this to do with Coppell? Three players, all out of the side for three reasons and we failed to adequately replace all three. Even at January, when it was clear what our problems were (porous midfield, players in the wrong position in midfield, misfiring strikers), we failed to sign adequate cover. Maybe Jimmy Kebe will come good and I think Matejovsky is talented but we didn't strengthen. Our rivals did and we've won 3 games since the transfer window. A mediocre season has descended into farce because of a stated unwillingness to bring in players. We are playing against a finacial inequality but surely a club can identify where it needs to strengthen and purchase accordingly. There must be under-rated and under-appreciated or younger players out there that would strengthen.
With the increasing number of defeats, there have been increasing rumours of player unrest culminating in Sonko and record signing Fae being banned from the stadium for 2 weeks. A few seasons ago, Reading had had a decent start to a Championship season then went 3 months without getting more than the odd win. After that season, the management took a long hard look at what they did and what had happened and planned how to avoid it. The next season, we lost two league games all season. If we survive, I hope for a similar process and a large improvement in the club's successes.
Who were the stars - and who flopped?
In the first third of the season - Hunt. Then Sunderland came sniffing and he signed a new contract and hasn't been very good.
In the middle third of the season - Kitson. A handful of goals of real quality but then he failed to provide a breath test and has scored one goal since.
In the final third of the season - Bikey. Dropped after some poor early performances, he looks like the player we've missed all season. We still haven't won too many games with him in the side.
The goalkeeper has been solid but unspectacular throughout.
Flops - Lita. After a great European U-21s, he should have played himself into getting serious mentions of an England call up. He didn't and it is basically all his own fault. Shorey and Sonko have also failed to repeat last season's form. Perhaps it should have been expected that players couldn't perform to that level for more than two seasons, but the levels to which some players have dropped at times is inexcusable. I'd also include all our major signings. Although clearly talented, not one has stepped up to the plate and made himself a regular in the starting XI. Matejovsky, if he stays, looks like he might. The rest have not and do not look like doing so.
Who do you want to win the Champions League? Chelsea, Man Utd, not bothered?
I don't care. I'd like to see Avram Grant win it because he's clearly not good enough and just a stooge for the chairman ((C) English press, when he took over).
Fabio Capello - right choice, wrong choice, not bothered?
With the current set up and players, England should look for quarter finals as standard, semifinals with luck or homebacking and failure to get to or past the group stages as proof as the manager not being good enough. Capello is a decent manager, so with a bit of luck, some organistaion, semifinals should be possible. If anyone thinks his nationality has any import, then they deserve Steve McLaren.
I do hope the English media stops utterly underestimating good sides like Russia and Croatia. A bit of realism on their part might make things easier and better.
Game 39 - good idea, bad idea, not bothered?
Do you think I, as a fan, have any say in the matter?
Pretty dire. I don't think anyone was really expecting a repeat of last season but with a few astute signings, the same team ethic and a smattering of good fortune, midtable safety could and, arguably, should have been achieved. To make it worse, the first three games saw us play well as a team and get a good point at Old Trafford, run Chelsea close and then beat Everton.
After that, it went downhill. Losing three nil to Bolton, then West Ham, struggling to get results against the teams around us, embarassing games where we concede seven. The two Fulham games showed our level - comfortably beaten by a team that, if we were to stay up, we should beat.We didn't, we've not looked like doing so, and that's why we're in the relegation zone with one game to go and safety in the hands of others.
Happy with the gaffer?
The debate has to be centred around a simple question: "Could we have done better". I personally think we've lost three players from last season and simply not replaced them. As a result, the first team is not as good and the squad is not as deep.
In Sidwell, we had a player who knew his job in the side; to break up attacks on the one hand and to join the attack with a bit of quality on the other. We replaced him with the man who was his understudy. Amazingly, some Reading fans saw this as a strengthening of the side but I think this was more to do with how he left than any rational views on his abilities.
In Little, we had someone who was skillful, really skillful. Last season, the Reading method was to stop the other side attacking through the centre and to break down the wings, with overlapping fullbacks. The two wingers were key to this and Little's ability to beat his man gave us the ability to create something out of nothing. So with him out with a long term injury, the best option to the squad was to sell his cover, the admittedly underperforming Seol Ki-Hyeon.
