Summer Rebuild

[Pepe the Horseman]

When do we have to announce squad numbers?

[Hoop Blah]

If we do sell HRK then a replacement right sided player would be great. (I would sign one anyway to be honest as HRK is shit)

Why does Robson-Kanu's future impact on the right side?

[John Smith]

I don't want Pog to go. He's effective. If it weren't for his wages then half the amount of people would be on his case.

Unfortunately it's not worked out for Cox, no one more disappointed for him than me that that's the case. However, he's the weakest link, goodbye Simon

[Royal Ginger]

Agree about Pog, always liked him, still do.

Cox had a bad second half of the season is all, he's not done. Scored well early doors.

[Royalwaster]

I don't want Pog to go. He's effective. If it weren't for his wages then half the amount of people would be on his case.

Unfortunately it's not worked out for Cox, no one more disappointed for him than me that that's the case. However, he's the weakest link, goodbye Simon

Sounds terrible but just thought that Cox is a slightly better version of Simon Church .... Both work hard for the team - but both lack end product - both score some pretty good goals, but lack a killer instinct/composure to finish off 'easy' chances.

[Hoop Blah]

I think that's pretty harsh on Cox to be honest.

Of course he's missed chances for us, like any other forward, but he just isn't a fox in the box forward so he's not the player to get the volume of those easy chances in the box. Considering he managed to score 30 goals in a season I think it's harsh to say he lacks composure.

[Elm Park Kid]

I don't want Pog to go. He's effective. If it weren't for his wages then half the amount of people would be on his case.

Unfortunately it's not worked out for Cox, no one more disappointed for him than me that that's the case. However, he's the weakest link, goodbye Simon

Leaving aside his ability and performances, his wages are all that matter. They are at least 5 times what we should be paying a top player in our situation. I wouldn't want Ronaldo or Bale at the club at those wages, let alone Pog. If we can get rid of him now it's a no brainer, if he wants to stay after next year then we can debate how much he's worth - i'd say £7/8k maximum.

[Silver Fox]

I'd have Ronaldo or Bale if they were on Pog's wages tbf

[Royalwaster]

I think that's pretty harsh on Cox to be honest.

Of course he's missed chances for us, like any other forward, but he just isn't a fox in the box forward so he's not the player to get the volume of those easy chances in the box. Considering he managed to score 30 goals in a season I think it's harsh to say he lacks composure.

OK - maybe I was being a bit harsh .... but that's what he looked like in the 2nd half of the season. True in the first, he looked a lot better ... but I guess if your confidence is shot, anyone can look like Simon Church.

[SCIAG]

I don't want Pog to go. He's effective. If it weren't for his wages then half the amount of people would be on his case.

Unfortunately it's not worked out for Cox, no one more disappointed for him than me that that's the case. However, he's the weakest link, goodbye Simon

Sounds terrible but just thought that Cox is a slightly better version of Simon Church .... Both work hard for the team - but both lack end product - both score some pretty good goals, but lack a killer instinct/composure to finish off 'easy' chances.

I think they're pretty different players. Church is a traditional #9 who isn't very good. Cox is a supporting striker like Noel Hunt, who plays best with someone like Shane Long, Billy Paynter, Glenn Murray, or Jason Roberts.

I seem to remember one of the main complaints about Church was that he only scored the easy chances, and struggled with the sorts of snap shots Le Fondre specialised in. A few good lobs to his name, admittedly.

Really don't think Cox is the weakest link in the side based on his performances last season.

[Lacoste]

Howe has said that the squad is really starting to take shape. Sounds like more signings to come.

What I like about our business so far is that all the players we have signed were wanted by other clubs. They are good players so if the worst comes to the worst, which unfortunately I still suspect it will and Clarke gets the boot before Christmas, any new manager would be happy to have these players.

Even if they don't work out with us, they're all pretty much on manageable wages and still have decent reputations so will be fairly easily shifted.

3/4 more outfield players and job done.

Well done the Thais and we'll done RFC.

So far

[Ian Royal]

I don't want Pog to go. He's effective. If it weren't for his wages then half the amount of people would be on his case.

