Even *I* am actually quite concerned

[Millsy]

I'm really sorry for this, a predictable negative thread after an away defeat.

Most regulars will know it's totally against my character to write something like this but perhaps my justification for such a knee-jerk post is my reputation as a staunch optimist and defender of RFC for the last couple of years.

But seriously, even I am utterly shocked and worried by something odd that seems to be going on. Conceding 4 goals in the Prem is I suppose ok, but 3rd game into the Championship and suffering exactly the same defensive damage has got to leave us pretty horrified.

I for one am scared. Whatever the defensive problem was last year has certainly not been fixed. Or has it, after 2 clean sheets? I don't know. I just know that I'm concerned. Forget anything even close to autopro this season if our defence is this unpredictable.

We've gone from a formidable defence keeping the likes of Chelsea and Man U quiet to leaking against the like of Dagenham.

What's going on? USA? Ingi? Donko? Hunt? Rosenior? The Unit? Downes? The loss of tackling champion Sidwell? Who's to blame?

[Cookie]

I'm really sorry for this, a predictable negative thread after an away defeat.

Most regulars will know it's totally against my character to write something like this but perhaps my justification for such a knee-jerk post is my reputation as a staunch optimist and defender of RFC for the last couple of years.

But seriously, even I am utterly shocked and worried by something odd that seems to be going on. Conceding 4 goals in the Prem is I suppose ok, but 3rd game into the Championship and suffering exactly the same defensive damage has got to leave us pretty horrified.

I for one am scared. Whatever the defensive problem was last year has certainly not been fixed. Or has it, after 2 clean sheets? I don't know. I just know that I'm concerned. Forget anything even close to autopro this season if our defence is this unpredictable.

We've gone from a formidable defence keeping the likes of Chelsea and Man U quiet to leaking against the like of Dagenham.

What's going on? USA? Ingi? Donko? Hunt? Rosenior? The Unit? Downes? The loss of tackling champion Sidwell? Who's to blame?

It's The Unit.
Defending generally starts when the attack lose possession.
The midfield then chip in with some serous ball winning stuff.
And our midfield today, Kebe, Convey, Cissé and Harper were doing very little ball winning. So our defence was always exposed.
Who am I to propose a solution to Coppell but I'm gonna do it anyway.


Get Stefan Andre Bikey playing just in front of the defence.

[URZZZZZZZZ]

For me we've gone from one end of the spectrum right to the other on todays performance. I thought after the first two games our defence looked solid. Two clean sheets and very few, if any clear cut chances from inside our penalty area. However I was concerned about the fire power, up front and from midfield.

What has happened today is we have created a lot more chances and stuck two away. Now if someone had told me this morning we'd score two, I'd have been dissapointed with a point because I thought our defence could hack it! Today has been a disaster and the only reason why I am not utterly depressed is because I got on the tele!

Now forever being the RTG that I am, I feel that our home form will be able to keep us there or there abouts for the season, and lets not forget we're aiming for 6th (or above) here.

[PEARCEY]

We desperately lack a defensive midfield player to protect the back four. It was a recurring problem throughout last season and was never fixed. I thought Graveson or Bodde could have done a job for us without breaking the bank but it didn't happen.
To also play Stephen Hunt out of position is not good enough. Management have had a year to source a replacement for Shorey and still we wait for that player. Hunt is not a left back and it showed today.
Sure Bikey and Matejovsky could improve the side but will SC play Bikey?? Didn't do so for long stretches last season when for me he would have been the first name on the team sheet. Matejovsky has the talent but can he cut it in the frenetic, non-stop ways of English football? Not convinced he can.
Its a poor result and with a difficult game against Palace to come which is definitely losable SC is going to be under pressure if things dont improve.

[URZZZZZZZZ]

We desperately lack a defensive midfield player to protect the back four.

I agree with this, however hasnt Harper basically been playing in this position the last three away games?!? I don't how he has managed to completely neglect his attacking responsibilities yet still do so poorly as a defensive midfielder!

[The whole year inn]

LOL @ the car park crew; wetting themselves over a win against Plymouth.

The midfield and defence got torn apart (generous phrase) by a totally ordinary Charlton team.

[georgerob]

To solve our problems in defence i think wally downes should leave, he is the one who coaches the reading defenders, and aswell last season we were poor defensiviley under his tactics and coaching.

[Platypuss]

To solve our problems in defence i think wally downes should leave, he is the one who coaches the reading defenders, and aswell last season we were poor defensiviley under his tactics and coaching.

