Reading Football Club News: August 2015
Lucas Piazon Arrives On Loan From Chelsea
31 August 2015
By Hob Nob Anyone?
Reading have confirmed the season long loan signing of Brazilian Lucas Piazon from Chelsea. Twenty one year old Piazon signed for Chelsea from Sao Paulo in January 2012 and has spent most of his time at Chelsea out on loan. His Chelsea first team career has been limited to three appearances - two starts in the League Cup and an appearance from the substitutes bench in the Premier League. Although he hasn't scored for Chelsea he has been involved in a 6-0 win over Wolves, a 5-4 win Manchester United, and an 8-0 victory over Aston Villa.
Piazon spent the entire of last season on loan at German top tier side Eintracht Frankfurt, where he made eleven starts plus featured in a further eleven games off the bench. Piazon can play in a variety of forward positions and has a reasonable strike rate. He scored two goals while at Frankfurt.
The season before that was spent in Holland at Vitesse Arnhem. At Vitesse he found the net 11 times in 29 games in a successful loan spell. With a further loan spell at Malaga he comes to Reading with a lot of experience across Europe despite only being 21. He has also played for Brazil at various youth levels and certainly looks like a very bright prospect.
With Blackman and Sa both finding the net at the weekend in the 3-1 victory at Brentford, it's not clear whether the arrival of Piazon signals the end of the hunt for a goalscorer ahead of the transfer window shutting on Tuesday evening. Steve Clarke has certainly made the most of his links with Chelsea both last season and this, and his impressive contacts could still be used again tomorrow.
Two Blackman Goals Seal Win At Brentford
29 August 2015
By Hob Nob Anyone?
Reading's league season eventually got the boost it needed, at the fifth time of asking, as the Royals cruised to their first league win of the season at Brentford. On paper it looked like a tough away fixture, but everything clicked into place as Orlando Sa scored his first Reading goal and Nick Blackman doubled his goal tally to four goals for the season, making it 3-1 to Reading at full time.
Reading started with what appears to be Steve Clarke's first choice eleven. The Royals were well in control in the first half. The key difference to other league performances so far this season was making the most of our chances - although we probably should still have scored more than the two which we led with at the break. Nick Blackman was causing Brentford all sorts of problems and nearly put Reading ahead ater twisting past a couple of players and into the box. He shot was a great effort that crashed against the home side's crossbar. Orlando Sa did put Reading ahead on 17 minutes when Robson-Kanu cut into the area on the left and crossed for Sa to fly in with a brave header.
Blackman forced a save from the Brentford keeper from close range before doubling Reading's lead with a well taken free-kick. It wasn't all straight forward for Reading after Vibe gave Brentford a life-line on 67 minutes to pull a goal back. However, Reading held firm and right at the end Blackman was taken down by the goalkeeper for a clear penalty. He stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way to secure the 3-1 victory, and three points that moves Reading up to 13th in the table.
Hunt For First League Win Continues At Brentford
28 August 2015
By Hob Nob Anyone?
Reading travel to Brentford this weekend to be the first team to officially try out their new pitch. The Griffin Park pitch cut up so badly that the Bees had to postpone a home League fixture to put down a new pitch inside the opening weeks of the season. With Brentford just down the M4 it's no surprise that tickets for the match sold out well in advance. Reading had an allocation of just over 1,600, so there should be a decent atmosphere at what is always a great place to visit.
The Bees have a point more than Reading despite having played a game less. Reading will of course be looking for their first league win, despite two away victories in the League Cup so far this season.
One player that definately won't feature is Pavel Pogrebnyak whose departure to Dynamo Moscow was confirmed this week. Reading fans are still waiting for news of a new incoming striker to be signed
before the end of the transfer window. In the meantime we may be relying on Nick Blackman and Garath McCleary adding to their goals scored on Tuesday night in the 2-1 win at Portsmouth. Orlando Sa
is still after his first Reading goal. Paulo Hurtado is still waiting to be seen in action and boss Steve Clarke has hinted he will probably be saved until after the International break.
Last season Brentford did the double over Reading. The Royals went down 1-3 at Griffin Park with Simon Cox scoring for Reading. At the Madejski it was a familiar scoreline of Reading 0 Opposition something - in
this case it was 0-2 in April 2015. Reading's last point at Brentford remains that famous 1-1 draw back in April 2002 when Jamie Cureton put the ball over the keeper with 13 minutes left to
play to secure the vital point that earned Reading promotion out of the old Division Two. The season before we were 2-1 winners at Griffin Park with Phil Parkinson and Sammy Igoe on the scoresheet.
| Reading and Brentford - Head to head record (since August 1994) | |
| Games Between Reading and Brentford | 8 |
| Reading Wins | 3 |
| Brentford Wins | 3 |
| Draws | 2 |
| Reading Goals | 11 |
| Brentford Goals | 10 |
| Average Goals Per Game | 2.63 |
Royals Offload Pogrebnyak To Dynamo Moscow
27 August 2015
By Hob Nob Anyone?
