The Gr8 Keeper Deb8

[Simon's Church]

Fuck of Federici
Oh what can it mean
To a fat aussie bastard
And his shit self esteem.

[Big Foot]

Reading fans, you embarrass me.

There is not a single save that McCarthy made on Saturday that Federici wouldn't have. It was an ideal game for McCarthy in that he was able to look good; keepers dream of games like that. In fact, had McCarthy not got lucky with the post on either of those saves they would have been errors (I genuinely think that both Luke Moore's header and Ki Sung Yeung's long range shot should have been comfortably pushed around the post). Don't get me wrong, McCarthy is a good keeper, but he's been shaky so far - 31st minute vs Tottenham anyone? People who say McCarthy made 'worldy' saves against Swansea need to get their eyes checked.

It was however fair and correct that Federici was dropped, he deserved to be with his two errors costing us up to 5 points. But let's not chastise one of Federici's greatest character traits, his ambition. The same ambition that caused his 'disgraceful' come-and-get-me pleas to the premiership and of course him taking the dropping so badly. But his ambition isn't all bad, we were shown early signs of this ambition when he riskily left Australia without a club, begging clubs like Wolves and Leeds to give him a trial. It's the same ambition that has led him to work hard enough to gain a full time contract at Reading and national caps for Australia despite not having the backing of a great youth set up like many top pros. Come on, honestly, who here wouldn't have wanted a move to the premiership if they weren't a Reading fan? Anyone who say's they wouldn't is either unambitious or a lier.

But again to the question of whether Federici is a worse keeper than McCarthy all of a sudden? No, in my opinion. Could McCarthy become better than Federici? Perhaps. However, ask Ipswich fans what they think of McCarthy and the reviews will be decidely mixed. Goalkeeping is a strange position, just ask De Gea, Bosnich, Taibi and Tim Howard- all of whom had big reputations before wobbling at Old Trafford. Federici had a wobble, that is all!

So please, can we get some perspective and try to stop being so fickle, hypocritical and sanctimonious?

Asking for perspective after comparing following in the footsteps of Schmeichel and Van der Sar at Old Trafford to following Hahnemann at the Madejski? LOL, I suggest you taste your own medicine first sir.

[Billy The Fish]

McCarthy also got a mention at my kid's school prize-giving evening last week from his former headmaster. However they are still rather more proud of Matt Jarvis for some reason, and after mentioning that a former pupil had been transferred to West Ham for £10 million, when he then said "and Alex McCarthy is playing in goal for Reading" some of the other parents laughed.

[BraisingsteakRoyal]

There is not a single save that McCarthy made on Saturday that Federici wouldn't have.

You had me at this.

[PistolPete]

There is not a single save that McCarthy made on Saturday that Federici wouldn't have.

You had me at this.

You obviously have a short memory. Ask anyone who was at Brighton in April last season whether Federici is capable of making the (straightforward) saves that McCarthy made on the weekend. Just becuase there was a lot of them doesn't mean they were all insane.

[PistolPete]

Reading fans, you embarrass me.

There is not a single save that McCarthy made on Saturday that Federici wouldn't have. It was an ideal game for McCarthy in that he was able to look good; keepers dream of games like that. In fact, had McCarthy not got lucky with the post on either of those saves they would have been errors (I genuinely think that both Luke Moore's header and Ki Sung Yeung's long range shot should have been comfortably pushed around the post). Don't get me wrong, McCarthy is a good keeper, but he's been shaky so far - 31st minute vs Tottenham anyone? People who say McCarthy made 'worldy' saves against Swansea need to get their eyes checked.

It was however fair and correct that Federici was dropped, he deserved to be with his two errors costing us up to 5 points. But let's not chastise one of Federici's greatest character traits, his ambition. The same ambition that caused his 'disgraceful' come-and-get-me pleas to the premiership and of course him taking the dropping so badly. But his ambition isn't all bad, we were shown early signs of this ambition when he riskily left Australia without a club, begging clubs like Wolves and Leeds to give him a trial. It's the same ambition that has led him to work hard enough to gain a full time contract at Reading and national caps for Australia despite not having the backing of a great youth set up like many top pros. Come on, honestly, who here wouldn't have wanted a move to the premiership if they weren't a Reading fan? Anyone who say's they wouldn't is either unambitious or a lier.

But again to the question of whether Federici is a worse keeper than McCarthy all of a sudden? No, in my opinion. Could McCarthy become better than Federici? Perhaps. However, ask Ipswich fans what they think of McCarthy and the reviews will be decidely mixed. Goalkeeping is a strange position, just ask De Gea, Bosnich, Taibi and Tim Howard- all of whom had big reputations before wobbling at Old Trafford. Federici had a wobble, that is all!

So please, can we get some perspective and try to stop being so fickle, hypocritical and sanctimonious?

Asking for perspective after comparing following in the footsteps of Schmeichel and Van der Sar at Old Trafford to following Hahnemann at the Madejski? LOL, I suggest you taste your own medicine first sir.

