Coppell has faith Oster can beat the boo boys.

[Wycombe Royal]

Some of Oster's play is actually too good for the majority of our players. He has the vision to spot where to pass a ball but unfortunately for him the other members of the team don't have the same vision.

However we now have Matejovsky as well, and I noticed during the Man City game that Oster was the only player who was on the same wavelength as him when attempting to play defence splitting passes. Then we also have the goal at Liverpool - the same two players involved. The only other players in our squad who have "vision" anywhere near the level of those two are Convey and Harper (plus Little when fit).

[Thaumagurist*]

.

[Huntley & Palmer]

Some of Oster's play is actually too good for the majority of our players. He has the vision to spot where to pass a ball but unfortunately for him the other members of the team don't have the same vision.

However we now have Matejovsky as well, and I noticed during the Man City game that Oster was the only player who was on the same wavelength as him when attempting to play defence splitting passes. Then we also have the goal at Liverpool - the same two players involved. The only other players in our squad who have "vision" anywhere near the level of those two are Convey and Harper (plus Little when fit).

How many seasons has he been training and playing with his fellow team mates now? You would have thought that the old 'same wavelength' excuse is wearing a little thin now. He's an OK squad member, not a starting XI Premiership player so we will make do for now unless Glenn ever reaches fitness. I don't agree with booing any player though, no matter how shit they play.

[Smoking Kills Dancing Doe]

Coppell backs player not good enough for this level shocker.

It this attididude that has got us in this situation.

He's be telling us Fae's gonna return on the wing next.

Coppell can't say any different, cause as people say there's no one to re place Oster with.

It wouldn't happen at any other club, or with any other manager, that you can go a whole year with not one Premiership quality winger in your squad.

[1960]

It is right, as someone mentioned, that Oster sometimes plays a risky ball. For example, the goal at Liverpool. Supposing he had underhit it - a Liverpool player runs out, intercepts and sets up a break with most of our defenders in their box waiting for the cross. Or had hit it wonky - either into the crowd of players in the box or behind Marek - the moaners would have had a field day. It woud have been the easiest thing in the world to just lob it into the box - low risk but also low chance of scoring - but he had the balls to try something despite the potential failure followed by the inevitable moaning.

[Wycombe Royal]

Some of Oster's play is actually too good for the majority of our players. He has the vision to spot where to pass a ball but unfortunately for him the other members of the team don't have the same vision.

However we now have Matejovsky as well, and I noticed during the Man City game that Oster was the only player who was on the same wavelength as him when attempting to play defence splitting passes. Then we also have the goal at Liverpool - the same two players involved. The only other players in our squad who have "vision" anywhere near the level of those two are Convey and Harper (plus Little when fit).

How many seasons has he been training and playing with his fellow team mates now? You would have thought that the old 'same wavelength' excuse is wearing a little thin now. He's an OK squad member, not a starting XI Premiership player so we will make do for now unless Glenn ever reaches fitness. I don't agree with booing any player though, no matter how shit they play.

In principle I agree with what you are saying, but maybe in training and outside of match conditions other players make the runs for the defence splitting passes he attempts.

The Man City game was a fine example except it was Marek playing most of the through balls. He attempted them on a number of occasions but the only one that came off was a pass played for Oster to run on to. Is that I coincidence? I don't think so.

Oster is not a winger in my view. He is a right midfielder who takes many risks with the passes he attempts. If the other players around him had the vision to see the space that he is going to pass the ball into at the same time that Oster sees it then he would probably be regarded a lot higher amongst the fans than he is now.

[Huntley & Palmer]

Some of Oster's play is actually too good for the majority of our players. He has the vision to spot where to pass a ball but unfortunately for him the other members of the team don't have the same vision.

However we now have Matejovsky as well, and I noticed during the Man City game that Oster was the only player who was on the same wavelength as him when attempting to play defence splitting passes. Then we also have the goal at Liverpool - the same two players involved. The only other players in our squad who have "vision" anywhere near the level of those two are Convey and Harper (plus Little when fit).

How many seasons has he been training and playing with his fellow team mates now? You would have thought that the old 'same wavelength' excuse is wearing a little thin now. He's an OK squad member, not a starting XI Premiership player so we will make do for now unless Glenn ever reaches fitness. I don't agree with booing any player though, no matter how shit they play.

In principle I agree with what you are saying, but maybe in training and outside of match conditions other players make the runs for the defence splitting passes he attempts.

The Man City game was a fine example except it was Marek playing most of the through balls. He attempted them on a number of occasions but the only one that came off was a pass played for Oster to run on to. Is that I coincidence? I don't think so.

Oster is not a winger in my view. He is a right midfielder who takes many risks with the passes he attempts. If the other players around him had the vision to see the space that he is going to pass the ball into at the same time that Oster sees it then he would probably be regarded a lot higher amongst the fans than he is now.

