http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/ ... 596265.ece
From The Sunday TimesApril 1, 2007
Lita the fighter
Reading’s Leroy Lita endured a harsh upbringing but faces Tottenham today having already won his personal battlesBrian Doogan
The little things that Leroy Lita can remember begin to build up a picture, such as the sound of his family’s guard dog barking night after night in their small back yard and the football games that he and some local boys played in the street, barefoot. There were a few toys that he and the other kids played with, but a stick attached by string to a hoop is the only one that he can instantly recall. Civil strife was gripping the country and, before long, Lita and his family were preparing to flee Kinshasa, the capital city of what was then Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“I can’t remember too much about those times, other than that I enjoyed being around my family, we were all really close,â€
Build up to Spurs match - Lita interview in Times
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Archie's penalty
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http://sport.independent.co.uk/football ... 411320.ece
Doyle's crowning glory seals rapid rise to recognition
The Irish acclaim a new talisman - a humble Cork kid heading towards a fine future
By Jason Burt
Published: 01 April 2007
It is a sign of just how far Reading have come that three of their players stepped on to the Croke Park turf to represent the Republic of Ireland last Wednesday night. It is a sign of how far Kevin Doyle has come that when his club face Tottenham Hotspur this afternoon, as many, if not more, Irish eyes will focus on him as on Robbie Keane.
The much-fêted Spurs striker was suspended for the Euro 2008 qualifier against Slovakia but, as his country's captain, flew over to lend his support. It will not have been lost on Keane, who has been vilified for his recent anaemic international performances, that his absence only fuelled the debate that Doyle is now the better prospect to lead the Republic's attack.
Brave and mobile, the 23-year-old's attributes were best summed up by the way he took the goal, the only one of the game, that beat the Slovaks and stirred faint hopes that the Irish could, somehow, qualify for next summer's tournament. Doyle had no right to steal in front of his marker, let alone twist his body to head the ball beyond the goalkeeper. And this from a player only just coming back from a troublesome hamstring injury.
"To score in front of 70-odd thousand, and for it to be the winning goal, it's a great feeling," Doyle said afterwards as he stood outside the changing rooms at the vast arena, soaking up the achievement. "It keeps us in the hunt for qualifying. It was good to be playing in a team where everyone was enjoying it. It leaves a nice taste."
That enjoyment has so often been lacking in Irish matches, and it was not just Doyle's energy and enthusiasm but that of his Reading team-mates who came on as substitutes - Shane Long and, in particular, the irrepressible Stephen Hunt - which supplied it. They played without fear, just as they have done all season.
Asked if the players had been motivated by the criticism, and with Keane steadfastly refusing to speak to the media, Doyle said: "When you are playing for your country in front of a full house and things are going well, then I don't need to be spurred on."
Doyle has never lacked motivation, never lacked belief. By Doyle's age Keane had been involved in transfer deals worth a staggering £38 million. The sum total of what Doyle has been traded for? The £78,000 Reading's manager, Steve Coppell, finally parted with to bring him to the Madejski Stadium in June 2005. Even then, Long, also a striker from Cork City, was thrown into the deal as a makeweight.
But more extraordinary has been Doyle's progress. Little over two years ago he was working behind the bar at the Cooper's Inn, his family's pub in Wexford, and mucking out stables for his father, Paddy, who breeds horses. He had been offered trials by several English clubs but turned them down, reasoning that he was too young to leave Ireland and that, if he was good enough, they would come again.
It was not quite that simple. Doyle signed for St Patrick's Athletic in Dublin, stayed for two years and then moved back south to Cork. He earned call-ups for the Irish Under-21s and scored goals. Then Coppell came to watch, probably encouraged by Reading's academy director, Eamon Dolan, the brother of Pat Dolan, who had been St Pat's manager. But Coppell took some convincing, and later said that Doyle was probably the most scouted player in history.
Doyle himself never doubted. Somewhat controversially, he had a clause inserted in his contract at Cork that would allow him to leave for a paltry fee should a big club come calling. The clause was to become infamous in Ireland, and since then clubs have resisted allowing other players to do the same. Even so, Reading returned to Cork recently to sign the promising defender Alan Bennett.
