BFTG Stevenage

[Snowball]

It's nice in August, the sun is out (mostly) and the pitches are good.

Agree with the hope that people don't get on their backs as the season goes on because their will be tough times as the season goes on.

I'm impressed by the kids, and will be, even if they ship a couple of fives.

I'm VERY impressed by Selles and his team.

I'm very impressed by Bowen and his team.

Provided we avoid any more points deductions (big IF) I fully expect us, even now, to be top 8 at worst, probably in the PO's.

If we stay down this year, I would expect autos next year.

The one fly in the ointment (well a lot of flies)

is that the big clubs will be all over us very soon, if not already

Both yesterday's CBs, Ehib, Vickers, Savage (for starters) look like future stars.

It's all very well to say "Pin them down to long-term contracts" but, presumably, that involves a pay-rise.

Do we have wriggle-room for that?

A number of these young players certainly need to be given contracts the ensure we've got them for the next couple of seasons (at least) and any bigger club who comes in will have to negotiate with us to sign them. Perhaps a few of the transfer listed players going would free up the funds to allow us to do that.

I've been saying we'll be at least mid-table since it's been clear it wasn't going to be a 100% youth team this season, so far our results have reflected that. We will need to get points against sides who'll likely also be in that sort of position come May though and so far we've only played Peterborough of the top sides (on paper). Port Vale's win at Charlton yesterday maybe suggests our defeat there wasn't as bad as some were making out (the result specifically, as opposed to the second half performance); Cheltenham and Stevenage will likely be towards the bottom end of the division.

I'm cautious to suggest we're going to be in the play-offs and promotion picture based on two wins over Cheltenham and Stevenage with the current squad (especially once excluding the transfer listed players), even if the team looks a lot better and more united now. If we can get at least seven points before playing Bolton in mid-September, then we can realistically start to consider ourselves in that sphere.

Stevenage had won three out of three and were second-top when we played them
right behind Peterborough who were then top. PBoro were also Play-off semi-finalists,
so that's a reasonably "high-quality" team.

Plus they (Stevenage) knocked Watford out of the League Cup.

I'm not going overboard based n a 1-0, 2-0 in the league, but in the way
the kids have played. I was creaming myself after fifteen minutes versus
Cheltenham.

We have let in just two goals (both freaks) in 5 games, and all this in
a period of great change and off-field stress.

I'm AMAZED at where we are so early.

I also like Selles' ideas and his bravery and ruthlessness.

When I saw the team v Millwall, I thought we'd be lucky to get nil.

these kids are special

[Clyde1998]

I'm impressed by the kids, and will be, even if they ship a couple of fives.

I'm VERY impressed by Selles and his team.

I'm very impressed by Bowen and his team.

Provided we avoid any more points deductions (big IF) I fully expect us, even now, to be top 8 at worst, probably in the PO's.

If we stay down this year, I would expect autos next year.

The one fly in the ointment (well a lot of flies)

is that the big clubs will be all over us very soon, if not already

Both yesterday's CBs, Ehib, Vickers, Savage (for starters) look like future stars.

It's all very well to say "Pin them down to long-term contracts" but, presumably, that involves a pay-rise.

Do we have wriggle-room for that?

A number of these young players certainly need to be given contracts the ensure we've got them for the next couple of seasons (at least) and any bigger club who comes in will have to negotiate with us to sign them. Perhaps a few of the transfer listed players going would free up the funds to allow us to do that.

I've been saying we'll be at least mid-table since it's been clear it wasn't going to be a 100% youth team this season, so far our results have reflected that. We will need to get points against sides who'll likely also be in that sort of position come May though and so far we've only played Peterborough of the top sides (on paper). Port Vale's win at Charlton yesterday maybe suggests our defeat there wasn't as bad as some were making out (the result specifically, as opposed to the second half performance); Cheltenham and Stevenage will likely be towards the bottom end of the division.

I'm cautious to suggest we're going to be in the play-offs and promotion picture based on two wins over Cheltenham and Stevenage with the current squad (especially once excluding the transfer listed players), even if the team looks a lot better and more united now. If we can get at least seven points before playing Bolton in mid-September, then we can realistically start to consider ourselves in that sphere.

Stevenage had won three out of three and were second-top when we played them
right behind Peterborough who were then top. PBoro were also Play-off semi-finalists,
so that's a reasonably "high-quality" team.

Plus they (Stevenage) knocked Watford out of the League Cup.

I'm not going overboard based n a 1-0, 2-0 in the league, but in the way
the kids have played. I was creaming myself after fifteen minutes versus
Cheltenham.

We have let in just two goals (both freaks) in 5 games, and all this in
a period of great change and off-field stress.