Finally, Leroy Lita has to be mentioned. In a season where our strikers have all played poorly for the majority of the season, the talented Lita's utter refusal to show any level of commitment or ability stood out. Kitson had a run of goals that may be what keeps us up, Doyle and Long at least work hard. Lita believed his own hype and filmed a sex-tape.
So what has this to do with Coppell? Three players, all out of the side for three reasons and we failed to adequately replace all three. Even at January, when it was clear what our problems were (porous midfield, players in the wrong position in midfield, misfiring strikers), we failed to sign adequate cover. Maybe Jimmy Kebe will come good and I think Matejovsky is talented but we didn't strengthen. Our rivals did and we've won 3 games since the transfer window. A mediocre season has descended into farce because of a stated unwillingness to bring in players. We are playing against a finacial inequality but surely a club can identify where it needs to strengthen and purchase accordingly. There must be under-rated and under-appreciated or younger players out there that would strengthen.
With the increasing number of defeats, there have been increasing rumours of player unrest culminating in Sonko and record signing Fae being banned from the stadium for 2 weeks. A few seasons ago, Reading had had a decent start to a Championship season then went 3 months without getting more than the odd win. After that season, the management took a long hard look at what they did and what had happened and planned how to avoid it. The next season, we lost two league games all season. If we survive, I hope for a similar process and a large improvement in the club's successes.
Who were the stars - and who flopped?
In the first third of the season - Hunt. Then Sunderland came sniffing and he signed a new contract and hasn't been very good.
In the middle third of the season - Kitson. A handful of goals of real quality but then he failed to provide a breath test and has scored one goal since.
In the final third of the season - Bikey. Dropped after some poor early performances, he looks like the player we've missed all season. We still haven't won too many games with him in the side.
The goalkeeper has been solid but unspectacular throughout.
Flops - Lita. After a great European U-21s, he should have played himself into getting serious mentions of an England call up. He didn't and it is basically all his own fault. Shorey and Sonko have also failed to repeat last season's form. Perhaps it should have been expected that players couldn't perform to that level for more than two seasons, but the levels to which some players have dropped at times is inexcusable. I'd also include all our major signings. Although clearly talented, not one has stepped up to the plate and made himself a regular in the starting XI. Matejovsky, if he stays, looks like he might. The rest have not and do not look like doing so.
Who do you want to win the Champions League? Chelsea, Man Utd, not bothered?
I don't care. I'd like to see Avram Grant win it because he's clearly not good enough and just a stooge for the chairman ((C) English press, when he took over).
Fabio Capello - right choice, wrong choice, not bothered?
With the current set up and players, England should look for quarter finals as standard, semifinals with luck or homebacking and failure to get to or past the group stages as proof as the manager not being good enough. Capello is a decent manager, so with a bit of luck, some organistaion, semifinals should be possible. If anyone thinks his nationality has any import, then they deserve Steve McLaren.
I do hope the English media stops utterly underestimating good sides like Russia and Croatia. A bit of realism on their part might make things easier and better.
Game 39 - good idea, bad idea, not bothered?
Do you think I, as a fan, have any say in the matter?
How was your season?
A laugh going to all the away trips as usual, but every trip there were 2 hours involving chairs, people, and a big green area which took a lot of enjoyment out of me.
Happy with the gaffer?
No. Dont think so. Its either him or Madejskis fault, one (both) of them, have to go. muppets.
Who were the stars - and who flopped?
A few decent spells, one very good spell from Kits.
Flops... where do I start. Doyles gotta get my wooden spoon award, hes been found out this season and just isnt up to standard. Hes gone form "the bargain £78, 000 buy" to "the £78, 000" buy. Also murts, gunnarsson, Shorey (PARTICULARLY in the last few games, where hes been too shit to even comprehend)
too many to name.
Who were the best, and worst, away fans?
Best: Maybe fulham, didnt give up hope, got their away win, should have been 5-0.
Worst: Chelsea are always shit. Wigan maybe.
Top hate figure at another club?
Pretty much any chelsea player (particularly Terry, Lampard or Drogba) and Stephen Gerrard. I just look at each one in turn, and suddenly realise why air rifles were invented.
Top 5 best opposition players?