Pavel Pogrebnyak has left Reading to return to his home country where he has signed for Russian club Dynamo Moscow. Pogrebnyak had mixed success with Reading, although he did score 28 goals for the Royals after signing in the summer of 2012. Pogrebnyak drew mixed opinion from Reading fans after reports of his huge wages during a time the club were going through a tough financial period.
The club continued to cut the wage bill to solve the crisis, but could do nothing to reduce Pogrebnyak's huge income. Pogrebnyak was in the final year of his contract and was expected to remain at the club this season, despite missing the start of the campaign through injury. There were strong rumours that his contract included a pay rise if he was to stay at the club into the final year of his deal.
Pogrebnyak biggest problem was the perceived lack of value for money from his performances in a Reading shirt - however he was hard working player and a vital member of the team last season. If his salary was not known to be so big he would probably have left the club as a very popular player. Pogrebnyak, named number 7 in this season's squad, signed from Fulham on a free transfer three years ago. He went on to make a combined 106 appearances, scoring 24 league goals and 4 league cup goals during his Reading career.
His departure will leave the club free to sign a new striker before the transfer window shuts next week. Without Pogrebnyak the need to secure a goal-scoring player is greater than ever, and is something obviously in the club's current plans. With money released from the club's wage budget, Reading fans will be expecting the arrival of a proven goal scorer to fix the current goal drought.
Reading Get Home Cup Tie
26 August 2015
By Hob Nob Anyone?
Reading will play either Barnsley or Everton in a rare home cup tie after the draw for the third round of the League Cup was made last night. Al Habsi gifted Portsmouth a half time lead last night at Fratton Park, in the second round, before goals from Nick Blackman and a 84th minute winner from Gareth McCleary secured a 2-1 win, only our second victory of the season.
League One Barnsley face Premier League Everton tonight in their second round match to decide who will go on to visit the Madejski Stadium in the next round. The third round fixture will take place on Tuesday 22 September.
Royals Come From Behind To Win At Portsmouth
25 August 2015
By Hob Nob Anyone?
Reading again left it late to pick up another victory in the League Cup. After Chris Gunter's 115th minute winner at Colchester in the first round, Reading came back from a goal down to beat Portsmouth 2-1 away from home and progress to round three. This time Reading had Nick Blackman to thank for his fine solo effort equaliser on 64 minutes, which was followed by Gareth McCleary's close range effort to secure the victory with just six minutes left on the clock.
Reading had looked the most likely to be heading out of the competition after another shocking goalkeeping error. A mix up between Hector and Al Habsi, in goal in place of Bond, saw Al Habsi fail to react allowing Chaplin to score on 40 minutes. Reading had been reasonably bright in the opening half in which either side could have been ahead. Cox had a couple of chances but failed to seriously test the goalkeeper, instead putting the ball over the top. Portsmouth hit the Reading post before Blackman forced the keeper into a good save to push the ball wide. However, it was Portsmouth that went in ahead at the break to the delight of what was a big home crowd for an early round of this competition.
Both Hector and Al Habsi will be disappointed at failing to make the most of been given an opportunity in the starting eleven. Simon Cox will also see this as a missed chance to make a statement that he could solve Reading's problems up front after he failed to make the impact he would have liked. Nick Blackman remains Reading's best hope up front after an excellent run and great finish just after the hour mark to pull Reading level. McCleary replaced Cox with twenty minutes left to play and scored the winner at the far post after a cross through a crowded area.
Strong Side Expected At Portsmouth
25 August 2015
By Hob Nob Anyone?
Having gone four league games without a win, Reading travel to Portsmouth tonight in the League Cup looking for their second win of the season. Reading's only victory of the season so far came
after extra time in the first round of the competition. Chris Gunter scored the only goal of the game to stop the fixture going to penalties and send Reading into round two. League Two Portsmouth
had a far more impressive journey into the second round, beating Derby County 2-1 at home inside the ninety minutes. In the league this season, Pompey have had a decent start picking up
eight points from four games so far.
Steve Clarke fielded a strong side at Colchester and is expected to do the same against Portsmouth. That could mean few changes from Saturday's League line-up, although Ali Al Habsi, who played in the first round game, is expected to start in goal in place of Bond. Paolo Hurtado hasn't featured so far for Reading since signing due to a lack of match fitness but could be named on the bench tonight and may play some part.
Alex Fernandez played the last four minutes at the weekend during Reading's 0-0 home draw against MK Dons and is set for a bigger role in tonight's game. Michael Hector started the season in the team before being relegated to the bench but should be given another chance to prove himself tonight.
Reading have had a poor recent history against Portsmouth. Our last win at their place was way back in 1997 - a two goal victory thanks to Lee Hodges and Martin Williams in the old Division One.
