The night of the long knives

[Ryn]

Madejski may have made a profit in the Prem but we had to spend money to get there in the first place. It feels like he thinks he has 'done his bit' by getting us up to the Prem, and then recouped all his losses by trousering all the Premiership money. Sorry but how many football clubs do turn a profit? If we made a profit the two seasons in the Prem, why didn't we spend some of it last season to try to get back up there?

It would be nice to strike a balance between lavish spending and frugality, 'speculating to accumulate' perhaps. At least it seems that we are heading that way now, with all the activity on transfer deadline day.

[Who Moved The Goalposts?]

Makes you wonder, doesn't it? Just how flippant was his remark about needing all his money back in the Rich Man, Poor Man documentary?

The three most sensible posts on HNA for a very long time.

I should qualify my comment - I don't believe he's taking money from RFC. Rather, he's making sure we're insulated from the worst for the next few years. I suspect that some of his other businesses are suffering badly at the moment (£15m on the Station Hill development with more to be spent and no return for at least a decade, for example) and he doesn't want RFC to suffer the same. Especially as it's probably among the highest profile assets in his portfolio.

[Rex]

Wasn't a comment made that his 18 businesses are losing money.
I was talking to someone over the weekend and it was stated that SJM is asking for financial support in relation to RFC. If this is correct , it is no wonder the club is currently being financially streamlined regardless of which league we are in.

Also if the above is true then it is a prudent move SJM has made in relation to protecting this clubs future. Remember that.

[papereyes]

The bit that bugs me is that the fans seem to have forgotten how we got there in the first place. We bought young players in and let them develop in a side.

The majority of our best players came from relative obscurity a few years before we, and they, peaked.

Sidwell, a then-20 year old, with a record of a handful of spells on loan at various League 1 and 2 clubs.
Harper, also 20, with very little real experience under his belt
Hahnemann, rejected by Villa for Peter Enckelman, a handful of games at Fulham and a spell at Rochdale.
Kitson
Shorey, 19? when we brought him in
Sonko
Team Irish

That we were not looking at players like this (but up a level, as it were - players like, for example, Cahill and Gardner instead of/to replace Duberry and Bryn) while we were in the Premiership is why we're having to do such a root and branch change now. But it actually appears like we're trying to give players a chance to get their experience together.

Its why signings like Mills and O'Dea make me smile. Mills is 23 so has a good decade in front of him and centrebacks certainly take time to mature. O'Dea likewise. We've a squad of youngsters but none significantly younger than the likes of Shorey, Harper and Sidwell when they first came here.

The major difference, I think, is that we had a few steadier ships around them but BR seems to have worked out that he needs that as well. Hence the returns of Hunt and Bryn at what appeared to be the first opportunity. Hence the signing of Rasiak (30) and McAnuff (27), players with a good few years of experience at this level under their belt.

There's also one other thing that I don't get. Do you honestly think we'd be doing much better under Coppell this season? I really, honestly, truthfully don't. Look at the second half of last season - THAT'S what we have to compare ourselves with. The same financial constraints would almost certainly apply and, whilst you might say "Ah, but he'll find another Doyle somewhere", the man responsible for much of our transfers is still at the club and, equally validly, that Doyle might turn out to be a Fae or a Bennett.

[Terminal Boardom]

The Club have already said that there will be a statement regarding the finances. I think the major concern is that we know that vast sums have come in (SKY, Premiership, transfers). Obviously large sums have gone out. What is unclear is where the millions have gone. Some simple clarity and honesty from the club would make a refreshing change. Where's the geekiness or keyboard warrior in all of that?

[donface]

Well month,Pipsqueak and rodgers are trying to lose all traces of Coppell and they are have nearly done their dirty work.I hope they are pleased with themselves,fukc the club

Prat. Look at the bigger picture! Huge wages, next summer no chute payments. We will be fine next summer as a result of the sales. Rodgers mean time can and is adding to the squad, being supported well in the market by the chairman, and all on a sensible wage structure once again. That is after all the main thing, unless of course you want to see us drop down the leagues with huge debts and points deductions for administration. We're in alright shape, have a side with some decent youngsters in it. We wont win promotion this season or next, probably, but so what? I'm more than happy with a young competitive squad in mid-table of this division!

These are still good times!

You are a very sensible man Jay, shame most Reading fans don't think the same!!

ALOL

Jay couldn't change more often if he was presenting the oscars. Fickle.

[CMRoyal]

The Club have already said that there will be a statement regarding the finances. I think the major concern is that we know that vast sums have come in (SKY, Premiership, transfers). Obviously large sums have gone out. What is unclear is where the millions have gone.

Has it gone on inflated salaries for underperforming players, I wonder?

[howser]

[quote="Royal Rother"][quote="howser"]...[size=150][b][u]there is no way that Mr Ego will ever allow the Royals to return to the top league, it cost him too much money[/u][/b][/size]. [/quote]
This is the sort of utter ignorance, fallacy and stupidity I abhor. If enough idiots say it enough times it becomes accepted as fact amongst their little group of numbskulls.

Now listen carefully.....