In Doyle's first season he not only scored a phenomenal 18 League goals in the Champion-ship - and was voted the division's player of the year - but also won two domestic titles, as the League of Ireland season runs from March to November. He had played enough matches for Cork to qualify for a medal.
Doyle has continued to progress in the Premiership. He has struck another 10 goals, plus two for the Republic, despite missing games through injury. At one stage he vied with Didier Drogba, all £20m-plus of him, as the division's top scorer. Unsurprisingly, and with other Premiership clubs sniffing, Reading have moved to secure Doyle on a longer-term deal.
They clearly do not want to have the same regrets as Cork, although it says much for the player that the contract was agreed and signed with minimal fuss and without the involvement of an agent. There has been another bonus for the Berkshire club, with shirt sales in Ireland now becoming a serious proposition. "I don't need much motivating," Doyle said after Wednesday's victory. It appears to apply to his career so far.
Doyle's crowning glory seals rapid rise to recognition
The Irish acclaim a new talisman - a humble Cork kid heading towards a fine future
By Jason Burt
Published: 01 April 2007
It is a sign of just how far Reading have come that three of their players stepped on to the Croke Park turf to represent the Republic of Ireland last Wednesday night. It is a sign of how far Kevin Doyle has come that when his club face Tottenham Hotspur this afternoon, as many, if not more, Irish eyes will focus on him as on Robbie Keane.
The much-fêted Spurs striker was suspended for the Euro 2008 qualifier against Slovakia but, as his country's captain, flew over to lend his support. It will not have been lost on Keane, who has been vilified for his recent anaemic international performances, that his absence only fuelled the debate that Doyle is now the better prospect to lead the Republic's attack.
Brave and mobile, the 23-year-old's attributes were best summed up by the way he took the goal, the only one of the game, that beat the Slovaks and stirred faint hopes that the Irish could, somehow, qualify for next summer's tournament. Doyle had no right to steal in front of his marker, let alone twist his body to head the ball beyond the goalkeeper. And this from a player only just coming back from a troublesome hamstring injury.
"To score in front of 70-odd thousand, and for it to be the winning goal, it's a great feeling," Doyle said afterwards as he stood outside the changing rooms at the vast arena, soaking up the achievement. "It keeps us in the hunt for qualifying. It was good to be playing in a team where everyone was enjoying it. It leaves a nice taste."
That enjoyment has so often been lacking in Irish matches, and it was not just Doyle's energy and enthusiasm but that of his Reading team-mates who came on as substitutes - Shane Long and, in particular, the irrepressible Stephen Hunt - which supplied it. They played without fear, just as they have done all season.
Asked if the players had been motivated by the criticism, and with Keane steadfastly refusing to speak to the media, Doyle said: "When you are playing for your country in front of a full house and things are going well, then I don't need to be spurred on."
Doyle has never lacked motivation, never lacked belief. By Doyle's age Keane had been involved in transfer deals worth a staggering £38 million. The sum total of what Doyle has been traded for? The £78,000 Reading's manager, Steve Coppell, finally parted with to bring him to the Madejski Stadium in June 2005. Even then, Long, also a striker from Cork City, was thrown into the deal as a makeweight.
But more extraordinary has been Doyle's progress. Little over two years ago he was working behind the bar at the Cooper's Inn, his family's pub in Wexford, and mucking out stables for his father, Paddy, who breeds horses. He had been offered trials by several English clubs but turned them down, reasoning that he was too young to leave Ireland and that, if he was good enough, they would come again.
It was not quite that simple. Doyle signed for St Patrick's Athletic in Dublin, stayed for two years and then moved back south to Cork. He earned call-ups for the Irish Under-21s and scored goals. Then Coppell came to watch, probably encouraged by Reading's academy director, Eamon Dolan, the brother of Pat Dolan, who had been St Pat's manager. But Coppell took some convincing, and later said that Doyle was probably the most scouted player in history.
