Jaap's Radio Comments

[Oilroyal]

So this is the moment, in my view there has been a group of Reading fans who have never taken to Stan, poss. because McD lost his job for him. There has often felt like an undercurrent where these fans have only stayed relatively quiet because results were good.

Now, the first bad spell under Stan and him answering a question about booing and knives are coming out. Sadly predictable.

Does something need to be tweaked to make the team better? yes. Are we far off? no.

Could Stam have answered the question more diplomatically? yes. We're his comments wrong? no. Would he have said something without the question? Most probably not. A decent number of Reading fans have always been quick with the boos and often slow with the praise. It's not like we make the Mad Stad a cauldron of noise before each game is it, even when things are going well.

Bit of a crossroads now, fans can either step up and make more supportive noise - nothing to stop people chanting even during slow build up. Unfortunately, likelihood is the opposite will happen and first mistake will be met with groans.

The team play a confidence system and this confidence is erroding, the fans can help this.

Question is, do we want to be supporters or customers. Some of the complaints here seem to suggest the latter. Yet we complain when we as fans are treated as such.

Big week ahead now.

Think you've missed the point here. Stams team is serving up appalling football that isn't getting results.

As fans we are actually fairly laid back. It takes a lot to get us pissed off.

Stam has over reacted to some boos when he subbed Kelly. Not a massive amount. A few.

We're not drones who will blindly cheer any shit that served up to us. Actually when the team finally got off their arses in the last 10 mins, guess what? The crowd got behind them.

Not read this thread all day and although totally fascinated by it and agree with most posters concerns about Stam's hissy fit live on radio aimed at genuine fans, but Leon's take on things is spot on.

[leon]

You know the way he wants us to play, if you don't like it, don't go.

The owners aren't going to be happy wih declining revenues as footfall decreases. The poor away attendance suggests that the issue isn't just related to Reading. Continental style football perhaps isn't going down too well. Very much like the Serie A games when televised on C4 some years back. First objective being not to concede.

Of course they won't be. And attendances were pretty poor last season when Stam got us to the play-off final. That won't be what gets Stam the sack.

Point is, those who booed did so to illicit a reaction and then cried about it when they got one.

Elicit.

Don't use clever words if you're not clever enough to use them.

And no that's not why people (a few) booed.

[Oilroyal]

Simply brilliant.. The Tilehurst End, Elm Park... Look up the location Stam.
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/9/24/16356912/reading-fc-opinion-honeymoon-over-how-to-lose-friends-and-alienate-people-by-jaap-stam

[G, little the legend]

Hi all I was at the game too yesterday and I heard stams comments and even rang in to radio Berkshire my biggest issue is stam saying that basically fans can’t have there own opinions we pay our money we watch the game and no I’m not one of the boo boys and I have to say there were not many booing none in y20 where I sit but I’m 100% sure if we all didn’t turn up or maybe and I’m laughing when i say this we should have a pants protest he would realise we are all very passionate about our club we are not customers we are supporters and we will all be supporters long after stam has gone !!! Sorry had my grumble now

[Esteban]

Booing only ever serves to piss off the players and the management, never seen the point in it.

Before the booing Gunther showed no interest in getting forward. After the booing (and after Gunther remonstrating with the crowd) he was far more positive in getting forward, leading to the goal.

Do you seriously believe that you booing made Gunter get forward more?!

[Esteban]

The owners aren't going to be happy wih declining revenues as footfall decreases. The poor away attendance suggests that the issue isn't just related to Reading. Continental style football perhaps isn't going down too well. Very much like the Serie A games when televised on C4 some years back. First objective being not to concede.

Of course they won't be. And attendances were pretty poor last season when Stam got us to the play-off final. That won't be what gets Stam the sack.

Point is, those who booed did so to illicit a reaction and then cried about it when they got one.

Elicit.

Don't use clever words if you're not clever enough to use them.

And no that's not why people (a few) booed.

My bad. And elicit is not a particularly clever word.

Trying to belittle people, with whom you disagree makes you look more ridiculous than me.

[G, little the legend]

Simply brilliant.. The Tilehurst End, Elm Park... Look up the location Stam.
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/9/24/16356912/reading-fc-opinion-honeymoon-over-how-to-lose-friends-and-alienate-people-by-jaap-stam

That was great to the point and I couldn’t agree more

[Cookie]

Some of the idiots who phoned Radio Berkshire and claimed that we have no plan B... What utter nonsense.

He changed the formation to 3-4-3 and brought on a big target man. How is that not a plan B????

Stam's changes worked and the result was saved. The goal was scored and we didn't lose. In the end Stam made a change and it paid off. Our fans are seriously embarrassing. Taking Kelly off, seemed strange at first and hence the booing. But it was a formation change that was in Stam's mind. We threw more men forward and it paid off against a very well organised, disciplined Hull side marshalled by a very experienced CB in Dawson and a very talented Chelsea CB in Hector.

agreed

[Cookie]

I've just listened. Whilst he does have a point (the changes worked) - Jon Dadi had saved the day and he could have let the jeers go and move on to Millwall and Norwich, then there's two weeks break.