Our last cup meeting was in the FA Cup, also in 1997, when Portsmouth were 3-0 winners over the Royals. Since that 1997 League win we've lost four and drawn one at Portsmouth.
It is pay on the gate at Fratton Park this evening for traveling Reading fans. Adult admission is ten pounds, eight pounds for over 60s, five pounds for 17-22 year olds and just two pounds for 16 and unders.
| Reading and Portsmouth - Head to head record (since August 1994) | |
| Games Between Reading and Portsmouth | 19 |
| Reading Wins | 3 |
| Portsmouth Wins | 9 |
| Draws | 7 |
| Reading Goals | 12 |
| Portsmouth Goals | 24 |
| Average Goals Per Game | 1.89 |
Another Frustrating Afternoon At The Madejski
22 August 2015
By Hob Nob Anyone?
Reading fans had to endure another frustrating afternoon at the Madejski Stadium as they saw their team dominate a recently promoted side of limited ability but fail to find that crucial goal to chalk their much needed first league win of the season.
Steve Clarke opted for a slightly more adventurous 4-4-2 formation pushing Robson-Kanu further forward to support Sa who has looked isolated in recent games. In terms of chances created it proved more successful than formation employed in the previous goalless home draw against Leeds, but weak finishing was the telling factor once again. Quinn and Robson-Kanu spurned good opportunities in the first half as did Norwood and Tshibola in the second as Reading did everything right apart from finish.
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Royals Favourites For First League Win Against MK Dons
21 August 2015
By Hob Nob Anyone?
Reading are on the hunt for their first league win of the season as MK Dons visit the Madejski Stadium this weekend. The visitors are fourth in the early league table after picking up two
wins from their opening three league fixtures. They opened their campaign with a convincing 4-1 away win at Rotherham, before a 1-0 home defeat to Preston was followed by this week's 1-0 victory
over Bolton.
Reading opened with the 1-2 defeat at Birmingham, played out a dull 0-0 draw with Leeds before Wednesday's disappointment at Sheffield Wednesday. Danny Williams looked to have earnt Reading
the full three points before Jonathan Bond gifted the home side a late equaliser after dropping the ball six yards out under little pressure. The 1-1 draw means Reading have collected just
two points out of a possible nine and are in a familiar territory in the bottom third of the Championship table.
After a very busy summer in the transfer market, the Royals have added Spanish midfielder Alex Hernandez to the squad this week after he arrived on loan from Espanyol. Hernandez is due to stay for the rest of the season and joins winger Paolo Hurtado looking to earn a first appearance in the blue and white hoops. Hurtado is not expected to start as he looks to improve on fitness before making
his full debut. Although it's early in the season, Reading still have an extensive injury list. Dominic Samuel is still recovering with a knee injury. Pavel Pogrebnyak and Garath McCleary are closer to a return but remain doubtful. Reading boss Steve Clarke could have the much hyped Tariqe Fosu available again.
There's no history between Reading and MK Dons. This will be our first fixture against the side who were very dubiously formed to take the place of Wimbledon. Wimbledon were forced to start again to earn their rightful place back in the football league. It's difficult to forget history, and so there are few games I'd like to win more than this one this season after the disappointment of MK Dons getting promoted out of League One last season. It must be difficult living in Milton Keynes and choosing to support your local professional side.
The Royals are 6/5 to beat high-flying MK Dons tomorrow - can we pick up our first three points of the season to close the gap between us and Karl Robinson's side, who start the weekend in the playoffs?
It's early days but Orlando Sa has already missed a couple of easy chances - can he get on the scoresheet for the first time since joining Reading?
Whatever you predict to happen there's a bet365 free bet up for grabs before Saturday's game.
Bond Mistake Gifts Wednesday Share Of Points
20 August 2015
By Hob Nob Anyone?
As Hillsborough emptied Jonathan Bond did his Father Christmas act in the last minute and gifted Modou Sougou with a simple finish, allowing Sheffield Wednesday to snatch an underserved point. It was a crushing mistake that left the Royals fans and players devastated.
Reading had dominated proceedings from start to finish in a near perfect display. They defensively look solid, with McShane and Ferdinand controlling the back four. The midfield was busy and knocked the ball around with comfort and precision. The front two worked tireless and created plenty of openings. It was a game that Reading FC should have won comfortably.
Following Saturday's draw with Leeds, Obita was surprisingly dropped for Taylor. Tshibola returned into midfield as Blackman dropped to the bench. Ferdinand, quite rightly, retained his starting berth and Fosu was named as a substitute as he returns from injury.
With my ex-wife having more width than the Reading line up you feared that Reading lacked the cutting edge and pace to create and convert chances. Unfortunately that appeared to be case as Reading failed to score any more than one of their fifteen chances. Jonathan Bond's mistake could have been overlooked slightly if the Royals had taken advantage of the opportunities created.