Doyle himself never doubted. Somewhat controversially, he had a clause inserted in his contract at Cork that would allow him to leave for a paltry fee should a big club come calling. The clause was to become infamous in Ireland, and since then clubs have resisted allowing other players to do the same. Even so, Reading returned to Cork recently to sign the promising defender Alan Bennett.
In Doyle's first season he not only scored a phenomenal 18 League goals in the Champion-ship - and was voted the division's player of the year - but also won two domestic titles, as the League of Ireland season runs from March to November. He had played enough matches for Cork to qualify for a medal.
Doyle has continued to progress in the Premiership. He has struck another 10 goals, plus two for the Republic, despite missing games through injury. At one stage he vied with Didier Drogba, all £20m-plus of him, as the division's top scorer. Unsurprisingly, and with other Premiership clubs sniffing, Reading have moved to secure Doyle on a longer-term deal.
They clearly do not want to have the same regrets as Cork, although it says much for the player that the contract was agreed and signed with minimal fuss and without the involvement of an agent. There has been another bonus for the Berkshire club, with shirt sales in Ireland now becoming a serious proposition. "I don't need much motivating," Doyle said after Wednesday's victory. It appears to apply to his career so far.
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Archie's penalty
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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.j ... ntac01.xml
Talking Tactics: Fearless Reading reap their reward
By Stewart Robson, Sunday Telegraph
Last Updated: 11:06pm BST 31/03/2007
How have Steve Coppell and his team done so well this season?
As West Ham players showed in their first season back in the Premiership, the hunger to impress and prove yourself is the key to achievement and Reading's players have certainly done that. It is no surprise that Jon Goodman, the club's sports scientist, revealed that this group of players are the most professional he has worked with.
Not only does that reflect well on the players but also Coppell's man-management skills. Perhaps this will help fans, chairmen and media realise that passion does not have to take the form of misguided ranting from the touchline.
Reading also have an excellent scouting network led by Brian McDermott. With little to spend, they have to be sure the players they buy are suited to the club with a willingness to improve an essential attribute. To pick up Kevin Doyle and Shane Long from Ireland for next to nothing and Dave Kitson and Leroy Lita from the lower leagues shows that bargains can be had if the judgment of the scouts is sound. Most importantly, their approach in the Premiership has been positive. They have continued to play to their strengths rather than worry about negating opponents.
Even with the long-term injuries to Bobby Convey and Kitson they have used two wingers and, in the main, two strikers. Although this can leave them outnumbered in midfield, they have rarely been exposed.
They are not that imaginative with their passing but play at a high tempo and constantly stretch defences with the forward runs of Doyle and Lita.
But it is the regularity and quality of their crosses allied to the awareness of their strikers and the midfield runs of Steve Sidwell that cause defences problems. They have also played without fear. Only when showing Arsenal and Manchester United too much respect by being more defensive have they looked inferior. Yet particularly against United, when they chased the game and played with their usual tenacity, they began to dominate.
Coppell has also profited by playing under-strength teams in cup ties because players he might have been unsure about have surprised him with their performances. So when injuries have depleted his team, the replacements have done well. Indeed, Stephen Hunt was a fringe player last season and is now an established first-teamer.
Can Reading maintain their position next season? I believe they can but only if they learn from the mistakes made by West Ham. Coppell must ensure the players remain hungry by not handing out excessive contracts, ensuring training is game specific and competition for places is intense.
Although Reading will need to improve their squad, they will continue to buy players with potential rather than those on a downward spiral. Coppell learnt from signing Les Ferdinand and Martin Keown on short-term deals a couple of years ago that ageing players bring problems.
Reading will need to play with the same intensity as they showed earlier in the season if they are to do the double over Spurs who are now producing some of the most creative football in the Premiership.
Stewart Robson played for Arsenal and West Ham and is a Uefa 'A’ licence holder, educating coaches to develop elite players.
Talking Tactics: Fearless Reading reap their reward
By Stewart Robson, Sunday Telegraph
Last Updated: 11:06pm BST 31/03/2007
How have Steve Coppell and his team done so well this season?