Saying we won't win the league and especially mentioning fans to stay away won't go down well with Gourlay & Co. and Millwall and Norwich have just become season defining for us.

As stupid as that sounds, the board have backed him more than any other RFC manager and his style has been rolled out right down to the U7's. If we are around the relegation zone after 10 games he'll be gone now

You're so right.
In Sir John's day attendance was always his top interest often above the football result.
Attendance is king wherever you go in the league, from ManU to Forest Green every club is looking to put bums on seats, and a manager who is inviting fans to stay away is just wrong minded.
I suggest an apology is due to come the fans' way after a firm dressing down from Ron Gourlay.

[Cookie]

Booing only ever serves to piss off the players and the management, never seen the point in it. Everybody getting their knickers in twist over Stam calling them on it should calm down. You know the way he wants us to play, if you don't like it, don't go.

Storm in a tea cup. Move along.

You're only paraphrasing Jaap Stam in this post.

[Oilroyal]

Booing only ever serves to piss off the players and the management, never seen the point in it. Everybody getting their knickers in twist over Stam calling them on it should calm down. You know the way he wants us to play, if you don't like it, don't go.

Storm in a tea cup. Move along.

=Stam did a fu*k up and has continued to fu*ck things up and he may need to move on

You're only paraphrasing Jaap Stam in this post.

[leon]

Of course they won't be. And attendances were pretty poor last season when Stam got us to the play-off final. That won't be what gets Stam the sack.

Point is, those who booed did so to illicit a reaction and then cried about it when they got one.

Elicit.

Don't use clever words if you're not clever enough to use them.

And no that's not why people (a few) booed.

My bad. And elicit is not a particularly clever word.

Trying to belittle people, with whom you disagree makes you look more ridiculous than me.

Well you are right about one thing. Elicit isn't a particularly clever word and not too difficult to get right.

And if you think that people booed to elicit a response from Stam then I think you're barking up the wrong tree.

They booed because they were dissatisfied with the substitution in the context of the game.

The context being, we were fcuking shit.

[royalp-we]

Elicit.

Don't use clever words if you're not clever enough to use them.

And no that's not why people (a few) booed.

My bad. And elicit is not a particularly clever word.

Trying to belittle people, with whom you disagree makes you look more ridiculous than me.

Well you are right about one thing. Elicit isn't a particularly clever word and not too difficult to get right.

And if you think that people booed to elicit a response from Stam then I think you're barking up the wrong tree.

They booed because they were dissatisfied with the substitution in the context of the game.

The context being, we were fcuking shit.

+1

[P!ssed Off]

I booed the sub because it was one of the worst substitutions I've ever seen and I wanted Stam to know it.

Kelly was the player most likely to score and most likely to create a scoring chance.
Free-kick specialist.
Penalty taker.
Good long range shot.

Utter madness to replace him with a oxf*rd centre back.

If you want to move shitty Van Den Berg into midfield then here's an idea: play just two centre backs. Your losing 1-0 at home to a shit team with 25 minutes to go, throw caution to the wind...

For those saying the substitution 'worked' - vdB had absolutely nothing to do with the goal.
He completely fluffed two long range strikes though, which Kelly would almost certainly have gone closer with.

vdB's involvement in the substitution simply annoys me even further. If he didn't share an agent with Stam he'd still be playing for a second rate Dutch team.

[Hound]

Simply brilliant.. The Tilehurst End, Elm Park... Look up the location Stam.
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/9/24/16356912/reading-fc-opinion-honeymoon-over-how-to-lose-friends-and-alienate-people-by-jaap-stam

Bits I agree with (lack of urgency esp) bits I don't

As stated we do have a plan b and c and used it on Sat

Actually thinking back, it's one thing Obita and Bod both added massively was urgency and wanting the ball. Always available, always running. Such a shame Obita got himself injured at the end

[Stranded]

I booed the sub because it was one of the worst substitutions I've ever seen and I wanted Stam to know it.

Kelly was the player most likely to score and most likely to create a scoring chance.
Free-kick specialist.
Penalty taker.
Good long range shot.

Utter madness to replace him with a oxf*rd centre back.

If you want to move shitty Van Den Berg into midfield then here's an idea: play just two centre backs. Your losing 1-0 at home to a shit team with 25 minutes to go, throw caution to the wind...

For those saying the substitution 'worked' - vdB had absolutely nothing to do with the goal.
He completely fluffed two long range strikes though, which Kelly would almost certainly have gone closer with.

vdB's involvement in the substitution simply annoys me even further. If he didn't share an agent with Stam he'd still be playing for a second rate Dutch team.

