http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21099886
Great interview.
Back from the Game/pub/computer: Newcastle
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If you still hate Futcher
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For me that was our most accomplished all round performance so far this season. Swansea was the previous best, but today we managed to add an attacking threat and have a fair amount of possession.
Great performances all across the team, Kelly slotted in seamlessly at RB and the whole defence stood strong. The midfield 3 worked their stocks off and McCleary gave their fullback problems every time he went forward but wasn't great going the other way (only a minor criticism). While, on the other wing, Jimmy was outstanding and had he backed himself a bit more he could've had a couple of attempts on goal. Pog is now playing the lone striker role excellently, thanks to better service up to him, and what a gem we have in Alf.
MOTM has to be Feds who kept us in it in the first half, although we weren't that bad, with Legs a close second - any coincidence his best performance for some months comes after we sign a couple of CDMs and his being dropped last week. People are rightly lauding Jimmy for his head down for the 2nd but we should also recognise how well Jobi did to get to the byline to get the cross in in the first place.
Great performances all across the team, Kelly slotted in seamlessly at RB and the whole defence stood strong. The midfield 3 worked their stocks off and McCleary gave their fullback problems every time he went forward but wasn't great going the other way (only a minor criticism). While, on the other wing, Jimmy was outstanding and had he backed himself a bit more he could've had a couple of attempts on goal. Pog is now playing the lone striker role excellently, thanks to better service up to him, and what a gem we have in Alf.
MOTM has to be Feds who kept us in it in the first half, although we weren't that bad, with Legs a close second - any coincidence his best performance for some months comes after we sign a couple of CDMs and his being dropped last week. People are rightly lauding Jimmy for his head down for the 2nd but we should also recognise how well Jobi did to get to the byline to get the cross in in the first place.
Last edited by If you still hate Futcher on 19 Jan 2013 22:12, edited 1 time in total.
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West_Reading
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Watched the whole 94 minutes on a stream and almost broke my laptop after each goal, as well as disturbing/worrying the neighbours with the loud roars of 'YESSSS!!!'.
First half, Fed was absolutely immense. He's right back to his best and showing why he's been so important for us over these last few years. His three saves of Cisse were immense. It might have just been me but the freekick, from which Cabaye scored, looked soft. I thought Marveaux clipped his own heel, but my stream wasn't great. Ledge was my MOTM, and his break up play, and two sublime balls to Kebe really stood out for me. We looked really good in patches with the ball, with Ledge, Kelly, McAnuff, Kebe and Guthrie all playing some neat triangles all over the pitch to get us into good positions in the final third. Special mention also to Ian Harte, who was a beast at the back today, especially his judgement of his headers from crosses from the Newcastle right.
What can you say about ALF though? What an absolute steal he is turning out to be. His value must be sky-rocketing. He is fast becoming the best finisher I've ever seen in a Reading shirt and his allround play is just top class. His movement, his linkup play, his ability to pick a pass himself are all so impressive. It's harsh that he can't get a start at the moment, but the way we setup at the start is spot on and then bringing him on just gives us a new dimension.
MOTM - Ledge (Just ahead of Fed and ALF)
First half, Fed was absolutely immense. He's right back to his best and showing why he's been so important for us over these last few years. His three saves of Cisse were immense. It might have just been me but the freekick, from which Cabaye scored, looked soft. I thought Marveaux clipped his own heel, but my stream wasn't great. Ledge was my MOTM, and his break up play, and two sublime balls to Kebe really stood out for me. We looked really good in patches with the ball, with Ledge, Kelly, McAnuff, Kebe and Guthrie all playing some neat triangles all over the pitch to get us into good positions in the final third. Special mention also to Ian Harte, who was a beast at the back today, especially his judgement of his headers from crosses from the Newcastle right.
What can you say about ALF though? What an absolute steal he is turning out to be. His value must be sky-rocketing. He is fast becoming the best finisher I've ever seen in a Reading shirt and his allround play is just top class. His movement, his linkup play, his ability to pick a pass himself are all so impressive. It's harsh that he can't get a start at the moment, but the way we setup at the start is spot on and then bringing him on just gives us a new dimension.
MOTM - Ledge (Just ahead of Fed and ALF)
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Elm Park Old Boy
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West_Reading What can you say about ALF though? What an absolute steal he is turning out to be. His value must be sky-rocketing.
shhhh - transfer window still open....