Nothing a decent left back and a functional midfield wouldn't solve,

For an apparent defensive midfielder, Harper isn't half shite at defending.

[URZZZZZZZZ]

For an apparent defensive midfielder, Harper isn't half shite at defending.

Amen to that, Burvva!

[The 17 Bus]

LOL @ the car park crew; wetting themselves over a win against Plymouth.

The midfield and defence got torn apart (generous phrase) by a totally ordinary Charlton team.

Almost agree, but when you look at the bizarre hoofball we play is it any wonder our midfield get so much flack??
I dont think one clearance from defence (hoofing) was won by either of our forwards, hardly a surprise, the only time we looked ok was when we actually passed the ball, or the odd occasion that we moved forward with the ball, thinking of the Kebe back heel to himself, followed by a shot.

We lost that game, I did not think Charlton looked at all good, the ref was a bit poo, why consult the lino for their pen when the flag waver did not even raise his flag for a foul, tho it was a pen, but only just.

As the one who sort of started the Please Stay Steve thing, can I say that I sort of assumed that him staying would have seen changes both to the team and the attitude of his management last season, it appears not to have done so, Pardew said that a manager needs to focus on a goal, SC seems not to be focussing on a goal at the moment, and should things not improve, I expect him to resign in October, and this time for the resignation to be accepted, I then expect Parky to be offered the job.

[leon]

We desperately lack a defensive midfield player to protect the back four.

I agree with this, however hasnt Harper basically been playing in this position the last three away games?!? I don't how he has managed to completely neglect his attacking responsibilities yet still do so poorly as a defensive midfielder!

its really not difficult buy a defensive midfielder and a left back - thus freeing up hunt. Drop Doyle immediately and bring in some new ideas/fresh blood ie N Hunt. Only problem is that Coppell doesn't seem to realise? I can't see him lasting beyond October if we carry on in this utterly unfocussed way.

[rfc58]

To solve our problems in defence i think wally downes should leave, he is the one who coaches the reading defenders, and aswell last season we were poor defensiviley under his tactics and coaching.

Nothing a decent left back and a functional midfield wouldn't solve,

For an apparent defensive midfielder, Harper isn't half shite at defending.

Platy - We are skint mate, how are we going to get a "QUALITY" LB and midfielder ?????

Getting quality players in usually costs money, and you heard JM say last week we are all out of cash.

Still, lets not worry, I am sure it will all work itself out !

[Tilehurst Mike]

Very Very concerned. I feel really sorry for Hunt having to play out of position and Rosenior was absolute toilet. I can see Doyle going another 20 games without scoring--lets take the money and sell him now. Really Madjeski should take the blame for all his penny pinching and Coppell just stood there clueless as usual. To start a new season without a recognised left back is deplorable and it showed today. The sooner Mr Mad finds a buyer and sells up the better.

[Southbank Old Boy]

I thought Graveson or Bodde could have done a job for us without breaking the bank but it didn't happen.

Having just watched a bit of Bodde playing against Plymouth I'd just like to say I can see what all the fuss is about.

Plymouth might not be the best side about, by Bodde looks like a very good midfielder.

As the one who sort of started the Please Stay Steve thing, can I say that I sort of assumed that him staying would have seen changes both to the team and the attitude of his management last season, it appears not to have done so, Pardew said that a manager needs to focus on a goal, SC seems not to be focussing on a goal at the moment, and should things not improve, I expect him to resign in October, and this time for the resignation to be accepted, I then expect Parky to be offered the job.

Some of us saw this coming, and I think you're probably right that he'll leave, I expect it to be some time before Christmas, once he realises that he doesn't really have the appetite for the fight or any idea of how to solve the problems.

It's a shame, and I can understand the whole car park crew thing, but it was a far too emotional decision and I'm convinced it wasn't the right one for the long term good of the club.

[RoyalBlue]

To solve our problems in defence i think wally downes should leave, he is the one who coaches the reading defenders, and aswell last season we were poor defensiviley under his tactics and coaching.

Nothing a decent left back and a functional midfield wouldn't solve,

For an apparent defensive midfielder, Harper isn't half shite at defending.

Platy - We are skint mate, how are we going to get a "QUALITY" LB and midfielder ?????

Getting quality players in usually costs money, and you heard JM say last week we are all out of cash.

In which case the song for Madjeski has to be:

'Where's the money gone? Where's the money gone?'

Not quite sure how his Ego is going to handle the situation when

'One John Madejski, there's only one John Madejski' starts to change to

'**** off Madejski, why don't you **** off Madejski?'

