Back from the game - Coventry (H)

[Woodcote Royal]

It appears my comment about Marek has created some discussion.

Obviously it's tongue in cheek to suggest we'd win the league if Marek played. However every time I watch James Harper play, I piss myself laughing that he somehow keeps Marek out of the starting eleven. To me it's a complete no brainer that a proven international player is on the bench and Harper starts.

I think Coppell's loyalty to Harper will almost certainly see Marek move in January, which I think will be a real shame, especially if we go up when we'll need his quality.

As with my previous comments, the fact that Harper is still starting in his current form whilst Marek couldn't even get a few minutes from the bench on Monday, shows clearly to me that Coppell still has his favourites.

I can't believe anyone can seriously suggest that someone of Mareks class cannot play at this level. Frankly, what a pathetic observation.

We are currently over blessed with central midfielders and, based on Mondays night performance, both incumbents should be looking over their shoulder but we all know they will both start the next game if fit.

Have we seen Marek alongside Cisse, Gunnarsson or Karacan so far?

If Marek is too lightweight for this division then so is Harper and, given the latters current form, we should, at the very least, be seeing some cameos off the bench from Mateosky.

[Thaumagurist*]

Why change a winning team? Coppell was forced to make one change because of Bikey's suspension.

[Woodcote Royal]

Because it's not our strongest team and a better side would have beaten us, as they have in the past, which is why we are third and a lot of points off the top of the league.

[RoyalBlue]

Ref- 8 - one of the better refs we have had to be fair although there were not many difficult decisions. Thought he let them physically overpower Doyle too much. Should have had some more free kicks.

The ref ought to refresh his knowledge of the laws of the game and/or learn to keep a closer eye on what is happening.

At one stage a Coventry player took a free kick and clearly played the ball to himself before passing it to a team mate. Instead of penalising the player concerned and awarding an indirect free kick to us, he merely indicated that the ball had been moving at the time the free kick was taken (it was actually stationary at the time the player first kicked it) and ordered Coventry to retake the free kick.

M'eh. It was quite clear that he was dragging the ball back to position it, then tried to take the kick too quickly.

I will look at the recording of it but I'm pretty damn sure that both kicks of the ball were in a forward direction, rather than dragging the ball back. (Nowadays there are usually only two reasons why a player positions a ball by bringing it back, rather than rolling it forward to steal some ground. Either the ref tells them to or it's a free kick on the edge of the area and they want a bit more distance to allow the ball to dip.)

If he miskicked a stationary ball when trying to take the kick too quickly, then that is his mistake and hard luck - playing the ball a second time (before another player does), in order to recover from his error, should lead to him conceding an indirect free kick.

[Ian Royal]

It appears my comment about Marek has created some discussion.

Obviously it's tongue in cheek to suggest we'd win the league if Marek played. However every time I watch James Harper play, I piss myself laughing that he somehow keeps Marek out of the starting eleven. To me it's a complete no brainer that a proven international player is on the bench and Harper starts.

I think Coppell's loyalty to Harper will almost certainly see Marek move in January, which I think will be a real shame, especially if we go up when we'll need his quality.

As with my previous comments, the fact that Harper is still starting in his current form whilst Marek couldn't even get a few minutes from the bench on Monday, shows clearly to me that Coppell still has his favourites.

I can't believe anyone can seriously suggest that someone of Mareks class cannot play at this level. Frankly, what a pathetic observation.

We are currently over blessed with central midfielders and, based on Mondays night performance, both incumbents should be looking over their shoulder but we all know they will both start the next game if fit.

Have we seen Marek alongside Cisse, Gunnarsson or Karacan so far?

If Marek is too lightweight for this division then so is Harper and, given the latters current form, we should, at the very least, be seeing some cameos off the bench from Mateosky.

The only person saying he isn't good enough for the league is someone who said that scarface's point was valid.

If Coppell did play favourites and Harper was one, he wouldn't have missed 4-6 games earlier in the season. Funny how thats totally ignored. He had to earn his place back in the first team from the bench after his injury, just like everyone else would.

Marek is a luxury player at this level. He is good going forward but offers very little going back. No matter what you think about Harper and his defensive qualities you cannot argue that he doesn't provide defensive cover when the other team attacks. If you do you are blind.

Our problems are not going forward and creating, they are defensive lapses and being overrun in midfield by teams who play 3 across the middle. Marek will not help that because he will win the ball back no more than Harper, and will force fewer loose passes, because he doesn't have the mobility to hassle the way Harper does. Marek also gives the ball away at least as much as Harper, if not more due to his aggressive attempted defence splitting balls.

In fact if he is to be any use you could argue we'd actually be worse off, because he'd have to play further up the pitch leaving our midfield even more susceptable to being run straight through and provoke more hoofs forward from the defence. A lot of our goals start with Harper picking up the ball deep and making an intelligent pass. He also rarely gives the ball away because of his choice of the easy ball sideways to spread play.

