Back from the Game- Blackpool

[Rex]

Nah that was Benreading.

[Royal Prince]

Fair play to you Ben for that one. It needs a kick start at West Ham if that chant is ever going to catch on. The death stare from the young girl below you was pure lolz.

Favourite image of the day.

Loved this, especially at Cardiff away in the playoffs last season.

Perhaps we should amend it for West Ham away in light of Kebe's sockg8:

"Socks off, if you love Reading, socks off, if you love Reading!"

*although might have to bring a spare pair of football socks in my pocket as even getting my shoe on and off is a right ball ache!

[SydenhamRoyal]

Cummings was pretty f*cking special today.

Top effort

That's a weird name..

Not one that is seen very often. Especially open.

[BenReadingFC]

Were you the drunk one singing that relentless song?

Guilty.
It'll catch on soon. Away at West Ham hopefully.

[Badger Finger]

Blackwell was a pundit for 5 live sports extra, FL...

[Woodcote Royal]

Whilst these are heady times for us all, I'm sure I'm not alone in being enthralled by the sub plot to our amazing assault on the top flight.

Seeing the likes of Sigurdsson and Long leave for greener pastures must have come close to breaking Brian McDermott's heart but since new investment appears to have made those days a thing of the past, it's been fascinating to watch him utilise the clubs' new found wealth.

We all have our views about Federici/McCarthy and Harte's lack of pace etc, not to mention an almost universal desire to see a Roberts and Le Fondre combo given a decent outing but the fact is, Brian has other plans and that wad in his back pocket offers a great insight into just how ruthless he is prepared to be in his quest to return us to the promise land.

I'm not convinced his decision to leave ALF and Church on the bench was as tough a choice as he claims and disagree entirely with those who were not impressed with our new loanee's performance. Whilst not setting the world alight, after just 48 hours at the club he gave a performance which ALF isn't suited to and Church simply not good enough to provide.

Blackpool were far from "Sh*t" and have had £16m? in parachute payments throughout the campaign while we were flogging our best players to balance the books yet Reading were comfortably better than their play off rivals.

Whereas Harte's lack of pace used to cost us dearly, now, with Jobi covering huge distances to act as his minder AND right wing, despite Blackpool's best efforts to expose this weakness, it took a 30 yard screamer to beat our rearguard with nothing else of note on target that I can recall.

With Robert's injured and seemingly destined to miss several matches in our tough run in, I sensed more than a touch of apprehension around the place but we were treated to an accomplished display in which there were no poor performers and many good ones. Although I would agree that some of our performances in recent times have been turgid affairs, increasingly we are looking better on the eye whilst appearing to have an overdrive in the glove box if not quite another gear.

As one of Steve Coppell's harshest critics following our relegation, perhaps I'm the right person to dispel the theory that McDermott has already surpassed his achievements........................that must surely require promotion at the very least.

However, I firmly believe Brian's ruthless streak will ensure that one day he will surpass the man whose achilles heel was in growing too attached to his players.

Have no fear, it will be West Ham who are bricking it next weekend. Whereas a bad result could hole them below the water line, any outcome will leave us right in the mix for top two and 3000 Reading fans are sure to play a big part.....................wish I could make it!

Cuthbert

PS. This is the name I give to Starbucks when placing my order.

[Avon Royal]

We all have our views about Federici/McCarthy.

Eh?

That "debate" has been well and truly put to bed.

[Woodcote Royal]

So your view differs to mine......................and your point is?

[1871 Royal]

I think its fair to say that Feds has been oxf*rd quality this year and there is no doubt who is the better 'keeper right now.

[Woodcote Royal]

When did you last see McCarthy play?

[1871 Royal]

You have been watching Reading games recently, haven't you?

2nd best defensive record in the league ... ?
Didn't concede one goal for an entire month ... ?

[Woodcote Royal]

I've seen Federici but have not seen McCarthy since he was dropped whilst we were enjoying similar success and he was stood behind a defence that was far inferior to what we have now.

[Jobbo no.11]

Come on Y26
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAHEZrX6mSA

Noel hunt posted this earlier and i think it may be even better.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhIXZvY9 ... ata_player

Did enjoy yours yesterday though and looking foreward to it at west ham!!!

[1871 Royal]

I believe that we have looked so much more solid at the back this year and that always starts from the 'keeper. Whilst McCarthy is a great prospect, I have no doubt that he will be a star in a few years and is already a good 'keep, our best 'keeper right now is Feds. Feds has repaid the fair BMcD has shown in him with some outstanding performances and he is fully justified of his no. 1 spot and if it wasn't for my huge love for Pearce, Feds would get my vote for player of the year because he has had to deal with some major flack from certain fans and shown us what a top quality 'keeper he is. It shows because Thou Voice has not shown his IP around these parts for a while and he usually comes on to give Feds a bit of a bashing.

[Woodcote Royal]

Federici is having a better season, he's McDermott's choice, and, as I made abundantly clear in my post above, he can do what the fcuk he likes with the team playing the way it is but, any fair comparison with McCarthy must involve some input from the keeper who was dropped when he and the team were in good form and the under 21 international was nearly a year younger.

[Maguire]

an almost universal desire to see a Roberts and Le Fondre combo given a decent outing

Not me, Noel Hunt (far from my favourite player) has been excellent in recent weeks and full deserves his place next to Roberts.

[Friday's Legacy]

Nah that was Benreading.

&

Were you the drunk one singing that relentless song?

Guilty.
It'll catch on soon. Away at West Ham hopefully.

you were hilarious. in the end even i was singing along with you..

are they your season ticket seats?

we're sat there all next season so say hello next time. sadly we'll be in the north for the remaining games but she'll be trying to keep you in check next season!

[Friday's Legacy]

Come on Y26
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAHEZrX6mSA

so happy together...

you were very reminiscent of delboy's one voice... and that lead to a riot. coincidently a home fan got smacked in the face. i think you encouraged it.

[1871 Royal]

an almost universal desire to see a Roberts and Le Fondre combo given a decent outing

Not me, Noel Hunt (far from my favourite player) has been excellent in recent weeks and full deserves his place next to Roberts.

Agreed Mags. Hunt has been a revelation since Roberts has arrived. Played his best games in a Reading shirt over the last couple of months.

When Roberts first came I wanted him paired with ALF but now, Hunt has proven his worth of a starting place.

[Rex]

Nah that was Benreading.

&

Were you the drunk one singing that relentless song?

Guilty.
It'll catch on soon. Away at West Ham hopefully.

you were hilarious. in the end even i was singing along with you..

are they your season ticket seats?

we're sat there all next season so say hello next time. sadly we'll be in the north for the remaining games but she'll be trying to keep you in check next season!

They are our normal seats so will see you next season. Apologies for some of the choice swearing.