As West Ham players showed in their first season back in the Premiership, the hunger to impress and prove yourself is the key to achievement and Reading's players have certainly done that. It is no surprise that Jon Goodman, the club's sports scientist, revealed that this group of players are the most professional he has worked with.
Not only does that reflect well on the players but also Coppell's man-management skills. Perhaps this will help fans, chairmen and media realise that passion does not have to take the form of misguided ranting from the touchline.
Reading also have an excellent scouting network led by Brian McDermott. With little to spend, they have to be sure the players they buy are suited to the club with a willingness to improve an essential attribute. To pick up Kevin Doyle and Shane Long from Ireland for next to nothing and Dave Kitson and Leroy Lita from the lower leagues shows that bargains can be had if the judgment of the scouts is sound. Most importantly, their approach in the Premiership has been positive. They have continued to play to their strengths rather than worry about negating opponents.
Even with the long-term injuries to Bobby Convey and Kitson they have used two wingers and, in the main, two strikers. Although this can leave them outnumbered in midfield, they have rarely been exposed.
They are not that imaginative with their passing but play at a high tempo and constantly stretch defences with the forward runs of Doyle and Lita.
But it is the regularity and quality of their crosses allied to the awareness of their strikers and the midfield runs of Steve Sidwell that cause defences problems. They have also played without fear. Only when showing Arsenal and Manchester United too much respect by being more defensive have they looked inferior. Yet particularly against United, when they chased the game and played with their usual tenacity, they began to dominate.
Coppell has also profited by playing under-strength teams in cup ties because players he might have been unsure about have surprised him with their performances. So when injuries have depleted his team, the replacements have done well. Indeed, Stephen Hunt was a fringe player last season and is now an established first-teamer.
Can Reading maintain their position next season? I believe they can but only if they learn from the mistakes made by West Ham. Coppell must ensure the players remain hungry by not handing out excessive contracts, ensuring training is game specific and competition for places is intense.
Although Reading will need to improve their squad, they will continue to buy players with potential rather than those on a downward spiral. Coppell learnt from signing Les Ferdinand and Martin Keown on short-term deals a couple of years ago that ageing players bring problems.
Reading will need to play with the same intensity as they showed earlier in the season if they are to do the double over Spurs who are now producing some of the most creative football in the Premiership.
Stewart Robson played for Arsenal and West Ham and is a Uefa 'A’ licence holder, educating coaches to develop elite players.
Last edited by Archie's penalty on 01 Apr 2007 01:16, edited 2 times in total.
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Archie's penalty
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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.j ... nrea01.xml
Danger of Royal highness
By Steve Thomson, Sunday Telegraph
Last Updated: 11:06pm BST 31/03/2007
Getting into Europe was beyond Reading's wildest dreams at the start of the season. Hanging onto Premiership status by their fingernails was their fans' most fervent hope.
But now, with only eight games to go, a UEFA Cup place is still a tantalizing possibility for last season's runaway Championship winners. Indeed, if they were to upset the form book by ending a five-match run without a win with victory at White Hart Lane today, they would overtake Tottenham, who face a tough trip to Seville in four days' time for a UEFA Cup quarter-final.
However, Reading's pragmatic manager Steve Coppell has taken a sceptical view of European qualification, believing they would need "a seriously deep squad", an investment that could put too much strain on the club's resources.
He has also heeded words of warning from fellow manager George Burley who was in charge of surprise package Ipswich when they finished fifth in the Premiership in 2000-01.
The following season spelt disaster for the Suffolk side who, after reaching the third round of the UEFA Cup and beating Inter Milan 1-0 at home, lost heavily in Italy and found only toil and strife domestically thereafter, eventually succumbing to relegation. "We were in it right to the last day of the season but lost to Liverpool and finished third from bottom," recalls Burley. "But if we hadn't have been in Europe I'm sure we wouldn't have got relegated.'' It was a dramatic turnaround in fortunes from their previous campaign when they rose to the heady heights of third in the table at one stage.
"Nobody ever thought we could do it in the Premier League and, to be honest, we probably overachieved," admits Burley, currently seeking promotion again as boss of Southampton. "But that second season proved much tougher, having to play Thursday in Europe and again on Sunday back in a league game. It can take your eye off the league and Reading would need to be careful it didn't interfere with that. I know Steve well and the subject has come up once or twice in conversations I've had with him.''