Unfortunately it's not worked out for Cox, no one more disappointed for him than me that that's the case. However, he's the weakest link, goodbye Simon

Sounds terrible but just thought that Cox is a slightly better version of Simon Church .... Both work hard for the team - but both lack end product - both score some pretty good goals, but lack a killer instinct/composure to finish off 'easy' chances.

I think they're pretty different players. Church is a traditional #9 who isn't very good. Cox is a supporting striker like Noel Hunt, who plays best with someone like Shane Long, Billy Paynter, Glenn Murray, or Jason Roberts.

I seem to remember one of the main complaints about Church was that he only scored the easy chances, and struggled with the sorts of snap shots Le Fondre specialised in. A few good lobs to his name, admittedly.

Really don't think Cox is the weakest link in the side based on his performances last season.

He was one of our best performers for half the season, so completely agree. Just shows how people only remember the last run of form a player is in and nothing else.

When he's up against the likes of Akpan, HRK and Blackman how anyone can think he's the weakest link is beyond me. Then compare him to Pog, who's got to be on at least 50% more, if not double and didn't do much better. Cox's performance was really hurt by the departure of Murray, who he had a good connection with. And possibly the arrival of Clarke who's already sold him once.

[John Smith]

Just to clarify re. 'weakest link' comment, I was referring to the strike force as opposed to the squad as a whole.

Of course that title is probably now reserved for Akpan (since Pearce's departure).

[Hoop Blah]

I think they're pretty different players. Church is a traditional #9 who isn't very good. Cox is a supporting striker like Noel Hunt, who plays best with someone like Shane Long, Billy Paynter, Glenn Murray, or Jason Roberts.

I seem to remember one of the main complaints about Church was that he only scored the easy chances, and struggled with the sorts of snap shots Le Fondre specialised in. A few good lobs to his name, admittedly.

Really don't think Cox is the weakest link in the side based on his performances last season.

Yeah, I'd go along with that summary. The problem we have is that Cox and Pogrebnyak are too similar and both really need to play off another forward to get the best from them. Despite his poor form in front of goal after Christmas (and Adkins sacking) Cox still scored 8 league goals in 28 starts. It's not amazing, but in a struggling side it's not bad for a second forward.

It really looks like Clarke doesn't rate Cox though so I'd say his opportunities will be limited this season.

[biff]

Just signed a winger from Sporting

[bobby1413]

Just signed a winger from Sporting

http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/footb ... ro-9660891

Reading have completed a deal for Sporting Lisbon youngster Lisandro Semedo.

The right winger is expected to link up with the club's Under-21s side next season as he adjusts to life in England.

Reports in Portugal suggest he has penned a three-year deal at Madejski Stadium, although getreading believes that is not the case.

The move ends Semedo's 10-year stay with Sporting. He has progressed through the academy before representing the cub at Under 17 and Under 19 level.

Last season he played every game, including two against Chelsea, as Sporting were knocked out of the UEFA Youth League in the group stages.

The Potuguese club wanted to extend Semedo's stay at the Estádio José Alvalade, but it is understood he rejected a new contract offer in favour of a move to Madejski Stadium.

Reading have yet to comment publicly on the signing.

[Vision]

Kudos to Watts for not using Getreading's obligatory "starlet" when writing about any player under 23.

[maffff]

He's pretty highly rated by them from all accounts. Rejected a new contract there to join us.

[Barney]

Howe has said that the squad is really starting to take shape. Sounds like more signings to come.

What I like about our business so far is that all the players we have signed were wanted by other clubs. They are good players so if the worst comes to the worst, which unfortunately I still suspect it will and Clarke gets the boot before Christmas, any new manager would be happy to have these players.

Even if they don't work out with us, they're all pretty much on manageable wages and still have decent reputations so will be fairly easily shifted.

3/4 more outfield players and job done.

Well done the Thais and we'll done RFC.

So far

Hit the nail right on the head sir. Fingers crossed, the squad is taking shape nicely.

[loyalroyaldaz]

Spoke to Nigel Howe less than an hour ago and he told me "There are more to come".