I'm AMAZED at where we are so early.

I also like Selles' ideas and his bravery and ruthlessness.

When I saw the team v Millwall, I thought we'd be lucky to get nil.

these kids are special

Stevenage beat Northampton, Shrewsbury and Cambridge - three sides you'd be surprised if they finished in the top half. It's really too early to use league position as an indicator of how good sides are; October is usually when you can start to use the league table as a rough guide of how good sides are.

I do think these kids have the potential to become our best batch of youngsters to come through simultaneously since the ~2010 group (Sigurdsson, Church, HRK, Pearce, Karacan, etc.) though. They have played very well in the three games they've played this season and will no doubt improve as the season goes on. We do need to remain grounded at this stage as things could change quite quickly if things start going against them.

[RoyalBlue]

I'm impressed by the kids, and will be, even if they ship a couple of fives.

I'm VERY impressed by Selles and his team.

I'm very impressed by Bowen and his team.

Provided we avoid any more points deductions (big IF) I fully expect us, even now, to be top 8 at worst, probably in the PO's.

If we stay down this year, I would expect autos next year.

The one fly in the ointment (well a lot of flies)

is that the big clubs will be all over us very soon, if not already

Both yesterday's CBs, Ehib, Vickers, Savage (for starters) look like future stars.

It's all very well to say "Pin them down to long-term contracts" but, presumably, that involves a pay-rise.

Do we have wriggle-room for that?

A number of these young players certainly need to be given contracts the ensure we've got them for the next couple of seasons (at least) and any bigger club who comes in will have to negotiate with us to sign them. Perhaps a few of the transfer listed players going would free up the funds to allow us to do that.

I've been saying we'll be at least mid-table since it's been clear it wasn't going to be a 100% youth team this season, so far our results have reflected that. We will need to get points against sides who'll likely also be in that sort of position come May though and so far we've only played Peterborough of the top sides (on paper). Port Vale's win at Charlton yesterday maybe suggests our defeat there wasn't as bad as some were making out (the result specifically, as opposed to the second half performance); Cheltenham and Stevenage will likely be towards the bottom end of the division.

I'm cautious to suggest we're going to be in the play-offs and promotion picture based on two wins over Cheltenham and Stevenage with the current squad (especially once excluding the transfer listed players), even if the team looks a lot better and more united now. If we can get at least seven points before playing Bolton in mid-September, then we can realistically start to consider ourselves in that sphere.

We have let in just two goals (both freaks) in 5 games, and all this in
a period of great change and off-field stress.

I agree, it's generally all positive and encouraging. However, I felt the defence looked a bit shaky and disorganised on a few occasions yesterday and consequently Stevenage were presented with a couple of a really good chances when the score was still 0-0. Fortunately Button pulled off a couple of top class saves to keep them out. Yes, that's his job, but I doubt he was overly impressed at the amount of freedom the strikers had been given.

That having been said, I'm sure things will improve as the young and relatively inexperienced players get more experience of playing alongside each other.

[Royal_jimmy]

Our defence is certainly tighter. That's no disrespect to league one where the quality is much weaker but 3 clean sheets in 5 games is decent and a bar we need to aim for throughout the season. If we can keep 15-18 clean sheets we'll be in the top 6.

We did ride our luck away to Port Vale where we should have conceded 3 and a bit against Stevenage but stats are stats. I'm not getting carried away or getting expectations that are too high on a youthful defence but absolutely lots to be optimistic about.

[YorkshireRoyal99]

I don't think there is any reason why we can't be top six. I don't think that are that many good sides in this league and looking at some results so far in the league, there seems to be a few sides you'd expect to be in and around starting slowly, Derby, Blackpool, Barnsley, even ourselves.

I think there is a lot of promise in some of the young lads and I'm glad to see Kelvin E have the impact I wanted him to, had 2 tap ins more or less yesterday and could have had 3 if he wasn't offside at the end. Exactly where I'd want our CF to be, just score some tap ins, in this league that will get him 10 goals alone.

Abbey I thought was really good again. But again, there will probably be tougher tests than Stevenage and Cheltenham. Yes, the former won their first 3 games but they will probably be in and around at the bottom as well, they've beaten 3 teams that will also likely struggle. But still fair play, it's a good result for ourselves. Continue to get the points on the board (without having too many knocked off).

[Hound]

Delighted to see so many youngsters in and sone of the football yesterday was sublime - the bits on the 2m highlights show what we are capable of

Can’t get carried away though. It’s a big ask for such inexperienced players to be keeping winning games and enough signs yesterday that teams can take advantage of that lack of know how at the back.

We’re too reliant on big Kelvin at the moment and again be a big suprise if he can do 40+ games in a season.