Christiano Ronaldo, Cesc Fabregas, Steed Malbranque (<very underrated) , Martin Laursen (IMMENSE at Villa park) , and a few others that raped our defense for a painful 90 minutes.
Who do you want to win the Champions League? Chelsea, Man Utd, not bothered?
United. Dont like them but hate chelsea with a passion.
Fabio Capello - right choice, wrong choice, not bothered?
With players like Terry, Lampard and Gerrard in the squad, couldnt give a flying turd.
Game 39 - good idea, bad idea, not bothered?
Terrible, money zapping bollocks. I rather enjoy getting home mid-May and going "Ive seen EVERY second of Reading football this season" I feel like Ive achieved... And that aint gonna be happening if we're playing in fricking Melbourne in January.
Lets face it, some foreigners might wanna go and see Arsenal man utd... but which Residents of Thailand are honestly gonna turn up to see Reading against Wigan for example? complete rubbish.
A laugh going to all the away trips as usual, but every trip there were 2 hours involving chairs, people, and a big green area which took a lot of enjoyment out of me.
Happy with the gaffer?
No. Dont think so. Its either him or Madejskis fault, one (both) of them, have to go. muppets.
Who were the stars - and who flopped?
A few decent spells, one very good spell from Kits.
Flops... where do I start. Doyles gotta get my wooden spoon award, hes been found out this season and just isnt up to standard. Hes gone form "the bargain £78, 000 buy" to "the £78, 000" buy. Also murts, gunnarsson, Shorey (PARTICULARLY in the last few games, where hes been too shit to even comprehend)
too many to name.
Who were the best, and worst, away fans?
Best: Maybe fulham, didnt give up hope, got their away win, should have been 5-0.
Worst: Chelsea are always shit. Wigan maybe.
Top hate figure at another club?
Pretty much any chelsea player (particularly Terry, Lampard or Drogba) and Stephen Gerrard. I just look at each one in turn, and suddenly realise why air rifles were invented.
Top 5 best opposition players?
Christiano Ronaldo, Cesc Fabregas, Steed Malbranque (<very underrated) , Martin Laursen (IMMENSE at Villa park) , and a few others that raped our defense for a painful 90 minutes.
Who do you want to win the Champions League? Chelsea, Man Utd, not bothered?
United. Dont like them but hate chelsea with a passion.
Fabio Capello - right choice, wrong choice, not bothered?
With players like Terry, Lampard and Gerrard in the squad, couldnt give a flying turd.
Game 39 - good idea, bad idea, not bothered?
Terrible, money zapping bollocks. I rather enjoy getting home mid-May and going "Ive seen EVERY second of Reading football this season" I feel like Ive achieved... And that aint gonna be happening if we're playing in fricking Melbourne in January.
Lets face it, some foreigners might wanna go and see Arsenal man utd... but which Residents of Thailand are honestly gonna turn up to see Reading against Wigan for example? complete rubbish.
- great idea. Went to the NHL game at the O2 which was brilliant - can see a similar reaction to the Prem abroad.Keeper I've been asked to give my review of the season for a national newspaper, I thought I would ask all of you the questions to see what the general consensus is so that I can represent all fans rather than just my views
How was your season? - started out fine, started to worry in January. Overall no big surprise.
Happy with the gaffer? - yes, although he's not happy anymore and probably won't be the gaffer in 3 days time.
Who were the stars - and who flopped? - more who was missing and how much we missed them. For me Kitson showed the most.
Who were the best, and worst, away fans? - best, Fulham looked pretty happy to be there. Worst, Chelsea.
Top hate figure at another club? - In the Prem it has be John Terry - really dislike his attitude. In general, Neil Warnock hope Palace stay down/ go up so we can avoid him next year.
Top 5 best opposition players? - Ronaldo, Gerrard, Bentley, Torres, Barry
Who do you want to win the Champions League? Chelsea, Man Utd, not bothered? - Man Utd - at least the play football.
Fabio Capello - right choice, wrong choice, not bothered? - Fantastic - the kick up the backside England needs.
Game 39 - good idea, bad idea, not bothered?
How was your season? Pretty poor to be honest - a complete letdown
Happy with the gaffer? Not at all
Who were the stars - and who flopped? Stars were Bikey and Matejovsky, flops are too many to mention but a special shout out must go to James Harper.