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Cpl Jones Dont panic
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If Rooney had scored that 2nd goal the media would have been wetting themselves. I have no idea how Alfie got it past 3 defenders into the net, ignore the air shot that was real class finishing and shows a player full of confidence.
5 wins and maybe 3 draws could do it, who needs a complete season to get the points. Since 2006 /2007 I wonder what our xmas league position has been compared to where we ended up. Maybe they should look at what we do wrong in pre season.
5 wins and maybe 3 draws could do it, who needs a complete season to get the points. Since 2006 /2007 I wonder what our xmas league position has been compared to where we ended up. Maybe they should look at what we do wrong in pre season.
Absolutely fantastic day out yesterday. Only came from Manchester, so it wasn't too bad of a journey - roads were empty and stadium easy to get to (parking, however, was harder to find!).
Listening to the radio one the way down, they seem to have the impression that Newcastle pretty much owned the first half - I must have been watching a different game. I though our first half performance was a far cry from how we've previously been playing. Great passing movement across the pitch, it's just a shame we'd have often have a great build up, but finish with a poor shot, or play back to a CD and then they'd try to hoof the ball forward, ruining any momentum and giving the ball straight back to Newcastle.
Admittedly, I don't recall any clear cut chances other than Pog sliding the ball the right of the post, honestly though that it was going in. Yes Fedders kept us in it with some fantastic saves (really has redeemed himself since the howlers at the start of the season - and some), but I don't think that constitutes a drumming. Their possesion in the first half was higher than ours, but like Swansea at home, it wasn't really too threatening.
Their goal was a great free kick, I did think Feds had quite a bit of ground to cover. From where we sat, I thought it was up and over the wall, but MOTD seems to show the wall parting, never great.
Second half saw the first half service resumed. two great substitutions to react to what was going on on the pitch, and two great goals from Alf.
Slightly marred with ridiculously heavy handed stewards to the left of me. Didn't really see what sparked it, only felt the push into us from the fall out. Seemed to me as if a couple of the fans had been told to calm down, when we scored, took the opportunity to goad the stewards and get in their faces, celebrating over the top, they had no lenience and took some one, which sparked the rest. I do believe though that charges could be pressed against those stewards and their 'brutality' was totally uncalled for, and I think the police had to step in in the end. I saw one guy who was sitting with / by these lads, didn't do anything during, leant forward to ask the steward a question, and then got quite literally ripped from his seat and almost thrown down the stairs, for nothing.
Looking forward to the next league game in two weeks time, probably going to be as cold, but no where near as much of a drive. Another three points there, and who knows what could happen..
Listening to the radio one the way down, they seem to have the impression that Newcastle pretty much owned the first half - I must have been watching a different game. I though our first half performance was a far cry from how we've previously been playing. Great passing movement across the pitch, it's just a shame we'd have often have a great build up, but finish with a poor shot, or play back to a CD and then they'd try to hoof the ball forward, ruining any momentum and giving the ball straight back to Newcastle.
Admittedly, I don't recall any clear cut chances other than Pog sliding the ball the right of the post, honestly though that it was going in. Yes Fedders kept us in it with some fantastic saves (really has redeemed himself since the howlers at the start of the season - and some), but I don't think that constitutes a drumming. Their possesion in the first half was higher than ours, but like Swansea at home, it wasn't really too threatening.
Their goal was a great free kick, I did think Feds had quite a bit of ground to cover. From where we sat, I thought it was up and over the wall, but MOTD seems to show the wall parting, never great.
Second half saw the first half service resumed. two great substitutions to react to what was going on on the pitch, and two great goals from Alf.
Slightly marred with ridiculously heavy handed stewards to the left of me. Didn't really see what sparked it, only felt the push into us from the fall out. Seemed to me as if a couple of the fans had been told to calm down, when we scored, took the opportunity to goad the stewards and get in their faces, celebrating over the top, they had no lenience and took some one, which sparked the rest. I do believe though that charges could be pressed against those stewards and their 'brutality' was totally uncalled for, and I think the police had to step in in the end. I saw one guy who was sitting with / by these lads, didn't do anything during, leant forward to ask the steward a question, and then got quite literally ripped from his seat and almost thrown down the stairs, for nothing.