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Review: Honours Even In Uninspiring 0-0 Draw
17 August 2015
By Alex Bower
On Reading's opening home game of the new season, ultimately it was the build-up that was of more interest than the main event. At times it felt as if we had travelled to Reading but been transported to another part of the world.
First there was the Eurovision-esque Reading song together with accompanying music video which I hate to say was actually surprisingly catchy (there is already a love/hate relationship starting there). Then the shareholders made their grand entrance and lined the centre of the pitch as Sasima Srivikorn took centre stage to address the crowd. Sadly her speech was expectedly drowned out by the Leeds' fans chants but it was nice to see her make the effort nonetheless. It was certainly something Anton Zingarevich would not have considered doing in a million years. As a fond farewell before they departed back to their box, each member came over to different parts of the crowd and threw out signed Reading footballs- a nice touch.
The best bit of all, however, were the pyrotechnics. Yes you read that right, PYROTECHNICS. It was a sight that one expects at concerts or big American Football games on the world stage. But no, here at Reading v Leeds we had pyrotechnics. None of it could be described as a necessity and it is certainly something we don't see in English football even at the highest level. What can be said, however, is that it certainly helped create an atmosphere in the Madejski (at least for a few minutes). It is a shame, therefore, that the game itself could not live up to its build up.
There were only two changes made by Steve Clarke from the side that faced Colchester during the week. Jonathan Bond came in for Ali Al-Habsi in goal, while Jordan Obita replaced Andrew Taylor in the starting line-up. Uwe Rosler, meanwhile, made six changes to his side after their Capital One Cup defeat to Doncaster Rovers on Thursday.
"My players dug deep to get the result. We had fantastic support from our supporters- they realise the schedule we have and we are desperate to give them something back." - Leeds Manager, Uwe Rosler
The game was by and large underwhelming with chances very much at a premium, but had a decision in the second minute gone the correct way then things could have been a lot different. Hal Robson-Kanu was in on goal before Leeds Captain Sol Bamba dangerously and wildly hacked the Reading midfielder down. It was a tackle that was ultimately punished with a yellow card, but the Reading players, fans and later even the Leeds' Manager himself all felt that it was a red card offence. This decision was the first of many that referee Christopher Kavanagh seemed to get wrong on the day and it is hopefully an experience he will learn from for the sakes of those involved in the future games he referees.
Thinking back on the game, it is very difficult to remember any particular chances that stand out (or in fact any chances for either side at all). The game was very stop-start, with fouls not being given one way and then miraculously given to the opposition just a few seconds later. It also seemed as if a lot of effort was being put in by both teams but to no avail. Reading did seem to rely less upon their past "hoof-and-hope" approach, however, with more attempts to pass the ball on the ground a welcome sight.
The predictable issue arose in the final third. Orlando Sa showed some great promise in holding up the ball but there is only so long that you can retain possession on your own against an entire Leeds defence. The Reading striker also found it difficult, more often than not, to win the ball from the impressively bulky Bamba in aerial battles; Something that would not have been an issue for the home side had the card colour been different early on. Due to the lack of wingers in the squad at the moment Sa also often found himself on the wing, subsequently leaving limited options in the box. Until Reading get the likes of Garath McCleary, Tariqe Fosu and Paolo Hurtado in the squad and up to match fitness, you feel it is an area that they will continue to struggle in.
This being said there were a few chances, albeit none that were clear cut. Orlando Sa potentially had the best, with his attempt from the left only finding the side netting. Jordan Obita also had a late chance with a free-kick but his effort was lacking any real pace and was saved fairly comfortably by Marco Silvestri in the Leeds goal.
Leeds had a few chances themselves. Stuart Dallas had a couple of chances in the first half but his early shot was gathered by Jonathan Bond and his latter back-post header flew over the bar. Their best chance, however, fell to Chris Wood whose impressive dipping half-volley also flew just over. In a game where both sides only managed to accumulate four shots on target between them, there was little for Silvestri and Bond to do in either goal.
The match will certainly not be remembered for the quality of football on show but instead for how football can bring people together. It was announced earlier this week that Academy Manager Eamonn Dolan is currently undergoing chemotherapy after having a tumour removed from his bladder. Following a Twitter campaign and the subsequent creation of #21ForDolan, over 20,000 fans rose to their feet on the 21st minute of the game to give him a standing ovation. It was a touching moment and one that will have certainly made people proud of the game they support.
"But the positives are another clean sheet and that the team was solid, and it's one point more than we had out of these two fixtures last year. I know it's only a small crumb, but it's a fact" - Reading Manager Steve Clarke
One thing that Reading fans have become adept at is finding the positives in disappointing situations (maybe it is something that Nigel Adkins instilled prior to his departure). Offensively everyone is aware that Reading are currently not up to scratch. Having central-midfielders like Danny Williams operating on the wings isn't currently working, despite his infallible work rate, but Clarke has little option until he has more players at his disposal.
