De La Cruz training with Royals

[Only one Trevor Morley]

And how many times has Coppell played Halls in central midfield in a competitive game?

Against Stoke, we won and he scored.

And where did he play?

Midfield you spacker.

I checked the match report, it says we played 4-3-3, so I doubt Halls played central midfield. Probably right midfield.

The same match report that said Halls looked better later on when moved to wide right midfield?

Ok, I stand corrected.

Two firsts in 3 days - reading winning a premiership game and Spacey admitting he was wrong.............

[SpaceCruiser]

:D

I dunno why you're grinning, you said he would be more comfortable in a holding role in the midfield and yet the Stoke report says he wasn't comfortable there.

[pieface]

if the coaching staff think he good enough for reading than i have confidence in him as long as he doesent think he some super star cause he be the only player already to played a campaigne in the preimer league

[wehateoxford]

agree with most sentiments on here, less gamble if he's free and if we take him for a season he can battle for a place in the squad

[Darren Caskey's Dietician]

I think this would be a reasonable signing in terms of adding strength in depth.

De la cruz isn't the type of player who would be pressing Murts/Shorey for a place in the starting line up, but will make for useful cover.

On a free with a one year contract - sounds like sensible business to me.

I would be interested to see where Halls is going to fit into the bigger picture this season. I would like to see him get involved with the side more than he has been, but saying that, I'm not entirely sure where he will fit in. The debate around better at right back or in midfield is certainly an interesting one - regardless of which Coppell feels is his stronger, I see him struggling to break into the first team on a regualr basis, especially in midfield where Bryn has to be in front of him, should he be deemed a holding player.

But back to De la cruz - if he trains well, snap him up I say.

[Doyler]

He didn't have a great world cup, some of his marking was shocking. Why do you think he got the nickname 'useless' de la cruz. Not to mention the fact he couldn't get in to villa's defence.

[Big Ern]

He was crap in the World Cup and released by vVlla for being crap as well. The only time he has impressed was when playing for Hibs in the Scottish Premier League. Says it all about him really.

[West Stand Flash]

He was crap in the World Cup and released by vVlla for being crap as well. The only time he has impressed was when playing for Hibs in the Scottish Premier League. Says it all about him really.

He was OK for Ecuador in the World Cup & was released by Villa for falling out with o'Leary.

Brentford fans said Sonko was crap & Wolves fans said Ivar was a crap centre back, so I trust Coppell's judgement.

[SpaceCruiser]

so I trust Coppell's judgement.

That surprises me, as I seem to remember you didn't always do so.

[papereyes]

was released by Villa for falling out with o'Leary.

Contract was up.

[Ian Royal]

Can't say I'm impressed with De La Cruz. I thought he looked poor at the world cup. I can't see him challenging for a place but might be useful as cover.

[Lost in the West Stand]

wasn't bad in the World Cup, but neither was Brent Sancho

[cmonurz]

We should snap up any chance to sign a player name Ulises. Fantastic.

[Adz1871]

http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,10306~885866,00.html

Confirms Info

[phil in cornwall]

He didn't have a great world cup, some of his marking was shocking. Why do you think he got the nickname 'useless' de la cruz. Not to mention the fact he couldn't get in to villa's defence.

Ulysses is the Roman name for the Greek hero Odysseus.

I think Villa fans gave him the nickname 'useless' because they are thick Brummies and that is the best their limited brains could come up with.

Maybe he will do better in the more cultured south?

[Mr Sonko]

Saw this guy keep Joe Cole out of the game in Stuttgart when JC was our best hope of progressing. Thought he did pretty well and would be a good addition.

There was a piece about him in the press commenting how he lived in a semi in Solihul and sent regular money home to Ecuador to provide schools and running water in his local area. Sounds like Coppell would take to him, he wouldnt be expensive and he has something to prove now.....all of which fits the pattern.

[rabidbee]

Saw this guy keep Joe Cole out of the game in Stuttgart when JC was our best hope of progressing. Thought he did pretty well and would be a good addition.

There was a piece about him in the press commenting how he lived in a semi in Solihul and sent regular money home to Ecuador to provide schools and running water in his local area. Sounds like Coppell would take to him, he wouldnt be expensive and he has something to prove now.....all of which fits the pattern.

Yep, there was a similar item on the telly before the Ecaudor game, IIRC. He is also a Unicef ambassador.

[royaldownunder]

Well, we're getting to the end of the transfer window, and being the ugliest hooker in the brothel, there's been no action for us.

We're pretty desperate now and I guess that's why we are signing up Villa rejects. hopefully coppell can work his magic and give him a magic make over and turn him from uslessees to the reading name for a ecuadorian hero.

Although... if he turns out to be sh*t... you just can't polish a turd.

[mathematically_safe]

chris makin replacement by the sound of things

[YorkshireRoyal]

Useless de la Cruz.

Coppell showing his amazing knowledge of the transfer market again, picking up all these excellent players.

God help us!