Looking forward to the next league game in two weeks time, probably going to be as cold, but no where near as much of a drive. Another three points there, and who knows what could happen..
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SHORT AND CURLY
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I have to say the amount of police presence was crazy.
There were more in the away end than we have in total at home games.
On a separate subject Andre Bikey's Mrs and kids were in the away end. She told me he is at Middlesborough now.
There were more in the away end than we have in total at home games.
On a separate subject Andre Bikey's Mrs and kids were in the away end. She told me he is at Middlesborough now.
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The Rouge
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madreadingfan Bet the 1,000 fans that went are delighted. Fair play to them.
Adam le fondre is an absolute hero and is the ultimate super sub. He doesn't do this when he starts games
We all kno whis credentials as a super-sub but I think that's a bit premature personally ^^
Great day out, was on the booze with my brother in East London the night before so the resultant hangover the next day limited my intake on the train up, so I drunkenly hid a bottle in a hedge in one of the church yards. On returning to the yard post match we found the gates locked so fair dos to the C of E gardener who gets it.
Met Waldemar Januszczak:
on the train up who was going to the game, he's a Reading fan and I recognised him from the documentary he did on the Dark Ages on BBC, great stuff. Had a chat and wished him luck on the concourse.
My brother was pretty hammered and I had to stop him falling down the stand about three times.
All in all a great away day, in a great but surprisingly silent ground.
Met Waldemar Januszczak:
on the train up who was going to the game, he's a Reading fan and I recognised him from the documentary he did on the Dark Ages on BBC, great stuff. Had a chat and wished him luck on the concourse.
My brother was pretty hammered and I had to stop him falling down the stand about three times.
All in all a great away day, in a great but surprisingly silent ground.
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MmmMonsterMunch
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What a weekend!
Our passing really is getting better. Slowly but surely we are taking baby steps & are beginning to look like we could stay in this league.
Fair play to Legs yesterday - back to his best & was good to see. Feds gets MOTM for me just though.
Kebe was definitely in a more advanced role & looks like a man possessed at the moment. Almost like he will single handedly remove us from the bottom 3 if it kills him.
Pog & Alfie both absolutely great. Reckon if we go down, a few clubs will be in for them both.
Solid debut from Kelly & the feel good factor is back!! Days like yesterday are what makes it all worthwhile. They are hungry, 100% committed & you know we'll give it all right until the death.
Make no mistake - yesterday was a must win. I still can't quite believe we did. We have to keep this mini run going if possible & somehow avoid defeat against Chelsea & Sunderland.
Our passing really is getting better. Slowly but surely we are taking baby steps & are beginning to look like we could stay in this league.
Fair play to Legs yesterday - back to his best & was good to see. Feds gets MOTM for me just though.
Kebe was definitely in a more advanced role & looks like a man possessed at the moment. Almost like he will single handedly remove us from the bottom 3 if it kills him.
Pog & Alfie both absolutely great. Reckon if we go down, a few clubs will be in for them both.
Solid debut from Kelly & the feel good factor is back!! Days like yesterday are what makes it all worthwhile. They are hungry, 100% committed & you know we'll give it all right until the death.
Make no mistake - yesterday was a must win. I still can't quite believe we did. We have to keep this mini run going if possible & somehow avoid defeat against Chelsea & Sunderland.
Was the police presence quite significant? I only saw a couple in the away end?
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MmmMonsterMunch
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bobby1413 Was the police presence quite significant? I only saw a couple in the away end?
Not at all
Just got back, what a fecking amazing weekend!
Met some of the reading lads in tup tup in the evening which was great!
Oh and yes they do read hobnob
Met some of the reading lads in tup tup in the evening which was great!
Oh and yes they do read hobnob
RoyalTank Just got back, what a fecking amazing weekend!
Met some of the reading lads in tup tup in the evening which was great!
Oh and yes they do read hobnob
Arghhhh, I was in there Friday night but was too pricey for me. Wish I'd gone Saturday now! Who was there?
shaka's shorts I think RFC should award treble Royalty points for this game for anyone who went to Sunderland and Newcastle. Would be a cracking gesture and cost the club nowt
Thanks but these are almost home games for me.