Burley agrees with Coppell that strength in depth is essential for success in Europe. "It's not so much that you need a bigger squad. You could have 50 players but what matters is quality. The first team at Chelsea, for instance, has that. They're all top-class but clubs like Reading and Ipswich can't afford that.
"There are advantages of disadvantages to being in Europe but the bottom line is that success for a club like Reading is to stay in the Premiership. The Ipswich fans had some great trips to Sweden and Russia and 8,000 of them went to the San Siro. But we would have swapped our night in Milan for staying in the Premiership - and so would the supporters.''
Danger of Royal highness
By Steve Thomson, Sunday Telegraph
Last Updated: 11:06pm BST 31/03/2007
Getting into Europe was beyond Reading's wildest dreams at the start of the season. Hanging onto Premiership status by their fingernails was their fans' most fervent hope.
But now, with only eight games to go, a UEFA Cup place is still a tantalizing possibility for last season's runaway Championship winners. Indeed, if they were to upset the form book by ending a five-match run without a win with victory at White Hart Lane today, they would overtake Tottenham, who face a tough trip to Seville in four days' time for a UEFA Cup quarter-final.
However, Reading's pragmatic manager Steve Coppell has taken a sceptical view of European qualification, believing they would need "a seriously deep squad", an investment that could put too much strain on the club's resources.
He has also heeded words of warning from fellow manager George Burley who was in charge of surprise package Ipswich when they finished fifth in the Premiership in 2000-01.
The following season spelt disaster for the Suffolk side who, after reaching the third round of the UEFA Cup and beating Inter Milan 1-0 at home, lost heavily in Italy and found only toil and strife domestically thereafter, eventually succumbing to relegation. "We were in it right to the last day of the season but lost to Liverpool and finished third from bottom," recalls Burley. "But if we hadn't have been in Europe I'm sure we wouldn't have got relegated.'' It was a dramatic turnaround in fortunes from their previous campaign when they rose to the heady heights of third in the table at one stage.
"Nobody ever thought we could do it in the Premier League and, to be honest, we probably overachieved," admits Burley, currently seeking promotion again as boss of Southampton. "But that second season proved much tougher, having to play Thursday in Europe and again on Sunday back in a league game. It can take your eye off the league and Reading would need to be careful it didn't interfere with that. I know Steve well and the subject has come up once or twice in conversations I've had with him.''
Burley agrees with Coppell that strength in depth is essential for success in Europe. "It's not so much that you need a bigger squad. You could have 50 players but what matters is quality. The first team at Chelsea, for instance, has that. They're all top-class but clubs like Reading and Ipswich can't afford that.
"There are advantages of disadvantages to being in Europe but the bottom line is that success for a club like Reading is to stay in the Premiership. The Ipswich fans had some great trips to Sweden and Russia and 8,000 of them went to the San Siro. But we would have swapped our night in Milan for staying in the Premiership - and so would the supporters.''
Last edited by Archie's penalty on 01 Apr 2007 01:18, edited 2 times in total.
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Row Z Royal
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Archie's penalty
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JCLieutenant Pigeon Blimey 4 articles in the Sunday Broadsheets and we didn't even play yesterday - how times have changed!
C.
That's because they always have articles about Sunday's games and we are the only game!
True but all the articles were about us and not Spurs - THAT shows how far we've come...
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Harold
Archie's penalty Doyle's crowning glory seals rapid rise to recognition
The Irish acclaim a new talisman - a humble Cork kid heading towards a fine future.
Little over two years ago he was working behind the bar at the Cooper's Inn, his family's pub in Wexford
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exileinleeds
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StarfishArchie's penalty Doyle's crowning glory seals rapid rise to recognition
The Irish acclaim a new talisman - a humble Cork kid heading towards a fine future.
Little over two years ago he was working behind the bar at the Cooper's Inn, his family's pub in Wexford
Be fair, they are in the same country. It is like Reading being a suburb of London.
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