The area of the pitch that is currently looking impressive, however, is the defence. With the pace of Chris Gunter and Jordan Obita on the flanks, the strength of Paul McShane and a revitalised Anton Ferdinand in the centre and the added option of Michael Hector on the bench, Reading have a defence to be envied. When little is being created at the other end, however, the increased pressure on the back four is not welcomed.
One player that I feel I must highlight, however, is Robson-Kanu. Every fan will be aware of the ever consistent turmoil surrounding the Wales International and I try to remain optimistic that he will be able to demonstrate the form that he is able to summon for his country for Reading but he is yet to impress. I know it is early in the season and I know that he has just returned from injury, but apart from his early run, he just seemed to become increasingly lethargic on the wing. Offensively he didn't break with much pace (especially when compared to the zippy Obita) and defensively he struggled to keep up when Leeds countered. As for the foul count, I think the number of free-kicks conceded must have outweighed the number of passes completed.
This being said, it is clear that there is certainly a foundation to build upon. The calibre of players now (and soon) at the club on paper makes for impressive reading. What is yet to be seen, however, is how the group will gel and how effectively they will be able to create chances in the final third as the season goes on. While it is too soon to judge the potential outcome of the season, you can sense that if Clarke is not able to entice a striker by the end of the window the end product will continue to be hard to come by.
All in all, the performance was not overly inspiring but it saw Reading get their first point on the board. The Reading of last season would have probably held on until the final few minutes and then conceded a goal to the dismay of the home crowd. Being able to keep a clean sheet at home is at least progress. Now all the Royals need to do is start scoring goals. Easy enough. Right?...
First Point After Home Bore Draw With Leeds
16 August 2015
By Hob Nob Anyone?
With the flurry of activity in the summer transfer window, expectations were raised, and a good crowd turned up for the first home game of the season. After the pre match appearance of the shareholders on the pitch, and a rambling speech on their behalf, which was drowned out by noise from the huge contingent of travelling fans, the real business of the afternoon got under way. It proved, as often it does on such occasions, to be an anti-climax. In an uneventful afternoon Reading never looked like conceding or scoring. Managers will always talk about positives, and Reading did look rock solid in defence, but in terms of entertainment it was disappointing afternoon. It is far too early to judge how well the current group of players will shape up over the season. There is certainly a strong foundation upon which to build but sooner or later the Royals are going to find the back of the net with greater frequency to stand any chance of a top six finish.
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Reading Kick-Off Home Campaign
16 August 2015
By Alex Bower
Football has finally returned to the Madejski Stadium. The new Championship season commenced last weekend, with Reading just losing out on any points in an undeserved 2-1 defeat to Birmingham City. Since then the Royals have booked their place in the second round of the Capital One Cup, defeating Colchester United in extra-time courtesy of a collector's item of a goal from Chris Gunter.
Reading's next opponents, and first to the home ground this season, are Leeds United. Last season the equivalent fixture ended with a 2-0 victory for Leeds during a period where Reading struggled to find their home form. Reading fans and players alike will be hoping that they have moved on since then and hit the ground running this season at the Madejski. With Leeds only having two recovery days following their defeat in penalties to Doncaster Rovers (a game where they played a fair portion with ten men) the Reading squad should be in a better state going into Sunday.
"We aren't going to settle on the level of performance we've had this week- we want to use that as a base and say 'let's get better'. We're trying to improve game to game, and I think the longer the squad is together, we'll only improve."- Reading Manager, Steve Clarke
One exciting piece of news going into the weekend was the signing of Paolo Hurtado. While he is not a striker, Hurtado has the potential to make an impact out wide in an area that Reading have recently been struggling in. The Leeds game will come too early for him, however, as he is still requiring a work permit. As a result, who Steve Clarke opts with in the wide positions will once again be interesting.
News from Clarke during his latest press conference suggests that the team will be relatively unchanged from the one that opened against Birmingham last week. Pavel Pogrebnyak, Garath McCleary and Tariqe Fosu all remain injured, while Dominic Samuel has been added to the list following his worrying injury against Colchester. The departure of Hope Akpan on a permanent basis to Blackburn and Jake Taylor on loan to Motherwell means that even fewer players will be available. While the squad is currently a little on the light side, there is enough quality in the ranks to hopefully take all three points.
"It's not good to be physically tired and also mentally- we need to pick up the players and the players have to pick themselves up."- Leeds United Manager, Uwe Rosler
Leeds, meanwhile, will not be able to call upon Lewis Cook following his red card and subsequent three-game suspension against Doncaster in the cup. With his squad having to play over two hours of football, over an hour of that being with ten men, changes from Thursday's squad will be expected. Leeds fans have completely sold out their allocation for the game so an atmosphere will be present no matter the result.
