An Ipswich fan writes: Church - is he any good?

[SLAMMED]

This lot, almost to a man slammed Shane Long too.

Please don't use my username in one of your pointless posts.

Thanks.

[Wax Jacket]

This lot, almost to a man slammed Shane Long too.

because for all but his last season with us, he was rubbish

[Ian Royal]

He's a bit of a mediocre all rounder. His workrate is quite good and when he's on form his movement's good. He's got a good finish, providing he doesn't have any time to think. He'll be best with a passing game through the middle. He's in no way a target man. Not big enough, not determined enough and not strong enough. He's got a habit of getting 1 yard tap ins and a problem with offsides.

Don't expect more than 15 goals from him in a full season.

[Royal Ginger]

If he suddenly gets good, then great, i'll become a fan. That's how these things work. Right now, not a chance.

[Cobi]

Absolutely useless.

No surprise Jewell is interested.

He'll be sold in Jan or July next year.

[Snowball]

Don't expect more than 15 goals from him in a full season.

The fifth-best goal-scorer in the Championship got 16 goals last season, so a 15-goal man would be pretty useful I'd'a thought

Chopra got 14

[Ian Royal]

Don't expect more than 15 goals from him in a full season.

The fifth-best goal-scorer in the Championship got 16 goals last season, so a 15-goal man would be pretty useful I'd'a thought

Chopra got 14

I didn't say he'd get 15.

[super darren caskey]

Is embarassing being a Reading Fan seeing all the negative comments about one of our own players.I remember the same for Shane Long when he had his barren spell

[Snowball]

Don't expect more than 15 goals from him in a full season.

The fifth-best goal-scorer in the Championship got 16 goals last season, so a 15-goal man would be pretty useful I'd'a thought

Chopra got 14

I didn't say he'd get 15.

No you didn't. You said "Don't expect more than 15 goals from him in a full season."

[Snowball]

and 12 goals was good enough for 17th spot from 96 strikers

[Royal Prince]

High work rate, will run all day, and has a nack of being in the right place at the right time to score tap ins with various body parts (although as pointed out already some would say this is a result of luck rather than judgement). Not a target man, but will work hard for the team and carve opportunities for others. It's also worth noting his attitude appears to be spot on, and as such wouldn't cause any problems if sent out on loan.

Has always shown potential but never yet realised it, I guess that's why so many fans have written him off already. As pointed out by Snowball, this is much the same as the verdict that was reached on Shane Long, until he had one amazing season and suddenly everyone was dissapointed to see him go. Whilst a totally different player, Church certainly still has potential, so I wouldn't write him off just yet. Also worth noting he was scouted by Liverpool in the past, and was linked with a move there which never materialised.

Overall he probably isn't the player you're looking for, but on loan is virtually risk free and if given regular game time could yet realise some of that all important potential. I for one would love to see him go to Ipswich (or Huddersfield as linked to before) and score a hat full, lord knows he deserves it.

[who are ya?]

Snowball, just fuck off

[Stuboo]

Ok so he gives 100% but isn't actually any good in the air?

I always thought of him more as a striker that plays on the shoulder of the last defender...

He has scored quite a few headed goals for Reading at the back post, so for me, I think it is a little unfair to say he is not any good in the air. He is not a Heskey type target man either, and is not particularly tall. He will run a lot and will nick a goal here and there. With a sustained run in the side he may turn out well for you.

[Squelchy2507]

I've started the car ... where does he want picking up from?

[windermere_royal]

Take him..please

[sandman]

Good player who thrives on confidence and is unfairly maligned on here. He is good enough for that level, despite what this lot say his movement is good and given a run of games and with it that much needed confidence he could score quite regularly.

This lot always need someone to have a go at right now it's Church, before him it was Matt Mills and before him Shane Long. The list is endless.

[MmmMonsterMunch]

Is embarassing being a Reading Fan seeing all the negative comments about one of our own players.I remember the same for Shane Long when he had his barren spell

Agreed. Nasty thread - I wish him all the best whether he stays or goes. I do think regular game time in the championship would be a good move for him.

[Simon's Church]

Decent player but struggled for goals even while we were challenging at the top, dunno how he'd cope in a relegation battle.

[LoyalRoyalFan]

Is embarassing being a Reading Fan seeing all the negative comments about one of our own players.I remember the same for Shane Long when he had his barren spell

Totally agree.

Decent Championship striker - got McDermott's first goal with that great finish against Bristol City in the last few seconds

[Stuboo]

Is embarassing being a Reading Fan seeing all the negative comments about one of our own players.I remember the same for Shane Long when he had his barren spell

Totally agree.

Decent Championship striker - got McDermott's first goal with that great finish against Bristol City in the last few seconds

I don't get all the negativity towards our own players/club either. It doesn't help. Church is a decent player and I wish him well if he gets a loan at Ipswich.