by Ian Royal »
06 Jul 2013 21:09
We do seem an interesting choice for Royston, and he for us, given his background.
He's obviously been a bit of a hellraiser who struggled with professionalism. Living the good life and flaunting the wealth rather than knuckling down and making the most of his career and talent (not that he hasn't done well in his career). That seems to go against the sort of club Reading always seem and strive to be.
Take Akpan's comments from the documentary about how the squad is so very professional. Everyone behaving themselves and acting professionally, even when on hotel stays in big cities with all the draws of entertainment their wealth can command, they just stay in quietly and then all go for a walk together.
Then combine it with Royston's recent interview in the papers where he said he's now realised everything Moyes said to him about him needing to shape up was true and that he'd reached a real low point in his career and now wants to knuckle down and make something of himself.
Seems like we may very well have not only sold our selves as a good way to get back to the Premier League and restart his career in the big leagues, but that we can provide him with the sort of environment that he needs, as free from temptation as possible and with a good group around him to keep him on the straight and true.
It could be the perfect move for all concerned. Or it could go totally tits up.