Boro - Turn Your Back Protest

[jellytot]

When are you powderpuff Reading fans going to make a point and demonstrate your displeasure at the pathetic, lifeless, half arsed performances we've have to put up with this season?

Turn your back for the first minute at kick-off!

Anton and his broken promises OUT
Madejski and his broken promises OUT
Over-paid mercenaries OUT

Agree with Anton and some of our players clearly do not give a rats arse but to turn your back is just silly. If you do not want to support the team or want to show your displeasure then do not go to the game.

The only reason why we have failed stems from our useless Russian owner who has lost interest in the club and pulled the financial plug. If we had bought in a player or 2 in January (minimum) then we would have certainly finished in the top 6. Now injuries and lack of form are costing us.

Maybe JM has broken the odd promise, BUT to be honest he is and always will be our savior. Before him we were going no where. He has got the club into a position where we can get into the top flight and have the potential to stay there one day. We need a new owner to take us on to the next level. Before SJM we were a lower league side going no where. Please don\t be silly.

This season has been disappointing, but try to be positive. If we get in a good owner we can get back into the PL. We have a great youth team set up which needs to be protected and developed. How old are you? I am knocking on 40... you? Football often runs in cycles.. we need to rebuild.. this season should have been the start but AZ messing around has stopped that. Next season rebuild then development then hopefully success.

[sandman]

LAst season was my first season as a Reading fan and I literally can't be bothered to go any more as I can't fit through the turnstiles anymore.

[bcubed]

I actually felt jealous of the Blackpool fans this afternoon, at least they've got someone to protest at. The catalyst for this shambolic season and the person who should be on the receiving end of a whole world of abuse has simply dissapeared. Turn your back all you want, the person responsible isn't there and isn't interested, you may as well yell in an empty room. I would rather have any owner other than Zingaravitch, at least you might have some inkling of where we were going, good or bad. Instead, we're stuck in a limbo which can only result in a downward spiral.

I feel sorry for Sir John, he's doing the best he can but, with 49% of the club, there's nothing he can do but try and keep things ticking over until Mr 51% decides what, if anything, he wants to do with the club. Whilst he's clearly made a horrible error of judgement, Sir Johnremains a hero of this club, not least for trying to hold it together now when he could cheerfully just walk away.

So who else is to blame? Adkins? Quite clearly Adkins can't motivate this squad, time and again we've seen utterly inept and gutless performances and, when the chips are down at the end of the season, the team has meekly folded. Instinctively, I would normally blame the manager but we don't know what he's up against. He has a squad who know there are no replacements coming. He's failed, but he may be doing a job in which no one could succeed so I'm not pointing the finger yet.

Which leaves the players, once the whistle blows it's down to them and, on paper, they are one of the best 2-3 squads in the division but time and time and time again they've totally failed to produce the goods. I can't think of a more underperforming squad ever at this club, when we've been garbage in the past, it's because the players were garbage, this lot should be doing far better. Even in the woeful season after the first relegation, we comfortably made the play offs. They seem complacent, lazy, uncommitted, gutless and mercenary. I fully expect the higher earners to still be here next year leeching the last of the parachute payments. Collectively, they've totally let the club and the fans down and need a collective look at themselves.

Don't get your hopes up for a last hurrah in the final 3 games, this squad has every opportunity to step up to the plate, they haven't and they never will. I hope they play some of the kids for the last few games, at least we might see some commitment.

Through the season I've mocked some of the negative tweeters when we've won a couple, thinking the team was turning a corner, well I was wrong and they were right, this team with this manager, for whatever reason, is never going to get it right.

I can never fault your football posts Schards. A constructive opinion without the melodrama. Agreed, I'd rather have been a Leeds fan in their ownership nightmare - at least they knew what was going on, have managed to attract a buyer and can finally see a way out.

I disagree about Madejski though. He is no hero. He sold this club to the first crook he could and the only reason he hasn't "cheerfully walked away" is because he can't - Anton didn't buy the remaining shares; it's not like JM refused to sell them out of any loyalty. If Anton offered to buy the remaining shares today, JM would be a vanishing dot on the horizon.

As for Adkins, you are right. In my opinion he has had a very difficult job this season. An in insane injury epidemic has meant we've had little chance to bond a consistent team together or for players to find any real form and the lack of investment has meant we've had little in the way of depth or cover. Yet Adkins has failed to help Reading FC and much of his decision making has made things worse. Poor team selections, lack of intervention during games, wrong tactics, baffling substitutions, confusing exclusions, zero motivation and unsettling constant tinkering has made a broken squad worse. Sometimes football is about coping with problems and he just hasn't coped well at all.