Hero to villain for the sake of a halfpenny of tar!

That will no doubt upset his staunchest supporters who will refer, maybe rightly, to fickle supporters with short memories but that's the nature of football supporters the world round!

Still, both parties got a lot out of the good times whilst they lasted.

[leon]

I thought Graveson or Bodde could have done a job for us without breaking the bank but it didn't happen.

Having just watched a bit of Bodde playing against Plymouth I'd just like to say I can see what all the fuss is about.

Plymouth might not be the best side about, by Bodde looks like a very good midfielder.

As the one who sort of started the Please Stay Steve thing, can I say that I sort of assumed that him staying would have seen changes both to the team and the attitude of his management last season, it appears not to have done so, Pardew said that a manager needs to focus on a goal, SC seems not to be focussing on a goal at the moment, and should things not improve, I expect him to resign in October, and this time for the resignation to be accepted, I then expect Parky to be offered the job.

Some of us saw this coming, and I think you're probably right that he'll leave, I expect it to be some time before Christmas, once he realises that he doesn't really have the appetite for the fight or any idea of how to solve the problems.

It's a shame, and I can understand the whole car park crew thing, but it was a far too emotional decision and I'm convinced it wasn't the right one for the long term good of the club.

I get the feeling the fans could turn well before xmas.

[kiddy royal]

think its time to give the youngsters a chance ; henry, karacan,pearce,

[The 17 Bus]

I thought Graveson or Bodde could have done a job for us without breaking the bank but it didn't happen.

Having just watched a bit of Bodde playing against Plymouth I'd just like to say I can see what all the fuss is about.

Plymouth might not be the best side about, by Bodde looks like a very good midfielder.

As the one who sort of started the Please Stay Steve thing, can I say that I sort of assumed that him staying would have seen changes both to the team and the attitude of his management last season, it appears not to have done so, Pardew said that a manager needs to focus on a goal, SC seems not to be focussing on a goal at the moment, and should things not improve, I expect him to resign in October, and this time for the resignation to be accepted, I then expect Parky to be offered the job.

Some of us saw this coming, and I think you're probably right that he'll leave, I expect it to be some time before Christmas, once he realises that he doesn't really have the appetite for the fight or any idea of how to solve the problems.

It's a shame, and I can understand the whole car park crew thing, but it was a far too emotional decision and I'm convinced it wasn't the right one for the long term good of the club.

I would also add that I think that SC may walk away from football after RFC, cant see him enjoying it as it is, with money more important than the actual football, it is win at all costs, no time to build a team, less player loyalty than ever before.

Oddly the car park thing may have been good in the long term still, JM did not have to bankroll a new manager during the summer, which any new man would have wanted, I really do wonder about football, when N Howe gets a massive bonus on promotion, yet we are told players earn too much, agreed but dont keep going on about it.

[Southbank Old Boy]

I get the feeling the fans could turn well before xmas.

Quite possible. We've been spoilt by success over the last 5 years and to see it disappearing as it is won't go down well with the natives.

Madejski won't sack Coppell though, and I can't see him walking too soon as he'll probably see it as owing the players some loyalty after not letting them be sold to the Premiership for whatever bids have come in.

I'm sure he'll walk at some point, I just think he'll last a bit longer than October/November

[rfc58]

Royal Blue - Tin Hat in the post for you squire, you are NOT allowed to say that !

I agree mate, we are a club who's financially stable, and for that, i truly thank JM, but I think his plan for the club will be our un-doing.

The next two seasons are arguably the most crucial in the clubs history, as the PL money will run out, and as I sated elsewhere, if we are to believe the money has gone after what we've experienced, then after the PL goes, we really are f*cked !

I never expected us last season, or expect us now to go for Ronaldo, but I am in the camp that, if you spend on quality, (especially after we've let go quality) it won't guarantee promotion, but it will sure as hell help.

I also can't understand Coppell and co, IF they got in proven players, and the gamble failed, its not like we can't sell them on is it ?

I admire Birmingham who have held on to players, and it would seem, added proven quality, OK its not come cheap, and its a gamble, but at least they are giving it a real go in that dept.

I can't help but admire Sunderland, OK, I would never expect us to rival their spending prowess, but the signings they have made, I'll wager money with anyone off here they will survive this season, so the longer they survive, the money they get pays towards their outlay.

I know some claim the bubble will go from football, but I will once again wager a few quid on how many clubs fold in the next say 5/8 years.