The club made a profit in 2 years out of the last 15 years - the 2 years we were in the Premier League. (And it is pretty unlikely it made a loss last year after taking into account player trading.)

During those years the value of the club was at least double what it is now we are back in the Championship.

So it did not COST Madejski money, it actually made him money, and it also gave him a chance of recouping everything he put into the club plus a very tidy profit on sale of the club.

So please stop this "Madejski won't let the club return to the top league" bollocks. Why would he not want to make a profit?[/quote]


As far as I have understood it this is an opinion based forum and as always peoples views differ, sadly some think it is thier own personal site and abhor anyone who differs from thier viewpoint, many people talk bollox, crap, shite and are titled as assholes, who write things that others find innappropriate etc........... hard luck if you dont like it "shuv it up ur ass boy"

[79Royal]

I was disappointed yesterday, but the more I think about it, the more I think it's for the better of the club.

I think Harper could have shined in Brendan's system, but evidently his wage demands are too high for us at this time. If keeping him here meant missing out on two extra bodies because we couldn't afford them, then I'm sorry to say he had to go. Same for Rosenior and for Marek if we had managed to move him on. As mentioned on here, this is the norm, the past three season's was the blip.

It's probably worth mentioning that the majority of clubs have spent less than they brought in this summer. The recession has hit football. I believe, though without any evidence to back it up, that Madejski has put the vast majority of any 'profit' back into the club somehow. He is not in a position to back the club financially, because he's got 17 other companies going through the same recession. I suspect he's protecting our future and the impending financial statement from the club will confirm that.

[Mr Optimist]

The Club have already said that there will be a statement regarding the finances. I think the major concern is that we know that vast sums have come in (SKY, Premiership, transfers). Obviously large sums have gone out. What is unclear is where the millions have gone.

Has it gone on inflated salaries for underperforming players, I wonder?

Yes more than likely but when it is confirmed in black and white in the accounts, that the money went on big salaries for players who failed to deliver last season, do you think it will stop some goon asking where "his" £150m has gone??!!

[Agent Balti]

Prat. Look at the bigger picture! Huge wages, next summer no chute payments. We will be fine next summer as a result of the sales. Rodgers mean time can and is adding to the squad, being supported well in the market by the chairman, and all on a sensible wage structure once again. That is after all the main thing, unless of course you want to see us drop down the leagues with huge debts and points deductions for administration. We're in alright shape, have a side with some decent youngsters in it. We wont win promotion this season or next, probably, but so what? I'm more than happy with a young competitive squad in mid-table of this division!

Not one to ever accuse Jay of any plagiarism, but I pretty much wrote the same thing - oooh about 3 weeks ago.

[Murts-is-Lej]

The bit that bugs me is that the fans seem to have forgotten how we got there in the first place. We bought young players in and let them develop in a side.

The majority of our best players came from relative obscurity a few years before we, and they, peaked.

Sidwell, a then-20 year old, with a record of a handful of spells on loan at various League 1 and 2 clubs.
Harper, also 20, with very little real experience under his belt
Hahnemann, rejected by Villa for Peter Enckelman, a handful of games at Fulham and a spell at Rochdale.
Kitson
Shorey, 19? when we brought him in
Sonko
Team Irish

That we were not looking at players like this (but up a level, as it were - players like, for example, Cahill and Gardner instead of/to replace Duberry and Bryn) while we were in the Premiership is why we're having to do such a root and branch change now. But it actually appears like we're trying to give players a chance to get their experience together.

Its why signings like Mills and O'Dea make me smile. Mills is 23 so has a good decade in front of him and centrebacks certainly take time to mature. O'Dea likewise. We've a squad of youngsters but none significantly younger than the likes of Shorey, Harper and Sidwell when they first came here.

The major difference, I think, is that we had a few steadier ships around them but BR seems to have worked out that he needs that as well. Hence the returns of Hunt and Bryn at what appeared to be the first opportunity. Hence the signing of Rasiak (30) and McAnuff (27), players with a good few years of experience at this level under their belt.

There's also one other thing that I don't get. Do you honestly think we'd be doing much better under Coppell this season? I really, honestly, truthfully don't. Look at the second half of last season - THAT'S what we have to compare ourselves with. The same financial constraints would almost certainly apply and, whilst you might say "Ah, but he'll find another Doyle somewhere", the man responsible for much of our transfers is still at the club and, equally validly, that Doyle might turn out to be a Fae or a Bennett.

Probably the best summary I've heard since SSC left. It was great being a fan after SSC got settled in (3/4 was nothing special, 4/5 started OK but tailed off but 5/6 and 6/7 were great). I'm looking forward to a year of BR settling in and then let's go somewhere...

[Dick Habbin's hairdo]

Oh Lordy, Lord. I'm confused.

Two posters with whom I nearly always concur - Fine Rain and strap - coming down on the wrong side of the fence.... and all because Deathy/Jay and, of course, papereyes, has thought through a reasoned argument. What is the world coming to?

Yes, I admired SC for what he did for the club and as a person.

Yes, the 106 team was special.