Regarding players, you have to ask yourself why they haven't performed - for me it's mostly because of the managerial failures listed above but it's primarily a complete lack of team spirit. We saw with Brian, you can get any group of players to perform above their ability if they play as a team - it's this more than anything which wins you matches - individual skill is almost irrelevant - if you have it without a good team ethic it's useless and if you don't have it you can still go far if team spirit is there. Why Reading have lost this I really don't know.

I would say management whether football management or not, is nearly always about coping with and resolving problems. Adkins has shown no ability to solve problems, no prowess at motivating players and little PR skills. Pretty much all the things you want a manager to do. Yes there have been injuries, yes there have been disciplines issues, but so what? Deal with it, manage it! Making a team out of individuals is what previous managers have done and I don't see any evidence that he has that ability

[ddetisi]

LOL at "fans" thinking that they are owed anything by a football club. You were never promised anything by the The Football Industry.

It's a business that you have an emotional vested interest in. The club and the players earning 10 times your wage a week don't care if you turn your back.

If you want a say in running a football club go and invest in grass roots football.

[Bandini]

Agree with Anton

disgrace

[Ian Herring]

I actually felt jealous of the Blackpool fans this afternoon, at least they've got someone to protest at. The catalyst for this shambolic season and the person who should be on the receiving end of a whole world of abuse has simply dissapeared. Turn your back all you want, the person responsible isn't there and isn't interested, you may as well yell in an empty room. I would rather have any owner other than Zingaravitch, at least you might have some inkling of where we were going, good or bad. Instead, we're stuck in a limbo which can only result in a downward spiral.

I feel sorry for Sir John, he's doing the best he can but, with 49% of the club, there's nothing he can do but try and keep things ticking over until Mr 51% decides what, if anything, he wants to do with the club. Whilst he's clearly made a horrible error of judgement, Sir Johnremains a hero of this club, not least for trying to hold it together now when he could cheerfully just walk away.

So who else is to blame? Adkins? Quite clearly Adkins can't motivate this squad, time and again we've seen utterly inept and gutless performances and, when the chips are down at the end of the season, the team has meekly folded. Instinctively, I would normally blame the manager but we don't know what he's up against. He has a squad who know there are no replacements coming. He's failed, but he may be doing a job in which no one could succeed so I'm not pointing the finger yet.

Which leaves the players, once the whistle blows it's down to them and, on paper, they are one of the best 2-3 squads in the division but time and time and time again they've totally failed to produce the goods. I can't think of a more underperforming squad ever at this club, when we've been garbage in the past, it's because the players were garbage, this lot should be doing far better. Even in the woeful season after the first relegation, we comfortably made the play offs. They seem complacent, lazy, uncommitted, gutless and mercenary. I fully expect the higher earners to still be here next year leeching the last of the parachute payments. Collectively, they've totally let the club and the fans down and need a collective look at themselves.

Don't get your hopes up for a last hurrah in the final 3 games, this squad has every opportunity to step up to the plate, they haven't and they never will. I hope they play some of the kids for the last few games, at least we might see some commitment.

Through the season I've mocked some of the negative tweeters when we've won a couple, thinking the team was turning a corner, well I was wrong and they were right, this team with this manager, for whatever reason, is never going to get it right.

A very measured and well thought through post, if I may say so.

Far better than knee-jerk ranting.

I agree with nearly every single point made here.

[Man Friday]

So do I. Superb post that reflects my feelings/views completely.

[Elmer Park]

I understand and share the OP's frustration at a lot of things about the club but a protest like he's suggesting needs to be protesting about one specific thing and something that the protest might change.

Apart from anything else, now would be a particularly inappropriate time for anything other than backing the boys and making some noise, whether they deserve that or not.

[Caversham Royal]

You appear to be a load of newbies.

Reading fc were always a third division side, then along came the TVT and his side kick
(the fat Scottish one) and within a season or two we were seeing the likes of teams we had
never seen at the hallowed stadium then after Leicester (grrr) the man at the top had an ego
surge and got the local businesses to build him an edifice to this ego, all he needed then to
complete his ambition was Steve of 106 fame. Wow Premier league football at Reading
to go with a Wembley cup final win.
Unthinkable, but we witnessed it, thanks; I for one can die happy but before I do I will
continue to cheer the team, whoever is playing, and whatever league we are in
THATS WHAT YOU DO WHEN YOU SUPPORT A TEAM so I will never turn away from the team
and I will stay after being outplayed and beaten 3-0 and clap the team from the pitch,
Will I be alone ?

Clapping a team for getting beat 3-0?? I flippin' hope so!