Kelly was also playing pretty poorly on Saturday. Stam switiched the tactics to 3 at the back and go 3-4-3 - so decided to slot Ilori into that back 3 due to being a CB.

Having 3 at the back you need a stronger central midfield - as you only now have 2 in the middle. Kelly is many things but an effective midfielder in a 2 he isn't - VDB and Edwards offer more cover and both are decent passers of the ball. Edwards also has the ability to be a box to box midfielder. If you look at the Who Scored ratings, VDB (7.2) was also only outrated by Moore (7.3).

With 3 at the back Gunter and Obita could get forward more as they had less in the way of defensive duties hopeful giving support to the front 3 and create some overlaps. It didn't work particularly as Gunter was having an awful game so after 10 mins with the new formation, JDB was brought on to give us someting different upfront with one of the front 3 dropping back into Gunter's role. It worked.

People have been saying that it was the latter change that brought the goal, but without the initial change of formation that change would have been less likely. So whilst I can understand the inital surprise the Kelly-Ilori sub was actually a pretty decent piece of game management and a move to a Plan B that people seem convinced that Stam doesn't have.

[bobby1413]

Just a few thoughts from myself:

- It would take a hell of a lot for me to boo in anyway. As in some sort of issue with owners, finances, club in complete turmoil, not just a few bad and actually soul destroying performances.

It was only weeks ago that we beat Aston Villa convincingly and Birmingham away with numerous commenting how amazing we had played. As a result thing aren't as bad as some may suggest.

However, I would like to make it clear that on Saturday, it was one of the worst performances I've seen from Reading in a while. it was appalling and I felt like leaving at one point and going home as I just was fed up of watching it. The players looked like they were moving slowly through treacle.

Tyler Blackett is sh*t. I'm fed up of saying it, I'm fed up of him being started, and I'm fed up of seeing him running clumsily into opposition players and falling over, giving the ball away in the process.

The support was abysmal, but I don't feel right directing anger at our fans on the basis of our performance. However the seat banging needs to stop

As others have said I do hope Jaap Stam said this but then angrily marched back to the dressing room and let loose a tirade of rage on the players (and himself). All have to take responsibility. As fans we aren't on the pitch (unless we come 7th in the league) and so we are reliant on 11 players and a manager achieving some sort of result or at least a fight.

I watched Brighton vs Newcastle last night. I had forgot what actual football was like. This was by no means an amazing game but I was amazed to see non stop driving runs up the pitch from both sides - Brighton particularly. Balls whipped in every 1-2 minutes. Surging passes up the pitch, players sprinting into the box and smashing the ball towards the goal.

On Saturday I finally did lose my will to live by seeing... pass... pause... pause.... pause... pass. It's not passing back or sideways that does my head in, but it's the speed. It's just unbearable.

Jaap Stam still has my support and I think we should all back him for at least this season and possibly longer. What is the alternative? We've had Clarke, Adkins, McDermott in no particular order. We have a big name manager who I think can achieve success. Sack him and get who? Start AAAAALLLLL over again and once again go back to starting to build up and sell/buy players, ANOTHER change of tactic and approach. No thank you.

[bobby1413]

1) You don't join Reading FC and expect a loud and partisan crowd.

Serious question...

I know when players are moving they speak to one another and say "I've had an offer from XYZ... any thoughts?". Do you think players at any point will say "Reading have offered a contract, any thoughts" and a player says "Good infrastructure but absolutely shocking fan base. I'd go with the other club if I were you"

Just wondering

[bobby1413]

Whilst I wasn't booing, I was pretty uninspired by the display and a bit annoyed at another seemingly lethargic and ineffective performance. Week after week we are creating nothing, yet he keeps coming out and saying we were 'unlucky' or the 'better team'??

What I don't get is that managers I thought rely on their staff to help, advise, discuss things with. Aren't any of them saying "Yea... unlucky but honestly, we didn't create hardly anything. There's no pace, intensity, there's no forward movements for large parts of the game, Blackett is sh*t"

Jaap Stam: "yessshhh that is a goooot point"

[Hound]

1) You don't join Reading FC and expect a loud and partisan crowd.

Serious question...

I know when players are moving they speak to one another and say "I've had an offer from XYZ... any thoughts?". Do you think players at any point will say "Reading have offered a contract, any thoughts" and a player says "Good infrastructure but absolutely shocking fan base. I'd go with the other club if I were you"

Just wondering

all good points Bobby, and agree. I also agree on the watching fast football thing - watched the Sheffield derby highlights, and it was like watching a different game

I do disagree on Blackett though - I think he is a good player but out of position. For me he is our 3rd best CB behind Moore and Ilori, and I'd actually really like us to play those 3 at the back. But obvs not going to happen whilst Obita is knackered

think one thing pretty much everyone is in agreement on is the pace, aggression and movement all left a lot to be desired. I've no doubt Stam is as aware of this as everyone else.