I’m enjoying the way it’s shaping up as much as anyone but challenging for the play offs - even top half of the table - would still be pretty good considering what’s happened over the last 2 months

If - big If - the behind the scenes shiz can get sorted then there’s real potential there

[leon]

They were down to 10 men after 22 minutes ffs.

Recalibrate before getting over excited.

[Sutekh]

They were down to 10 men after 22 minutes ffs.

Recalibrate before getting over excited.

And it was the way Reading were playing that got Stevenage reduced to 10 men though so plenty for Reading fans to get excited about. More than anything the fanbase have been devoid of a club worth watching for years so it's not surprising there's a bit of getting over excited when it looks like one might be arriving, at least it creates a positive feeling about the place and at games which can only help. Massively massive test at Exeter next weekend.

[Stranded]

They were down to 10 men after 22 minutes ffs.

Recalibrate before getting over excited.

And it was the way Reading were playing that got Stevenage reduced to 10 men though so plenty for Reading fans to get excited about. More than anything the fanbase have been devoid of a club worth watching for years so it's not surprising there's a bit of getting over excited when it looks like one might be arriving, at least it creates a positive feeling about the place and at games which can only help. Massively massive test at Exeter next weekend.

Yep, real test of this side is away from home. We've had 4 games to date, 3 at home. Next 2 away to sides who have started OK. No away win in 13 games, I think, in the league, so need to get that monkey off soon, Saturday would be a great place to start but a draw would be fine.

[Hound]

That bit of football to get the red card was quality

That’s what Nelson gives us - that pace and drive when playing out from the back to get things moving quickly. Holmes/TMc would have stopped and played it back

[Esteban]

Given how early the red card was, I'm not sure we learnt much from the game, other than the young players can stand up for themselves against a very physical side. Stevenage also had two chances after the sending off that could easily have led to a goal and needed good saves. Too early to say what our level is at the moment.

I'd said that either Mbengue or Ehibhationmahn were my motm choices after the game, but on reflection, Hutch is also a candidate. One very poor shot in the second half aside, I don't think he put a foot wrong and he was a leader on the pitch.

Exciting as the kids are, one more experienced head in the squad would be no bad thing.

[Snowflake Royal]

They were down to 10 men after 22 minutes ffs.

Recalibrate before getting over excited.

And it was the way Reading were playing that got Stevenage reduced to 10 men though so plenty for Reading fans to get excited about. More than anything the fanbase have been devoid of a club worth watching for years so it's not surprising there's a bit of getting over excited when it looks like one might be arriving, at least it creates a positive feeling about the place and at games which can only help. Massively massive test at Exeter next weekend.

There is of course some validity to this, but you can enjoy performances and results without getting carried away.

Imo a substantial part of the problems in recent years is swinging wildly from feeling like world beaters to disasters game by game. There have been innumerable occasions where its been declared we've turned the corner and will have a good season over the last few years only for that to fall to nothing and people be left bitter and resentful at being let down again.

I think we probably need a prolonged period of stable calm more than we need positivity and excitement. This constant wild swings from euphoria to despair the fanbase goes through almost weekly at times is exhausting.

[Snowball]

They were down to 10 men after 22 minutes ffs.

Recalibrate before getting over excited.

But it ISN'T "over-excitement because we beat Stevenage"

It's genuine pleasure and optimism and excitement because
the kids have played brilliantly and

Won 0-4 at Millwall against a pretty-much full-strength Championship side
Won 1-0 and were superb for 60 minutes versus Cheltenham
Won 2-0 against a side who had won their first three games AND beat Watford

That is they've scored 7 goals without conceding.

And they are likely to get SIGNIFICANTLY better, because they are young.

The TEAM is still to be improved, first through experience, also the addition of
Elliott and Mukairu (and maybe two more).. the keeper looks like a leader and
a wise old head, the CBs have MASSIVE potential and will earn very quickly,
Mbengue looks (already, whatever the transfer/discipline issue surrounding
Yiadom) to have made the right-back shirt his. He is relatively raw and should
get better every game.

I am not looking at all five games, because it is very clear that Selles is going
to run with a majority of kids in the side, bringing on older-wiser heads around sixty
minutes.

It's interesting to me that the last two 30's McIntyre played, he was much-improved...

But the "weaker" used-to-losing side, the "men", played well versus Peterborough,
(last-year a P.O. side, and a settled, better-quality team), and a draw would not have
been robbery. Had that been 0-0 (which it could easily have been) we would be
looking at four clean sheets in five games and a 1-0 defeat at Port Vale, where yes,
we (the oldies, that is) were crap in the second half.