[Very near...far away]

What a splendidly idiotic protest turning your back would be. That'll make 'em think again! What next, throwing your season ticket at the dugout at the end of the last home match? Grrrrr!

[Martin41]

Agree with others on here as I've already said, protesting will be pointless , back the side!!! And also agree I will always applaud the team off no matter what the result.
You might be fuming inside, but how does that help the team if we all get at them??
If you are struggling at work, and everyone is on your back, does that make you improve?? I would guess in most cases no, just makes you feel worse!!!
I think like a lot of people after Tuesdays game, no matter what the result is, we just want to know that they have battled and given it there all, knowing they could do more , like Nigel said, sweat and blood, they need to run through walls for the team!!! Then if we see them do that, that's all we can ask for and all we really want, or am I missing something?

[true blue 4 ever]

Agree with others on here as I've already said, protesting will be pointless , back the side!!! And also agree I will always applaud the team off no matter what the result.
You might be fuming inside, but how does that help the team if we all get at them??
If you are struggling at work, and everyone is on your back, does that make you improve?? I would guess in most cases no, just makes you feel worse!!!
I think like a lot of people after Tuesdays game, no matter what the result is, we just want to know that they have battled and given it there all, knowing they could do more , like Nigel said, sweat and blood, they need to run through walls for the team!!! Then if we see them do that, that's all we can ask for and all we really want, or am I missing something?

No you are not missing anything....of course we all want to see them run their socks off, be first to the 50/50 ball, run through walls for the team, show passion, fight and give 100% effort. Unfortunately they aren't doing that and haven't done it for the most part of the season. I agree getting on their backs won't help....but neither will applauding them off. Should you slack off at work are you applauded by your boss? No you will be reprimanded. Most of us fans work hard all week and don't earn any where near the money these players do. From where I sit I just want to see effort not a complacent lethargy which is what they've served up for the majority of the season. IMHO they don't want to reach the premiership....they know that ( (apart from a small percentage ) they will be sold on as they quite simply, aren't good enough. Watching Leicester and QPR yesterday is all I want from my team....EFFORT and PRIDE in the shirt they wear on their back.

[Pandoras Box]

Yes it is Adkins job as a manager to motivate - but come on ffs. Sitting around a play off spot with about four other possibilities fighting for the place, a chance to enhance your career, a chance to play in the Premier - why should you need someone to continually motivate you?. If for instance someone was in a shortlist with four others for best restaurant of the year, I would expect the staff to have pride in trying to win that award as it would be as important to them as the restaurant itself - If I had to keep 'motivating' them at that point, then really they would need to f*** off elsewhere.

[MeMeMe]

When are you powderpuff Reading fans going to make a point and demonstrate your displeasure at the pathetic, lifeless, half arsed performances we've have to put up with this season?

Turn your back for the first minute at kick-off!

Anton and his broken promises OUT
Madejski and his broken promises OUT
Over-paid mercenaries OUT

Agree with Anton and some of our players clearly do not give a rats arse but to turn your back is just silly. If you do not want to support the team or want to show your displeasure then do not go to the game.

The only reason why we have failed stems from our useless Russian owner who has lost interest in the club and pulled the financial plug. If we had bought in a player or 2 in January (minimum) then we would have certainly finished in the top 6. Now injuries and lack of form are costing us.

Maybe JM has broken the odd promise, BUT to be honest he is and always will be our savior. Before him we were going no where. He has got the club into a position where we can get into the top flight and have the potential to stay there one day. We need a new owner to take us on to the next level. Before SJM we were a lower league side going no where. Please don\t be silly.

This season has been disappointing, but try to be positive. If we get in a good owner we can get back into the PL. We have a great youth team set up which needs to be protected and developed. How old are you? I am knocking on 40... you? Football often runs in cycles.. we need to rebuild.. this season should have been the start but AZ messing around has stopped that. Next season rebuild then development then hopefully success.

Great post.. fully agree. But what grates with me is the continued stance the club takes in their marketing and messages to the fans. Such as:

"We are set for an exciting end to the season as The Royals continue a push towards the Play-Offs and fight for a return to the Premier League.".

Just an example that paints a 'all is rosy' picture when quite obviously it is not. I know that money must be a bit of an 'issue' at the club, but making offers to season ticket holders such as "You can gain access to our sports bar... and more exciting offers" does more damage than good... either get more creative or leave it. Also, be honest with your fans, most of us are not dumb enough to fall for the continued worthless marketing 'drivel' you give us.

[Ian Royal]

What a ridiculous complaint. Of course the club are going to put tye best spin they can on anything. They'd be incompetent if they did different. You don't have to take it at face value though.