The point is, the keepers that followed Schmeichel were all considered very high quality - and even they faltered. We're Reading and we expect our keepers to be infallible in their first full season as premiership footballers? Just because I compared Manchester Utd and Reading, doesn't make the point any less valid.

[Mr Angry]

McCarthy is in Garth Crooks' Premiership team of the week....

GOALKEEPER - ALEX MCCARTHY, READING

I totally understand why Brian McDermott is reluctant to criticise his players in post match interviews and it is admirable. However, Reading fans must be increasingly frustrated by their team's lack of ability to close out games. What more could Alex McCarthy do to give his team their first Premier League victory? Outstanding performance from a keeper who deserved more from his defence.

Did you know? McCarthy made more saves (eight) than any other goalkeeper this weekend, in fact only Jussi Jaaskelainen (nine against Norwich and nine against Fulham) has made more saves in a game so far this season.

[PistolPete]

I was wondering, does anyone know who Garth Crooks had as his goalkeeper in the team of the week?

[LoyalRoyalFan]

Reading fans, you embarrass me.

There is not a single save that McCarthy made on Saturday that Federici wouldn't have. It was an ideal game for McCarthy in that he was able to look good; keepers dream of games like that. In fact, had McCarthy not got lucky with the post on either of those saves they would have been errors (I genuinely think that both Luke Moore's header and Ki Sung Yeung's long range shot should have been comfortably pushed around the post). Don't get me wrong, McCarthy is a good keeper, but he's been shaky so far - 31st minute vs Tottenham anyone? People who say McCarthy made 'worldy' saves against Swansea need to get their eyes checked.

It was however fair and correct that Federici was dropped, he deserved to be with his two errors costing us up to 5 points. But let's not chastise one of Federici's greatest character traits, his ambition. The same ambition that caused his 'disgraceful' come-and-get-me pleas to the premiership and of course him taking the dropping so badly. But his ambition isn't all bad, we were shown early signs of this ambition when he riskily left Australia without a club, begging clubs like Wolves and Leeds to give him a trial. It's the same ambition that has led him to work hard enough to gain a full time contract at Reading and national caps for Australia despite not having the backing of a great youth set up like many top pros. Come on, honestly, who here wouldn't have wanted a move to the premiership if they weren't a Reading fan? Anyone who say's they wouldn't is either unambitious or a lier.

But again to the question of whether Federici is a worse keeper than McCarthy all of a sudden? No, in my opinion. Could McCarthy become better than Federici? Perhaps. However, ask Ipswich fans what they think of McCarthy and the reviews will be decidely mixed. Goalkeeping is a strange position, just ask De Gea, Bosnich, Taibi and Tim Howard- all of whom had big reputations before wobbling at Old Trafford. Federici had a wobble, that is all!

So please, can we get some perspective and try to stop being so fickle, hypocritical and sanctimonious?

This is an embarrassing post

Had enough of Federici flapping at crosses, numerous errors and kicking the ball into touch.

[Ian Royal]

Hahahaha. Nice one Big Foot. I'm seriously struggling to think of a single redeeming feature of Warnock though.

Frequently loses to Reading. Acts as a pantomime villain for Reading fans to create a good atmosphere in games involving him.

[Extended-Phenotype]

Does it matter? Some people think Feds is best, some people think Alex is best. Why this steers us towards uber-hate and rape-loitering for either keeper down a dark alley, ski mask on and hard cock in hand, I don’t know.

Feds is good but made some mistakes and got dropped. McCarthy has come in and done well. People should put the sniper rifles down, remember that this sort of shit happens in football and give credit where credit is due to either keeper.

[Royal Lady]

I hope you offered them all outside for a fight?

[SWLR]

Garth was a striker.

His defenders were chosen this week because they scored goals, not because they did a good job in defence (Scummer in particular).

Attack best form of defence?

[Stuboo]

Hahahaha. Nice one Big Foot. I'm seriously struggling to think of a single redeeming feature of Warnock though.

Frequently loses to Reading. Acts as a pantomime villain for Reading fans to create a good atmosphere in games involving him.

Sends out his teams to kick lumps out of players. Broke Karacan's ankle. I'd rather football was without him, but you're entitled to think the opposite.

[Stuboo]

Reading fans, you embarrass me.

There is not a single save that McCarthy made on Saturday that Federici wouldn't have. It was an ideal game for McCarthy in that he was able to look good; keepers dream of games like that. In fact, had McCarthy not got lucky with the post on either of those saves they would have been errors (I genuinely think that both Luke Moore's header and Ki Sung Yeung's long range shot should have been comfortably pushed around the post). Don't get me wrong, McCarthy is a good keeper, but he's been shaky so far - 31st minute vs Tottenham anyone? People who say McCarthy made 'worldy' saves against Swansea need to get their eyes checked.