While the match itself is excitement enough, Reading fans have co-owner Sasima Srivikorn's self-penned song to look forward to prior to kick-off. The moment that will have the most resonance with fans, however, is the minute of applause for Eamonn Dolan. #21ForDolan quickly emerged following news of his chemotherapy and fans from both sides are set to emphatically support the Reading Academy Manager. As Clarke has said, "He is a good friend, and when your friends are down, you back them up. So we're all right behind Eamonn."
With the added meaning behind this game for the home side, it would be even more special for Reading to get all three points. Starting the new home season on the front foot is vitally important, especially if the team want to get the fans back on side after last season's performances at the Madejski. No matter the result this will be a match to remember, but Reading would appear to be the team with the edge.
Pompey In League Cup Round Two
14 August 2015
By Hob Nob Anyone?
Reading will face Portsmouth at Fratton Park in the second round of the League Cup following our first round victory over Colchester United. The second round game will take place in Portsmouth on 25 August 2015. Portsmouth, once a force in English football, find themselves in League Two following their recent downturn in fortunes. However they did pull off a first round shock in the competition - beating Derby County 2-1 at home, while Reading just about navigated through thanks to Chris Gunter's late 115th minute goal in Colchester.
Meanwhile, Reading will be looking for their first league points of the season this weekend as Leeds United visit for the Madejski Stadium's first fixture of the new campaign. Leeds have one more point than Reading after drawing 1-1 at home to Burnley on the opening day of the season. The Royals will be hoping to avoid a repeat of the home fixture last February when Leeds picked up a two goal victory without reply.
| Reading and Leeds - Head to head record (since August 1994) | |
| Games Between Reading and Leeds | 14 |
| Reading Wins | 5 |
| Leeds Wins | 3 |
| Draws | 6 |
| Reading Goals | 16 |
| Leeds Goals | 14 |
| Average Goals Per Game | 2.14 |
Paolo Hurtado Signing Confirmed
13 August 2015
By Hob Nob Anyone?
Reading have completed the signing of Peru International winger Cristopher Paolo Cesar Hurtado Huertas - shortly known as Paolo Hurtado.
The 25 year old arrives on a three year contract from Portuguese based team Pacos de Ferreira. As is the standard for Reading's recent arrivals he signs for an "undisclosed fee" - however it is
expected to be a substantial figure as Reading continue to build their new look squad. After early pre-season panic about an ever reducing squad Hurtado is another signing on what has become
an ever growing list of new players as the Royals look virtually unrecognisable to last season.
Hurtado is described as an exciting pacy winger who can play on either side, and has also played up front. As well as being creative he has the ability to score goals -
something that has been serious missing from Reading's strikers over the last season. Hurtado arrives from Portugal but has also had a loan spell in Uruguay, playing for Penarol. Add in his
time in his home country at Alianza Lima and Juan Aurich and he arrives in Reading with some good professional experience under his belt. He has appeared 20 times for his country scoring two goals -
one of which was the winner for Peru against Venezuela in a September 2013 World Cup qualifier.
Hurtado's signing has been rumoured for some weeks and Steve Clarke confirmed that the club have been tracking the playing for some time: "Paolo Hurtado is a player that we have been following since January. He is a creative player who can play off either side of the pitch. As well as creating chances for others, Paolo also has an eye for a goal." It is not yet clear if all the appropriate clearance will be received to enable him to make his debut this weekend when Leeds United visit the Madejski Stadium this Sunday for Reading's first home fixture.
Late Gunter Goal Prevents Penalties At Colchester
11 August 2015
By Hob Nob Anyone?
Reading scored a late extra time goal at Colchester United to record victory in the first round of the League Cup this evening. Chris Gunter was the unlikely goal scorer with 115 minutes on the clock after a goalless first 90 minutes. Oliver Norwood was the provider with an excellent ball that saw Gunter produce a quality finish to make it 1-0 to the Royals and prevent the lottery of a penalty shootout.
Reading should have been ahead in the first half after making a few decent chances but failed to take their chances. The second half of the normal ninety saw a very disappointing performance from both sides lacking in any real quality. The home side improved in the second period of extra time and might have scored themselves before Gunter's decisive winner with time running out.
Although Reading only scraped through against lower league opposition it will be good for the side to record their first win of the 2015/2016 season. Anton Ferdinand not only started for Reading but played the entire 120 minutes. Al Habsi recorded his first competitive start for the Royals and was only needed to make a couple of saves in a mixed performance. New loanee from Wigan, left back Andrew Taylor also made his first start for the club. However, there was some bad news for Reading with the promising Dominic Samuel leaving the pitch to what appeared to be a serious injury.
Akpan And Taylor Depart
11 August 2015
By Hob Nob Anyone?