He gave it away a couple of times quite badly against Coventry, but then so did Cisse.

[Royal Rother]

All perfectly logical Ian - ultimately I trust Coppell's judgment as it has, with few exceptions over the last 5 years, been shown to be amongst the best in his profession, but I will be very sad if we ultimately lose one of the best footballers ever to play for the club because we couldn't find a system in which he could play.

[Woodcote Royal]

The only person saying he isn't good enough for the league is someone who said that scarface's point was valid.

If Coppell did play favourites and Harper was one, he wouldn't have missed 4-6 games earlier in the season. Funny how thats totally ignored. He had to earn his place back in the first team from the bench after his injury, just like everyone else would.

Marek is a luxury player at this level. He is good going forward but offers very little going back. No matter what you think about Harper and his defensive qualities you cannot argue that he doesn't provide defensive cover when the other team attacks. If you do you are blind.

Our problems are not going forward and creating, they are defensive lapses and being overrun in midfield by teams who play 3 across the middle. Marek will not help that because he will win the ball back no more than Harper, and will force fewer loose passes, because he doesn't have the mobility to hassle the way Harper does. Marek also gives the ball away at least as much as Harper, if not more due to his aggressive attempted defence splitting balls.

In fact if he is to be any use you could argue we'd actually be worse off, because he'd have to play further up the pitch leaving our midfield even more susceptable to being run straight through and provoke more hoofs forward from the defence. A lot of our goals start with Harper picking up the ball deep and making an intelligent pass. He also rarely gives the ball away because of his choice of the easy ball sideways to spread play.

He gave it away a couple of times quite badly against Coventry, but then so did Cisse.

If you can't see that Coppell's favouritism cost us relegation last season and that, whilst he has been much improved in this respect recently, it still exists, then it is you that is blind.

Funnily enough, I have not forgotten that Harper was dropped for a number games which is clear evidence that his manager has indeed improved in this respect.

However, it was equally clear that Coppell was busting a gut to reinstate him at the first opportunity that didn't require changing a winning team and that Karacan is now the forgotten man despite playing at least as well as Harper is now.

Through a fantastic work rate Harpers offers something in defence but not as much as Gunarsson would. He rarely provides the attacking quality of Marek and is currently far more wasteful in possession than either of his two afore mentioned rivals.

I'm no Harper hater, and have stuck up for him on many occasions (notably when the Fozzy camp were outraged that he won Player of the Season over "Can't pass, won't pass" )All I want to see is our strongest team and currently it's only Coppell favouritism that is keeping James ahead of some serious competition.

IMHO, this is already costing us with poor performances and dropped points.

FWIW, I would drop Harper and bring in Gunnarsson for Barnsley.

[Vision]

Being a central midfielder in our midfield is always going to be a thankless task to be honest. No matter who ,plays there , they're rarely good enough according to most of us. Hell Sidwell went to Chelsea with plenty saying he didn't really do much for us and wouldn't be missed!!!

The simple fact is that to play our way as a central midfielder will require a lot of chasing and plugging of gaps because in most matches, even in the championship we dont dominate or even control possession. Our whole gameplan is based on getting width as quickly as possible and delivering crosses from those wide positions, be it winger or full back. Central midfielders are merely functional in that sense, really just cogs in the process of getting the ball where we want it, making up the numbers if possible when the ball gets delivered and then plugging inevitable holes if this breaks down with fullbacks and wide players committed forward.

Its simply not conducive to having a game controlled by the central midfield or highlighting the merits of those individuals. I guess thats why despite using 5 players in that position this season , its the one that has played probably the least that is seen by some as crucial. Its not like we even get our wide midfielders to narrow up the central area either as most sides do. We play with 2 out and out wingers really which once again puts pressure on our central 2 in this division where a lot of sides play through the middle.

I've no doubt that Marek is techinically the best player on our books but unless we adapt our way of playing then we're unlikely to get the best out of him. Thats not to say he couldn't still be very good for us just that its not exactly what he's best at. The fact that up until now one of the main features of his Reading career has been the amount of free-kicks and cautions he picks up suggests to me that he still finds the requirements of playing that position in our team difficult. As frustrated as i'm sure he was sitting on the bench, he may well be equally as frustrated playing in a team system where he spends a lot of time chasing and plugging gaps.

As for Harper being one of Coppell's favourites (and lets face it all managers have them , if they didn't they'd pick their teams out of a hat like Roy Keane probably ), perhaps he is more aware of exactly what it is that is required for the system to flourish. Something not readily visible to the rest of us perhaps but vital to what the management have asked for.

[winchester_royal]

IR you have to stop misquoting me. I didn't say he wasn't good enough for this league, just that he may not be ideal for the CM role.

[Archie's penalty]

Being a central midfielder in our midfield is always going to be a thankless task to be honest. No matter who ,plays there , they're rarely good enough according to most of us. Hell Sidwell went to Chelsea with plenty saying he didn't really do much for us and wouldn't be missed!!!