Who were the best, and worst, away fans? Best away fans were probably Man United's, worst were Wigan's.
Top hate figure at another club? John Terry
Top 5 best opposition players? Ronaldo, Drogba, Torres, Fabregas and Berbatov
Who do you want to win the Champions League? Chelsea, Man Utd, not bothered? Man United without doubt
Fabio Capello - right choice, wrong choice, not bothered? Absolutely the right choice, no doubt
Game 39 - good idea, bad idea, not bothered? Dreadful idea
Happy with the gaffer? Not at all
Who were the stars - and who flopped? Stars were Bikey and Matejovsky, flops are too many to mention but a special shout out must go to James Harper.
Who were the best, and worst, away fans? Best away fans were probably Man United's, worst were Wigan's.
Top hate figure at another club? John Terry
Top 5 best opposition players? Ronaldo, Drogba, Torres, Fabregas and Berbatov
Who do you want to win the Champions League? Chelsea, Man Utd, not bothered? Man United without doubt
Fabio Capello - right choice, wrong choice, not bothered? Absolutely the right choice, no doubt
Game 39 - good idea, bad idea, not bothered? Dreadful idea
-
loyalroyal4life
- Hob Nob Addict
- Posts: 5595
- Joined: 15 May 2007 11:58
How was your season? Pretty awful to be honest
Happy with the gaffer? Not this season, made poor decisions that inevitably have cost us dearly
Who were the stars - and who flopped? Marcus USA is the only player close to being a 'STAR'
Who were the best, and worst, away fans? Best = West Ham Worst = Wigan
Top hate figure at another club? Arsene Wenger, hasnt changed still a twat
Top 5 best opposition players? Ronaldo, Fabregas, Torres, Bullard, Keane
Who do you want to win the Champions League? Chelsea, Man Utd, not bothered? Manchester United
Fabio Capello - right choice, wrong choice, not bothered? Probably Best choice out there.
Game 39 - good idea, bad idea, not bothered? Right Now, I would be very happy with another match to help us survive
Happy with the gaffer? Not this season, made poor decisions that inevitably have cost us dearly
Who were the stars - and who flopped? Marcus USA is the only player close to being a 'STAR'
Who were the best, and worst, away fans? Best = West Ham Worst = Wigan
Top hate figure at another club? Arsene Wenger, hasnt changed still a twat
Top 5 best opposition players? Ronaldo, Fabregas, Torres, Bullard, Keane
Who do you want to win the Champions League? Chelsea, Man Utd, not bothered? Manchester United
Fabio Capello - right choice, wrong choice, not bothered? Probably Best choice out there.
Game 39 - good idea, bad idea, not bothered? Right Now, I would be very happy with another match to help us survive
I've been asked to give my review of the season for a national newspaper, I thought I would ask all of you the questions to see what the general consensus is so that I can represent all fans rather than just my views
How was your season?Depends on the result tomorrow
Happy with the gaffer?Not really
Who were the stars - and who flopped?Hahnemann and BK were good. Just about everyone else was shit
Who were the best, and worst, away fans?Man U were the best, Liverpool were the worst
Top hate figure at another club?Drogba
Top 5 best opposition players?Berbatov, Adebayor, Torres, Ronaldo, Johnny Oster
Who do you want to win the Champions League? Chelsea, Man Utd, not bothered?Man U
Fabio Capello - right choice, wrong choice, not bothered?Cant tell until we play in the World Cup
Game 39 - good idea, bad idea, not bothered?Bad idea
How was your season?Depends on the result tomorrow
Happy with the gaffer?Not really
Who were the stars - and who flopped?Hahnemann and BK were good. Just about everyone else was shit
Who were the best, and worst, away fans?Man U were the best, Liverpool were the worst
Top hate figure at another club?Drogba
Top 5 best opposition players?Berbatov, Adebayor, Torres, Ronaldo, Johnny Oster
Who do you want to win the Champions League? Chelsea, Man Utd, not bothered?Man U
Fabio Capello - right choice, wrong choice, not bothered?Cant tell until we play in the World Cup
Game 39 - good idea, bad idea, not bothered?Bad idea
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