Hope Akpan and Jake Taylor have completed permanent and loan transfers away from Reading respectively. Midfielder Akpan joins Championship team Blackburn Rovers on a free transfer, where he has agreed a two year deal with the club. Meanwhile Jake Taylor has signed on loan, until the end of the season, for Scottish side Motherwell.
Both Akpan and Taylor have been in and out of the Reading team recently and appear to be surplus to requirements at Reading FC, despite clocking up plenty of appearances during the last season.
Akpan made 24 appearances for the Royals last term, but his career at Reading saw him on the bench more frequently than in the starting eleven - an experience shared with Jake Taylor. Akpan turned professional at Everton before moving to Crawley. He joined Reading in January 2013, from Crawley, and made a total of 63 appearances for the Royals scoring 1 goal.
Taylor has been on Reading's books since he was a youth player but has spent most of his career out on loan. After starting last season as a first team regular and also making appearances for Wales, he found opportunities limited under new manager Steve Clarke. He finished last season on loan at Leyton Orient and has also had loan spells at Cheltenham, Exeter and Aldershot.
Taylor was an unused substitute during Saturday's first game of the new Championship season, when Reading were defeated 1-2 at Birmingham City. Speaking about his move Taylor said, "I am coming to Motherwell with the aim of getting as much game time as possible and to help the team. I've had a good pre-season down at Reading, played a few games and I feel fit and ready to go."
Preview: Royals Start Capital One Cup Journey
11 August 2015
By Alex Bower
After a disappointing result against Birmingham City in the opening game of the Championship season, Reading FC will be keen on bouncing back immediately. The Royals take on League One side Colchester United in the first round of the Capital One Cup and will be optimistic of advancing in the competition.
Reading will feel hard done by after their 2-1 defeat at St. Andrews, with Aaron Tshibola being denied a debut equalising goal despite the ball crossing the line and with encroachment during a late penalty not being spotted by the referee. The Royals managed to amass twenty attempts on goal during the game, a welcome statistic bearing in mind last season's attacking limitations. With only seven of them being on target, however, there is still clearly room for improvement.
There are positives to be taken. Paul McShane and Steven Quinn seem to have settled in well. Tshibola made a strong debut and last season's loan spell certainly did him the world of good. Nick Blackman continued his pre-season form with a nicely taken headed goal. Oliver Norwood seems to be off to an impressive start and despite his penalty miss, Orlando Sa also showed glimmers of promise especially when holding up the ball. It is clear, however, that Reading are a side that still need another attacking threat and need to get players like Garath McCleary and Tariqe Fosu back in the side if they are to have any hope of threatening out wide.
In terms of the starting line-up, this is Clarke's opportunity to give other members of the squad game time. Ali Al-Habsi will be expected to start in goal having not featured against Birmingham. Anton Ferdinand was one player who was unlucky to miss out on a place in the team in the last match, but will also probably line up for the Royals this time out. It would also be a great time to hand Andrew Taylor his debut for the side. Orlando Sa could be set to start from the bench following his lengthy appearance in the last game, with Dominic Samuel, Simon Cox and Hal Robson-Kanu all in contention to start from the off.
Colchester, meanwhile, only just managed to avoid relegation from League One on the final day of last season. At the start of the new season, they were able to save a point against relegated Championship side Blackpool. Darren Ambrose scored in his Colchester debut and he will be one of the key experienced players for the side going into the cup game.
On paper, Reading's squad is of a much higher calibre even when taking the U-21 players and current injuries into consideration. As we all know far too well, however, cup games can genuinely go either way. This being said, I feel Reading will have enough to get through this game easily even this early on in the season (let's hope that statement doesn't come back to haunt me).
Season Underway With Defeat At Birmingham
08 August 2015
By Hob Nob Anyone?
Reading FC's season started in a similar vein to the last with a promising but ultimately frustrating and fruitless result at St Andrews. A last minute Orlanda Sa penalty was saved by Tomasz Kuszczak as the Blues held on to a slender and dramatic 2-1 victory.
Having the majority of possession and chances, 19 shots to 5, Reading will feel they should have come away with at least a point. Unfortunately it once again highlighted that the Royals lack a clinical edge and the ability to keep a clean sheet. Steve Clarke needs to address both requirements if they are to mount any kind of promotion challenge.
On the whole, you could claim positives from the performance. For the majority the Royals were the better team and dominated the game. However a lack of concentration and composure before and after half time resulted in the Royals chasing a match they otherwise should have controlled. A result that leaves Reading with a disappointing statistic of 2 wins in the last 15 games.
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Preview: New Season Starts At Birmingham
07 August 2015
By Alex Bower
After much anticipation, several new signings and a productive pre-season, Reading FC get their new campaign off to a start against Birmingham City on Saturday afternoon. Having finished in 19th in the Championship last season, everyone involved at the club will be focused on getting off to a good start and finishing as high up the table as possible. Birmingham City, meanwhile, finished in 10th last season and will be hoping for an even better performance this time around.