Agreed, hence why Marek and Oster are both starting currently. We are trying to change our style from just hitting crosses into the box from out wide all the time. Problem is though, do the other players have the ability to adapt? Doyle's goal scoring record this season says otherwise so it will be interesting to see if the personnel changes in the close season

[brendywendy]

Coppell backs player not good enough for this level shocker.

It this attididude that has got us in this situation.

He's be telling us Fae's gonna return on the wing next.

Coppell can't say any different, cause as people say there's no one to re place Oster with.

It wouldn't happen at any other club, or with any other manager, that you can go a whole year with not one Premiership quality winger in your squad.

you bunch of tWits are really boring me now

stop slagging everything about this club off.

at least come up with some new stuff, cos weve all read this comment thousands of times on thousands of posts

[Thaumagurist*]

.

[CMRoyal]

I have my own doubts about Oster, but many of them are down to his confidence - he sometimes seems scared to take decisions, and fear in itself always acts as a drag on a player's reactions, so he can look painfully slow at times when we know he's got an OK turn of foot (slower than Hunty, but not as slow as Blakey, say) and that leads to getting caught on the ball, going missing, rushed passes, etc. It's hard to see how booing him is going to help the situation. I see Johnny as a slower, more skilful Hunt - a man who, with hard work (which I'm sure he's putting in) and confidence, will do a job for us well over and above his perceived ability. I thought he showed that against Man City in the 2nd half when the team was doing well and Liam giving him encouragement (or a slagging - it was hard to tell!), and I'd love to see his reaction to some seriously loud Y23-25 backing on Saturday; I predict a Murtyesque puffing up of the chest and sudden extra yard of pace from the boy. SC is the man for creating value-added footballers - players who grow and flourish in the blue and white in a way I've never witnessed before in my 30 years of supporting the club. It got us where we are, it'll keep us there, and we will grow in the longer term because of it. But we've got to believe that and let the players know we believe that they'll deliver it. So come on let's hear it Saturday:-

OO-JOHNNY OSTER, OO-JOHNNY OSTER!!!

[brendywendy]

I won't change just to please fans
By Nick Ive
20/ 3/2008


John Oster is determined to help Reading take a step nearer Premier League survival against fellow strugglers Birmingham City on Saturday (3pm kick-off) – but has told his critics he won’t alter his game.

Oster has come in for stick from a certain section of Royals fans in recent weeks and some travelling fans even cheered when he was substituted during the 2-1 defeat at Anfield.

Manager Steve Coppell gave the winger his backing in the Evening Post on Tuesday, insisting that he has a tendency to look bad because he is not afraid to take risks.

And the former Everton and Sunderland star said: “Possibly I do take a chance and try to play as I am not the sort of player to just hoof it.

“That is not my game, it never has been, so I’m not going to change my style.

“I like to play football, but if people don’t like it then that is their opinion. If I am getting stick then fair enough.

“Hunty (Stephen Hunt) runs all day, and I know fans like that, but he’s not a technical player. He does what he does and I do what I do.

“I’m not one to go sliding in and put the foot in. It’s just not the nature of my game.”

Oster has only recently battled back from an ankle injury, but he showed his awareness against Liverpool by taking a quick free-kick to set up Marek Matejovsky’s stunning opener.

And he added: “I am feeling better all the time and my fitness is improving. I have been doing extra work on Fridays with sports scientist Kunle (Odetoyinbo).

“When I first got back from injury, it was a losing team and the confidence was low.

“But gradually it has got better and I think we are playing better. I think myself and Marek link up well.”

Birmingham are just one place and one point behind Royals and Oster said: “It is imperative we get a win against them so we open up a gap.”

“We have a decent record at home when we score so if we get the first goal we’ll be in a strong position.

“I think they will want to keep it tight and not get beaten, so it’s up to us to take the game to them and play at a high tempo.”

Reading are still without injured trio Glen Little (Achilles), Graeme Murty (knee) and Brynjar Gunnarsson (groin), but Emerse Fae, Michael Duberry and Bobby Convey are all available again.

Coppell is likely to keep faith with the team that has started the previous three matches, although Dave Kitson is pushing Shane Long for a recall.

Birmingham’s Martin Taylor is available again after serving a three-match ban for the tackle which broke Arsenal striker Eduardo’s leg.

[SteveRoyal]

I won't change just to please fans
By Nick Ive
20/ 3/2008


John Oster is determined to help Reading take a step nearer Premier League survival against fellow strugglers Birmingham City on Saturday (3pm kick-off) – but has told his critics he won’t alter his game.

Oster has come in for stick from a certain section of Royals fans in recent weeks and some travelling fans even cheered when he was substituted during the 2-1 defeat at Anfield.

Manager Steve Coppell gave the winger his backing in the Evening Post on Tuesday, insisting that he has a tendency to look bad because he is not afraid to take risks.

And the former Everton and Sunderland star said: “Possibly I do take a chance and try to play as I am not the sort of player to just hoof it.