The simple fact is that to play our way as a central midfielder will require a lot of chasing and plugging of gaps because in most matches, even in the championship we dont dominate or even control possession. Our whole gameplan is based on getting width as quickly as possible and delivering crosses from those wide positions, be it winger or full back. Central midfielders are merely functional in that sense, really just cogs in the process of getting the ball where we want it, making up the numbers if possible when the ball gets delivered and then plugging inevitable holes if this breaks down with fullbacks and wide players committed forward.

Its simply not conducive to having a game controlled by the central midfield or highlighting the merits of those individuals. I guess thats why despite using 5 players in that position this season , its the one that has played probably the least that is seen by some as crucial. Its not like we even get our wide midfielders to narrow up the central area either as most sides do. We play with 2 out and out wingers really which once again puts pressure on our central 2 in this division where a lot of sides play through the middle.

I've no doubt that Marek is techinically the best player on our books but unless we adapt our way of playing then we're unlikely to get the best out of him. Thats not to say he couldn't still be very good for us just that its not exactly what he's best at. The fact that up until now one of the main features of his Reading career has been the amount of free-kicks and cautions he picks up suggests to me that he still finds the requirements of playing that position in our team difficult. As frustrated as i'm sure he was sitting on the bench, he may well be equally as frustrated playing in a team system where he spends a lot of time chasing and plugging gaps.

As for Harper being one of Coppell's favourites (and lets face it all managers have them , if they didn't they'd pick their teams out of a hat like Roy Keane probably ), perhaps he is more aware of exactly what it is that is required for the system to flourish. Something not readily visible to the rest of us perhaps but vital to what the management have asked for.

Nail hit the you've firmly head on the.

[CMRoyal]

Why was Fox booed? I missed his crime...

he scored

And made some signals to the East Stand.

He did a little feint, pretending he was going to have a go at NHunt as well at one point. He was basically acting like a prat in the first half. Two great goals from him, though.

[rabidbee]

Anyone worked out what Noel's truffle-shuffle celebration was all about?

[Ian Royal]

Excellent post by vision IMO and some good points rasied by woodcote, but no real substance to "favourites" other than rhetoric. Interesting point re Gunnarsson. I'm of the opinion that him and Cisse would leave us low on passing ability in the middle and very low on energy, pace and stamina.

I think it's a season or two too far for Gunnar to be anything but a backup/sub player.

What we really need IMO is either 3 in the middle or a player of twice Cisse's tackling and passing ability to play alongside either Harper or Marek. I hope that Karacan can develop into that. Unfortunately Cisse is scoring at the moment which almost guarantees him a spot despite giving the ball away quite alot.

We need one of Harper or Marek in the team IMO, I like Marek a lot, but I just don't think he's the answer to any of the problems we have in our current formation. In fact I think he adds to them.

[Woodcote Royal]

Gunnarsson's best days are behind him sadly and I for one would love to have seen him at this club 10 years ago.

He can't handle playing every game in the Championship any more but when he's been fresh he's out performed Harper by a considerable distance all this season and shown that he is the better all round player. I would prefer him to Marek, too, away at Barnsley.

If you want solidity at the back, no bad thing away from home, Bryn has shown time again that he not only offers far more than Harper in this respect but he's a real threat in the air and a better passer, too.

What "substance" are you looking for regarding Coppell's favouritism, a written confession?

Apart from when he was dropped recently, Coppell has been operating a "Harper must Play" policy since the day he took over 5 years ago.

We have players in better form than James Harper for a hotly contested spot in central midfield and whilst that department continues to malfunction, all of Marek, Gunnarsson and Karacan have every right to feel hard done by.

[Ian Royal]

Favouritism used with negativity is a myth, unless we're talking about favourites in that they're the players who Coppell believes best suit his tactics and perform best in training.

Harper has been a near permanant fixture because he offers so much to the team. It has nothing to do with Coppell just liking him.

Doyle is currently a favourite with Coppell in that sense. It's a worthless complaint to make IMO.

[winchester_royal]

LOL IR, just LOL.

[Ian Royal]

LOL IR, just LOL.

Glad you're enjoying yourself.

[Woodcote Royal]

Favouritism used with negativity is a myth, unless we're talking about favourites in that they're the players who Coppell believes best suit his tactics and perform best in training.

Harper has been a near permanant fixture because he offers so much to the team. It has nothing to do with Coppell just liking him.

Doyle is currently a favourite with Coppell in that sense. It's a worthless complaint to make IMO.

You mean you don't agree with it and this is the best response you can muster.........................I'm glad such utter drivel didn't come from my keyboard.

[Ian Royal]

Not at all, I mean using the whine "playing favourites" to explain why a player is in the team because you don't have the wit to see what benefits he brings is tragic.

[Royalee]

Please tell me exactly why Harper 'offers so much' Ian, is it just his 'energy levels' like Andy Hughes? I hear Paula Radcliffe has good energy levels, perhaps she should play for us.