"Birmingham are a good team... They are a threat on the counter attack and from set-pieces and they are always a formidable opposition when playing at St. Andrew's."- Steve Clarke, Reading FC Manager
Reading have had a busy summer so far with both major arrivals and departures in the ranks. Adam Federici, Alex Pearce and Jem Karacan have been amongst those who have left the club, but the arrival of Stephen Quinn, Paul McShane, Jonathan Bond and Ali Al-Habsi earlier this summer has boosted spirits. Together with the emergence of Tariqe Fosu, the return of players such as Dominic Samuel and Aaron Tshibola from loan and more signings on the horizon, the squad is looking to be in decent shape.
Birmingham City have had a few of their own departures, notably Nikola Zigic and Darren Randolph, but arguably the best deal of the Summer for the side was holding onto Reading transfer target Clayton Donaldson. The striker will be hoping to better his performance from last season where he scored 16 goals in all competitions. Birmingham also have several new players available for selection including ex-Manchester United goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak, Maikel Kieftenbeld, Jacques Maghoma, Adam Legzdins and Arsenal loanee Jon Toral.
Reading will be keen to get their season off to a winning start, but they will also want to get revenge over a Blues team that embarrassed them in the corresponding fixture last year. The Royals were thrashed 6-1 at St. Andrew's in 2014, with Demarai Gray getting a first-half hat-trick. Things weren't much better for Reading in the reverse fixture, with Donaldson coming up with the winner in a game that finished 1-0.
Demarai Gray will be one to watch out for once again if he lines up for the Blues on Saturday. The winger has already shown what he is capable of against Reading, and he also scored in Birmingham's pre-season game against Leicester. His pace in particular will be a real concern for the away side and if given a chance he will not think twice about having an attempt on goal.
"It's the first game of the season, we're at home, we've got to focus on what we do well."- Gary Rowett, Birmingham City Manager
The Reading team is by-no-means cemented and several injuries mean that places are up for grabs in the starting line-up. Pavel Pogrebnyak and Garath McCleary are both definitely ruled out and it is the latter's injury that is the most disappointing for fans.
As one of the biggest earners and most experienced strikers, Pogrebnyak is a player that Reading could have done with being in the squad. McCleary, meanwhile, is a player that Reading would certainly have wanted for selection due to his speed and creativity, but will miss out due to an injury sustained during his time with Jamaica in the Gold Cup.
Another who may still miss out is Hal Robson-Kanu and doing so will not do him any favours. Voted by fans in a "Get Reading" survey as the one who has most to prove in the up-coming season, missing the first game is less than ideal. Having returned to training during the week, however, he may still be able to make the squad. Tariqe Fosu (if he has recovered from his knock), Aaron Tshibola and Nick Blackman will be hoping that their pre-season performances have earned them a place in the starting line-up.
In terms of squad selection it will also be interesting to see who Clarke opts with in several key areas of the pitch. Reading had a stand-out number one last season in the form of Federici, but this season it is not so clear-cut. With Al-Habsi and Bond both featuring in pre-season either could line up for the Royals at the weekend. Bond has taken the number 1 shirt while Al-Habsi has gone with 26. Numerically Bond would therefore seem the first choice. What is nice, however, is the fact that Clarke has two strong choices at the back that could both do the job well for Reading.
Central defence is another where the manager has several options. New #8 Michael Hector is almost guaranteed to take one of the places due to a highly impressive season last year, while Anton Ferdinand and Paul McShane will be left to fight over the second spot. There are questions over McShane's match fitness and Ferdinand has impressed thus far in pre-season so it will probably be the latter that starts against Birmingham. The new signing at left-back, Andrew Taylor, could also be included in the squad.
The main concern for Clarke will be up-front. Everyone involved with the club will be aware of the lack of a clinical striker last season and it is something that he has attempted to rectify. Going into the Birmingham game, however, it is still a worry. With Pogrebnyak injured, Clarke will probably opt with Orlando Sa, despite not being up to speed. Blackman has had an impressive pre-season but may be asked to operate out wide, especially with the current squad absences. Clarke will also have the option of Samuel but it may be too soon to rely on him as potentially the sole striker, at least from the off. As for Simon Cox, his future with the club seems to be precarious. Compare Reading's current crop of strikers with Birmingham's, and the Royals may be at a disadvantage. This could, however, be a great opportunity for players to stake a claim for a permanent starting spot in the squad even with the potential for a new signing.
While there may be a few concerns heading into the first game, there is an overriding sense of excitement that is associated with the beginning of a new season. Having sold-out their initial allocation for the game, a large number of Reading fans will be there to support the team and hopefully help them on their way to the first victory of the season. With everyone starting on a level playing field, this is Reading's chance to set a precedent for the rest of the season by getting all three points.