“That is not my game, it never has been, so I’m not going to change my style.

“I like to play football, but if people don’t like it then that is their opinion. If I am getting stick then fair enough.

“Hunty (Stephen Hunt) runs all day, and I know fans like that, but he’s not a technical player. He does what he does and I do what I do.

“I’m not one to go sliding in and put the foot in. It’s just not the nature of my game.”

Oster has only recently battled back from an ankle injury, but he showed his awareness against Liverpool by taking a quick free-kick to set up Marek Matejovsky’s stunning opener.

And he added: “I am feeling better all the time and my fitness is improving. I have been doing extra work on Fridays with sports scientist Kunle (Odetoyinbo).

“When I first got back from injury, it was a losing team and the confidence was low.

“But gradually it has got better and I think we are playing better. I think myself and Marek link up well.”

Birmingham are just one place and one point behind Royals and Oster said: “It is imperative we get a win against them so we open up a gap.”

“We have a decent record at home when we score so if we get the first goal we’ll be in a strong position.

“I think they will want to keep it tight and not get beaten, so it’s up to us to take the game to them and play at a high tempo.”

Reading are still without injured trio Glen Little (Achilles), Graeme Murty (knee) and Brynjar Gunnarsson (groin), but Emerse Fae, Michael Duberry and Bobby Convey are all available again.

Coppell is likely to keep faith with the team that has started the previous three matches, although Dave Kitson is pushing Shane Long for a recall.

Birmingham’s Martin Taylor is available again after serving a three-match ban for the tackle which broke Arsenal striker Eduardo’s leg.

Show some of that determination on Saturday, Ostie.

[Jerry St Clair]

“I’m not one to go sliding in and put the foot in. It’s just not the nature of my game.”

Ain't that the truth.

[zummerset]

'I won't change my game'.........now we really are worried about team selection. I would have thought that comments about accepting standards aren't high enough, working harder, not thinking so far ahead in the game that I forget that I have to not pass my next ball straight to an opponent or out of play, making the occasional defensive tackle would have been wiser.

I was feeling a bit flakey on whether the fans should cut him some slack but he is getting sxxt because of what he shows off each week. And for the record the pass to Marek for the wonder goal was overhit and the credit is with MM for the control of the strike.

[Ian Royal]

If he has as much success beating the boo boys as he does beating opposing full backs, he'll be gone in the summer.

Doing it on the training ground is fine, trouble is, it doesn't win us any points. Under pressure in a game is where it matters. The impOSTER can't deliver when it matters.

Shape up or ship out matey.

I'm starting to think the same about you strap. stop frothing at the mouth.

[Man Friday]

what a load of carp!!! Oster too good for his teammates! What next? Sonko too skilful? Murts too quick? Long too tall? None of these back-handed compliments address the main criticism which is that he won't get stuck in (or even chase back). Nobody wants to play with somebody who won't get stuck in when teammates are risking their necks (or legs). Forget the chances he's missed, his wayward passes - the bloke just won't support his teammates!! I don't blame Coppell for supporting him - that's his job - but see it for just that for crying out loud.

[SteveRoyal]

what a load of carp!!! Oster too good for his teammates! What next? Sonko too skilful? Murts too quick? Long too tall? None of these back-handed compliments address the main criticism which is that he won't get stuck in (or even chase back). Nobody wants to play with somebody who won't get stuck in when teammates are risking their necks (or legs). Forget the chances he's missed, his wayward passes - the bloke just won't support his teammates!! I don't blame Coppell for supporting him - that's his job - but see it for just that for crying out loud.

Hence the rumours of Kebe and Cisse starting for us this weekend...

[winchester_royal]

what a load of carp!!! Oster too good for his teammates! What next? Sonko too skilful? Murts too quick? Long too tall? None of these back-handed compliments address the main criticism which is that he won't get stuck in (or even chase back). Nobody wants to play with somebody who won't get stuck in when teammates are risking their necks (or legs). Forget the chances he's missed, his wayward passes - the bloke just won't support his teammates!! I don't blame Coppell for supporting him - that's his job - but see it for just that for crying out loud.

Hence the rumours of Kebe and Cisse starting for us this weekend...

why cisse?

[SteveRoyal]

what a load of carp!!! Oster too good for his teammates! What next? Sonko too skilful? Murts too quick? Long too tall? None of these back-handed compliments address the main criticism which is that he won't get stuck in (or even chase back). Nobody wants to play with somebody who won't get stuck in when teammates are risking their necks (or legs). Forget the chances he's missed, his wayward passes - the bloke just won't support his teammates!! I don't blame Coppell for supporting him - that's his job - but see it for just that for crying out loud.

Hence the rumours of Kebe and Cisse starting for us this weekend...

why cisse?

Because Fae is injured and Cisse has an international call up.
Oh,a nd Harper hasn't been his best recently.
That may not have anything to do with it, though!

[winchester_royal]

If cisse comes on it will be for Marek or BK unfortunately not harper