Then we can add Selles' bravery, ruthlessness. It all looks extremely promising.


Of course they are kids and they may get one or two Tonkings

But WhoScored already has earmarked Reading (despite two losing games) as
top five for possession, pass-accuracy and shots per game
(and that won't include the 0-4 demolition of Millwall)

Just looked again (the above was after THREE games, two losing) and they were
also high-rated as a team. Now they are second-highest team for possession,
(59%) behind Bolton, fourth on shots-per-game, fifth on pass-accuracy, seventh
on aerials-won.

When you consider that includes a weak half v Boro and the shambolic second
half in the Potteries, that must mean that the stats for the BOYS team are probably
top or top two in the league (and yes I know it's only two league games)

As for "Stevenage have beaten nobody" (apart from Championship side Watford?)...
they beat Cambridge 1-2 who are currently TOP despite that defeat.

Cambridge have only conceded 2 league goals this season (those against Stevenage)
and have otherwise had three clean sheets.

[The Royal Forester]

They were down to 10 men after 22 minutes ffs.

Recalibrate before getting over excited.

Why not get excited? After all, in the past we haven't been able to win when there has been only eight players left to play against.

[Hound]

Excited may be a bit extreme but genuinely looking forward for the first time in years to watching the games and how the lads progress

At least on paper we may have pulled off some excellent signings and there is no ceiling for the likes of Abbey, Binden, Mbengue, Savage, Elliott, Vickers and Ehibhatiomhan if they work hard and stay fit. Hopefully we can get them tied down where not already and really look to have this team take us forward for the next few years

Obvs if a couple of these can catch the eye of a prem team then there could be money coming in as well

[NathStPaul]

Certainly has the makings of a much more exciting season. I think going back to the traditional strategy of investing in our youth and seeing them come through and grow will be really interesting to watch. Supporters on the whole will be much more patient because of that too.

[South Coast Royal]

Certainly has the makings of a much more exciting season. I think going back to the traditional strategy of investing in our youth and seeing them come through and grow will be really interesting to watch. Supporters on the whole will be much more patient because of that too.

I think you are right that the fans are much more likely to be patient with this set of young players than previously because of the years of poor signings from elsewhere.

Where I disagree is with your "traditional strategy of investing in our youth" which is something, apart from the financial aspect, that we have never done and as a club have always been reluctant to give young players many opportunities.
This is the first time in all the years that I have been watching Reading that so many young players have been selected all at once.

This outcome may have arisen accidentally through circumstances but Ferguson at Man Utd (admittedly on a totally different level) was forced to play his kids back in the day and IIRC they did rather well-I'm not expecting a similar return but stability at this level followed by a promotion push within the next couple of years would do.

[Millsy]

We've had only 2 league wins ffs: one a solitary own goal and one against 10 men. To go from Selles Out to "ok let's give him some more time" (and for me that's on the back of the excellent cup win and him dropping the liability of Holmes+Tmac and less reliance on Carroll) is reasonable. But to suggest anything else at this point is nuts.

But I do agree (and have always said) that it is certainly an exciting situation being in a lower league with young hungry players. I do enjoy it. But that's very different to suggesting we'll finish above 6th this early on.

[tidus_mi2]

I don't see why are some are saying it was only 10 men, we created the scenario where their man got sent off and it wasn't exactly against the run of play either. Maybe there's a bit of over-excitement but after multiple seasons of absolute trash, I can't blame people for being excited to see a young squad executing a style of play that is easy on the eyes.

[Snowball]

I don't see why are some are saying it was only 10 men, we created the scenario where their man got sent off and it wasn't exactly against the run of play either. Maybe there's a bit of over-excitement but after multiple seasons of absolute trash, I can't blame people for being excited to see a young squad executing a style of play that is easy on the eyes.

Good Young Players Improve = "I am Excited"

For Fun

Here is the table playing kids, excluding winning 4-0 at Millwall.

01 2 2 0 0 5 2 +3 6 Oxford
02 2 2 0 0 3 0 +3 6 Reading

03 2 1 1 0 5 1 +4 4 Wigan
04 2 1 1 0 3 2 +1 4 Wycombe
05 2 1 1 0 3 2 +1 4 Lincoln City
06 2 1 1 0 3 2 +1 4 Port Vale
07 2 1 1 0 3 2 +1 4 Northampton
08 2 1 1 0 1 0 +1 4 Portsmouth

09 2 1 0 1 3 2 +1 3 Peterborough
10 2 1 0 1 3 2 +1 3 Cambridge U
11 2 1 0 1 2 1 +1 3 Exeter

Interesting that only two sides in that top 13
have kept a clean sheet in the last two games

Does that suggest a very even league?