It was however fair and correct that Federici was dropped, he deserved to be with his two errors costing us up to 5 points. But let's not chastise one of Federici's greatest character traits, his ambition. The same ambition that caused his 'disgraceful' come-and-get-me pleas to the premiership and of course him taking the dropping so badly. But his ambition isn't all bad, we were shown early signs of this ambition when he riskily left Australia without a club, begging clubs like Wolves and Leeds to give him a trial. It's the same ambition that has led him to work hard enough to gain a full time contract at Reading and national caps for Australia despite not having the backing of a great youth set up like many top pros. Come on, honestly, who here wouldn't have wanted a move to the premiership if they weren't a Reading fan? Anyone who say's they wouldn't is either unambitious or a lier.

But again to the question of whether Federici is a worse keeper than McCarthy all of a sudden? No, in my opinion. Could McCarthy become better than Federici? Perhaps. However, ask Ipswich fans what they think of McCarthy and the reviews will be decidely mixed. Goalkeeping is a strange position, just ask De Gea, Bosnich, Taibi and Tim Howard- all of whom had big reputations before wobbling at Old Trafford. Federici had a wobble, that is all!

So please, can we get some perspective and try to stop being so fickle, hypocritical and sanctimonious?

I generally agree with you, that we can't say McCarthy is better than Federici, and that the hate for Federici is ridiculous. A lot of "haters" around. Is it because Federici has an ego which is why he is so disliked? I genuinely don't get it.

[Big Foot]

All I know is if he never plays for the club I love again, it'll be too soon.

[Maguire]

I do agree with Pistol Pete that (in particular) the header from Luke Moore should've either been held or pushed well away to safety. Knocking it against the post was pretty clumsy.

That said, the stop from Moore 1v1 was exceptional goalkeeping.

I'm a little perplexed that Fed has managed to play himself out of the side as I genuinely, genuinely thought he'd be the one player who'd be fine in the Premiership. I can only put it down to the fact that I touched him* after the Forest game

*not like that

[PistolPete]

Reading fans, you embarrass me.

There is not a single save that McCarthy made on Saturday that Federici wouldn't have. It was an ideal game for McCarthy in that he was able to look good; keepers dream of games like that. In fact, had McCarthy not got lucky with the post on either of those saves they would have been errors (I genuinely think that both Luke Moore's header and Ki Sung Yeung's long range shot should have been comfortably pushed around the post). Don't get me wrong, McCarthy is a good keeper, but he's been shaky so far - 31st minute vs Tottenham anyone? People who say McCarthy made 'worldy' saves against Swansea need to get their eyes checked.

It was however fair and correct that Federici was dropped, he deserved to be with his two errors costing us up to 5 points. But let's not chastise one of Federici's greatest character traits, his ambition. The same ambition that caused his 'disgraceful' come-and-get-me pleas to the premiership and of course him taking the dropping so badly. But his ambition isn't all bad, we were shown early signs of this ambition when he riskily left Australia without a club, begging clubs like Wolves and Leeds to give him a trial. It's the same ambition that has led him to work hard enough to gain a full time contract at Reading and national caps for Australia despite not having the backing of a great youth set up like many top pros. Come on, honestly, who here wouldn't have wanted a move to the premiership if they weren't a Reading fan? Anyone who say's they wouldn't is either unambitious or a lier.

But again to the question of whether Federici is a worse keeper than McCarthy all of a sudden? No, in my opinion. Could McCarthy become better than Federici? Perhaps. However, ask Ipswich fans what they think of McCarthy and the reviews will be decidely mixed. Goalkeeping is a strange position, just ask De Gea, Bosnich, Taibi and Tim Howard- all of whom had big reputations before wobbling at Old Trafford. Federici had a wobble, that is all!

So please, can we get some perspective and try to stop being so fickle, hypocritical and sanctimonious?

I generally agree with you, that we can't say McCarthy is better than Federici, and that the hate for Federici is ridiculous. A lot of "haters" around. Is it because Federici has an ego which is why he is so disliked? I genuinely don't get it.

To be slightly flippant, it is because football fans in general do not judge footballers by the standards that they live their own life. Yes, they see him as arrogant for daring to tout himself to bigger clubs while they themselves were hurting at the play-off loss. For Federici, we have to accept that businesses-wise it was good timing (not that the 'touting' was exactly blatant) because firstly he was in the public eye and secondly because he was in incredible form. He is also disliked because he used to be a bit 'hollywood', he's Australian and because we have 2 great youth products that most of us want to see in the team. Put it all together and you've got a great recipe for some idiotic hatred!

[Alexander Litvinenko]

No, it's because this is an internet message board, and so reasoned argument and moderate viewpoints are verboten. Everything is exaggerated and taken to extremes because if it's not no-one will react.

[Extended-Phenotype]

I'm a little perplexed that Fed has managed to play himself out of the side as I genuinely, genuinely thought he'd be the one player who'd be fine in the Premiership.

It's one of those things; utterly random 'could have happened to anybody' moments occuring the minute he reaches 'the big screen', kickstarting a period of doubt which spiralled.

It's tough for keepers to regain their confidence with any haste as unlike out-field players, they can't warm into a game in a reduced role. They don't have the ball for ages and then it's instant game changing decision making.

He'll be fine in time.