However, you would have to be really blinkered to say that the team really entertained.

And we are still "little old Reading".... I like that. I feel comfortable with it and if, in two or three years, Brenda can get us back to the Prem with style then that will be a real bonus. I think he has a planny plan plan.

If he takes us to long forgotten outposts like errrr, Torquay or Carlisle, then I am equally happy with that - as long as we try to play the right way and entertain.

IN the meantime, it looks like we won't be needing FFF eleven for the comedy, drama, theatre and passion.

[RoyalBlue]

This is the strangest night RFC has had since I started supporting the club.

Something must be really wrong with the finances at the club. Obviously we must have completely knackered ourselves with the wage bill last year.

I look forward with trepidation to the release of the finance figures.

They are taking an awful long time to get them looking the way they want us to see them!

Anyone who claims they won't paint the picture (paintings tend to be how the artist wants to portray things as opposed to a perfect likeness of reality) that the club want us to see clearly has never met any good business accountants! All, of course, will be done within the law.

[Nick Shorey my Lord!]

we where promised so much

W(h)ere we? Where are these promises you talk of? Do we have a contract with the club to deliver on results?

[Royal Rother]

...there is no way that Mr Ego will ever allow the Royals to return to the top league, it cost him too much money.

This is the sort of utter ignorance, fallacy and stupidity I abhor. If enough idiots say it enough times it becomes accepted as fact amongst their little group of numbskulls.

Now listen carefully.....

The club made a profit in 2 years out of the last 15 years - the 2 years we were in the Premier League. (And it is pretty unlikely it made a loss last year after taking into account player trading.)

During those years the value of the club was at least double what it is now we are back in the Championship.

So it did not COST Madejski money, it actually made him money, and it also gave him a chance of recouping everything he put into the club plus a very tidy profit on sale of the club.

So please stop this "Madejski won't let the club return to the top league" bollocks. Why would he not want to make a profit?

As far as I have understood it this is an opinion based forum and as always peoples views differ, sadly some think it is thier own personal site and abhor anyone who differs from thier viewpoint, many people talk bollox, crap, shite and are titled as assholes, who write things that others find innappropriate etc........... hard luck if you dont like it "shuv it up ur ass boy"

2 years in the Prem didn't COST SJM money - in fact they were probably the ONLY 2 years RFC actually MADE him money in the 2 decades he has been here.

Basing an opinion around statements that are factually incorrect (i.e. complete and utter bollocks) makes that opinion utterly invalid and frankly, no better than the ramblings of an idiot.

I doubt your ass is big enough to shove the bollocks you spout back up it.

[Ian Royal]

Everyone is of course entitled to their opinion. But when that opinion is not only wrong, but based on moronic innaccuracy, it is the duty of intelligent people everywhere to point that out as forcefully, and with as much contempt as necessary.

Being entitled to having an opinion =/= your opinion must be respected.

[rhroyal]

It's hard to know how I feel. Coppell's team was finished and it is entirely necessary to go on. At the same time we've had a lot of Premiership money, no doubt our reputation grew considerably through the whole experience, but it feels to me that we're no longer better off than we were when Coppell took over. Maybe I should accept that unless you have 30,000 fans every week and £30million for Carlos Tevez, it's hard to keep up your strong position following on from relegation.

[GJ79]

we where promised so much

W(h)ere we? Where are these promises you talk of? Do we have a contract with the club to deliver on results?

Well to start off Madejski said on bbc berkshire we are expecting a new signing (Tommy Smith) by the end of the day (didnt happen coz yet again we fcuk around for 6 weeks with silly offers), then Rodgers said he can bring in 3 to 4 new players after signing Rasiak and Jobi, and what do we end up with a sheffield utd reject, a another centre back, only on loan till jan and a young player from chelsea who hasnt got any experience at this level. Fantasic.

And thanks for the grammer lessons Nick Shorey my Lord, if only i had u to show me the way when i was at school then i might have found out im dsyletic and might have done better at school and now i might have been doing an 9 till 5 office job instead of starting up my own business. Thanks again

[ankeny]

Prat. Look at the bigger picture! Huge wages, next summer no chute payments. We will be fine next summer as a result of the sales. Rodgers mean time can and is adding to the squad, being supported well in the market by the chairman, and all on a sensible wage structure once again. That is after all the main thing, unless of course you want to see us drop down the leagues with huge debts and points deductions for administration. We're in alright shape, have a side with some decent youngsters in it. We wont win promotion this season or next, probably, but so what? I'm more than happy with a young competitive squad in mid-table of this division!

These are still good times!

Are u having a laugh? I feel like ive been shafted by madejski and the board[/quote]

Get a bigger arsehole then!

We've seen much darker days. [/quote]

Yeah we have had darker days and what ? is that it then just because of this its ok to do things on the cheap ? Why the hell should us fans who pay for our season tickets, shirts and so on just be happy coz we've had darker days. The club have never had so much money and chances to get it rite have they?[/quote]
So Im called a prat for saying what a lot of people feel,charming.As if i give a fukc,like Denis Healy said of Geoffry Howe,like being attacked by a dead sheep.