Well that was thoroughly miserable. Anyone that has seen us over the last month or so, the past few games especially, could tell that was coming a mile off. After a nervy, close finish against the worst team in the division (at home) last time out, we could have perhaps been forgiven for a glimmer of relief and optimism when Vydra poked home Norwood's miss-hit shot. However it wasn't long lived as Al-Habsi reverted back to type to fumble a weak shot over the line, even though the officials took long enough to give it.

Forest's first wasn't particularly against the run of play either. They controlled the early stages and were the only team that looked mildly threatening. We mustered up our best opportunity for a corner to which Norwood pathetically couldn't beat the first man to go out for another corner. His second corner was similar in its trajectory, but managed to evade everyone and Forest collected, broke, and made it 2-1 (nice finish tbf). Conceding from our own corner... At that point I went and got a beer because oxf*rd why not.

At no stage after that did you really feel we'd get something out of the game and their third (first time they've scored that many in a game all season) was fairy inconsequential and only served to reinforce how shit we are. Hobbs sent off at 66 minutes which drew little in the way of cheer or optimism as, again, everyone knew we wouldn't capitalise on it. Any other team against 10 men for 35 minutes and you'd think they might have a chance, not us! 7 minutes of stoppage time was torture, only a few players came over and very tellingly, though not surprisingly, not Steve Clarke.
CountryRoyal

Just as we predicted the managers lack of commitment and desire has rubbed off on the players.

Didn't look like any of them wanted to play for Reading, can't say I blame them really - sticking with a manager who doesn't give a shit about the club is pretty desperate stuff. Watch the players leave the sinking ship this transfer window. No chance we will keep hold of Blackman now.
Extended-Phenotype

We weren't good. It's just a team without any real fire in their bellies at the moment. We got a goal, and everything was set up for a famous away victory, but then Forest players made a few tackles sprinted a few times and we just laid down to die in front of them. We were too soft for 40 minutes. When we finally woke up we were three down, and had no chance.

Js it too many loan players and players who won't be here next year? I know John was arguably motm today, but the Chelsea pair were shocking in the first half. Probably only Drenthe or Yakubu have looked worse in a Reading shirt in recent memory. Whereas, Williams, Norwood, McShane at least put in a full 90 minutes of effort.
Jack Celliers

Amid a run of one win in ten games, manager Dougie Freedman had once again found himself in the spotlight prior to kick-off, with speculation about his future... There may have been a lot riding on the game, but it was nevertheless a quiet start to proceedings at the City Ground as both sides struggled to make their mark in the opening few minutes.

The hosts saw their fair share of the ball but were unable to force the issue, and it was Reading who had the first attempt as Nick Blackman fired goalwards from range in the tenth minute; goalkeeper Dorus de Vries comfortably gathering...

Their goal had a touch of fortune about it as an effort from Oliver Norwood hit Jack Hobbs and was deflected into Vydra's path. But, just a few yards out, the front man was never going to miss and he gratefully gobbled up the opportunity, slotting the ball home just before the quarter hour mark

The Royals had barely had a look in since their opponents had found their shooting boots, but they enjoyed a spell of possession around the hour and de Vries had to be alert to deny Blackman. If the visitors had any hope of getting back into the game, they were perhaps given a boost when Hobbs was given his marching orders in the 66th minute.

Oliveira was sacrificed for Kelvin Wilson in the aftermath, leaving the pitch to a standing ovation as Forest tried to avoid any late collapse... The substitutions did the trick, shoring things up for the hosts as they came through some late pressure to clinch maximum points.
Nottingham Post