Thought free kick award was soft at the time-will study MOTD to confirm this.
Great atmosphere
Watched the whole game on the telly. Thanks to the Mexican love of English football, normally 4 or 5 games shown simultaneously.
Every player was solid and did there job. Feds put in one of his best performances ever, and his save in the first half was world class.
Legs did superbly well and broke up everything and laid it off simple.
Feds, if only he could play like that for 90minutes.
Kebe looked as if he could hurt newcastle evrytime he got the ball.
Apart from that everyone very very solid without being spectacular. Thats probnably what we need going forward to secure more away points
I was perplexed when Karcan didn't start and was screaming at the TV when Brian took off Guthrie, but fair play to him, he got the tactics 100% spot on for once. We haven't been able to say that much this season.
The Spanish speaking commentors, which included Histro Stoichkov, commented thay were surprised with our current leage position and thought we would pull away to safety if we continue playing like we did in the second half. Stoichkov was also glowing about the impact ALF made. High praise indeed for ALF from one of the best Strikers the world has ever seen.
Above all, this result gives us hope and beleif which we must carry forward. Along way to go and the odds are still against us, but at least we look like we will make a fight of it now. before we looked so destined for relegationm, it alomost felt the season was over. We now have something to play for and I am enjoying the season again.
Every player was solid and did there job. Feds put in one of his best performances ever, and his save in the first half was world class.
Legs did superbly well and broke up everything and laid it off simple.
Feds, if only he could play like that for 90minutes.
Kebe looked as if he could hurt newcastle evrytime he got the ball.
Apart from that everyone very very solid without being spectacular. Thats probnably what we need going forward to secure more away points
I was perplexed when Karcan didn't start and was screaming at the TV when Brian took off Guthrie, but fair play to him, he got the tactics 100% spot on for once. We haven't been able to say that much this season.
The Spanish speaking commentors, which included Histro Stoichkov, commented thay were surprised with our current leage position and thought we would pull away to safety if we continue playing like we did in the second half. Stoichkov was also glowing about the impact ALF made. High praise indeed for ALF from one of the best Strikers the world has ever seen.
Above all, this result gives us hope and beleif which we must carry forward. Along way to go and the odds are still against us, but at least we look like we will make a fight of it now. before we looked so destined for relegationm, it alomost felt the season was over. We now have something to play for and I am enjoying the season again.
Oh and ref was poor in First half but changed team at half time.His assistant on the right was poor as well.
bobby1413RoyalTank Just got back, what a fecking amazing weekend!
Met some of the reading lads in tup tup in the evening which was great!
Oh and yes they do read hobnob
Arghhhh, I was in there Friday night but was too pricey for me. Wish I'd gone Saturday now! Who was there?
Yer it is pricey normally i dont go to places like that, but it was a friend of a friends birthday who just happens to be a millionare so we were sorted with grey goose
Jobi and legs were there, they were genuinly really nice guys and were very thankful that we made the long journey
Overall best weekend ever
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grey_squirrel
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Surprised no one has mentioned the woeful marking of Pearce and Mapps.
What was McDermotts instructions? "Whatever you do, leave Cisse with loads of space?!"
I cannot remember a game where a centre forward had so much time and space and literaly sliced those two apart time and time again in the first half. Lineker talked about our wall parting like the red sea, well so did Mapps and Pearce everytime the ball was played through to him.
Had that been Ba, he would easily have had 4 in the first half.
It bodes big concerns when we will once again come up against a quality striker in form.
I hope both of them study the video from the game and learn how to defend goal side. And quickly.
What was McDermotts instructions? "Whatever you do, leave Cisse with loads of space?!"
I cannot remember a game where a centre forward had so much time and space and literaly sliced those two apart time and time again in the first half. Lineker talked about our wall parting like the red sea, well so did Mapps and Pearce everytime the ball was played through to him.
Had that been Ba, he would easily have had 4 in the first half.
It bodes big concerns when we will once again come up against a quality striker in form.
I hope both of them study the video from the game and learn how to defend goal side. And quickly.
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AthleticoSpizz
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^ and there was Ian Harte taking the rap for it all on another post.
The Sun only awarded a "5" to Legs, saying that he struggled to get a foothold on the game
The Sun only awarded a "5" to Legs, saying that he struggled to get a foothold on the game
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