[Schards#2]

What a ridiculous complaint. Of course the club are going to put tye best spin they can on anything. They'd be incompetent if they did different. You don't have to take it at face value though.

I think the club would do well to be as straight as they can with the fans about the situation with Zingaravitch. Like many thousands, I got correspondence from the club telling me "I belong". I'd quite like to know what I actually belong to because I don't really like belonging to a group headed by an owner who's sole intention is to bleed it dry for his personal gain. Is that what he intends to do? I don't know. If it is I'd probably not renew, why would I want to give cash to a rich Russian?

I think the club should be honest, tell us where they stand with Zingaravitch, is he dead? Do they speak to him? Does he have any intention of selling? What is the long term direction the club intends to go? Is he starving the club of money? Will the club have access to the parachute payment or will this just go east?

If we've been totally shafted and will have to face the future playing most youngsters, that's fine, but let us know, the bullshit, false expectation and total lack of any relevent information is what pisses fans off the most.

[melonhead]

agree- though he's not really taken any money from the club. just an admin fee for TSI.so far
he may take more upon the sale, but as it stands its not exactly a great deal for anyone, and that will only get worse.
the best case scenario for him and us would be for him to sell his shares for whatever he can get this summer.
and then its on to the next circus.we'll have another few years of wondering whether weve got a "good" owner or not, and wondering when he'll up and leave and flog us to the next nutjob.

i just wish JM had enough money to prop us up indefinitely.
was perfectly happy with the way the club was running till he effectively pulled his financial support.
not that i blame him.
if i had 100 million quid, the last thing i'd do is pump 5 million a year into a football club

[Ian Royal]

What a ridiculous complaint. Of course the club are going to put tye best spin they can on anything. They'd be incompetent if they did different. You don't have to take it at face value though.

I think the club would do well to be as straight as they can with the fans about the situation with Zingaravitch. Like many thousands, I got correspondence from the club telling me "I belong". I'd quite like to know what I actually belong to because I don't really like belonging to a group headed by an owner who's sole intention is to bleed it dry for his personal gain. Is that what he intends to do? I don't know. If it is I'd probably not renew, why would I want to give cash to a rich Russian?

I think the club should be honest, tell us where they stand with Zingaravitch, is he dead? Do they speak to him? Does he have any intention of selling? What is the long term direction the club intends to go? Is he starving the club of money? Will the club have access to the parachute payment or will this just go east?

If we've been totally shafted and will have to face the future playing most youngsters, that's fine, but let us know, the bullshit, false expectation and total lack of any relevent information is what pisses fans off the most.

I doubt it's what he intends to do given the accounts that have come out and the disappearing act.

It all speaks of someone with too much ambition, who got excited, committed the club to too much expenditure, then got out of his depth and then had financial problems elsewhere. Not an asset stripper. No chance one of them would have kept his Madj on, or relinquished control back to him.

The club also has to be careful what it says about him. He is, after all is said and done, still majority owner. I think we've got a pretty good impression of what the situation is. We may well find out more once he's no longer owner.

We've never really known too much about the financials other that what comes out in the accounts. We'll find out over the summer how bad things really are in all probability. The good news is that if we do have sod all money and need a firesale, we're in the best position possible to deal with it with the academy players we have, SJM will to make the hard decisions and Hammond to do the negotiating.

[MeMeMe]

What a ridiculous complaint. Of course the club are going to put tye best spin they can on anything. They'd be incompetent if they did different. You don't have to take it at face value though.

No, not a ridiculous complain as you put it, it's my observation on how the club communicates with its fan base and certainly don't read it at face value, quite the opposite in fact.But some may be too short sighted to see past football results and take comms at face value. The washy 'blurb' that comes out the club makes me cringe sometimes, sure they have to put a positive spin on circumstances, but some of their comms appear to allude to them assessing the main bulk of their target market consisting of 'simple' football fans... which actually is incompetent marketing.

[Ian Royal]

What a ridiculous complaint. Of course the club are going to put tye best spin they can on anything. They'd be incompetent if they did different. You don't have to take it at face value though.

No, not a ridiculous complain as you put it, it's my observation on how the club communicates with its fan base and certainly don't read it at face value, quite the opposite in fact.But some may be too short sighted to see past football results and take comms at face value. The washy 'blurb' that comes out the club makes me cringe sometimes, sure they have to put a positive spin on circumstances, but some of their comms appear to allude to them assessing the main bulk of their target market consisting of 'simple' football fans... which actually is incompetent marketing.

I'd say it was fairly perceptive.