Reading Build Up And Match Thread

[Northant Saint]

Although I'm usually quite a positive fan, I do feel quite concerned. We have no where near the strength and depth of last year and are key players are currently out. Unless things change fast (key players coming back in/new players signed, PARTICULARLY A CM) I can see us having a rather disappointing start to the season, probably starting with Plymouth

[WealdSaint]

Maybe AP was trying to show NC the difference between his first team & his reserves today

[sfc4prem]

We have no where near the strength and depth of last year

 

So two players, Antonio and Waigo, leaving, and 3 players (Dickson, Butterfield and Richardson) coming in equates to us being "no where near" the depth we had last season? Ok...

 

I agree that we need more attacking options, but let's not over-exaggerate here.

[Matthew Le God]

From the official Reading FC website

 

Make no mistake though, this was a hard-fought victory against a Saints side who were in the ascendancy for much of the game.

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

So two players, Antonio and Waigo, leaving, and 3 players (Dickson, Butterfield and Richardson) coming in equates to us being "no where near" the depth we had last season? Ok...

 

 

This is a valuable contribution .

 

You see I was labouring under the impression that the actual figure's were :

 

15 players out

3 players in

 

Now I know that that is all wrong I suddenly feel much more relaxed about the situation .

[S-Clarke]

This is a valuable contribution .

 

You see I was labouring under the impression that the actual figure's were :

 

15 players out

3 players in

 

Now I know that that is all wrong I suddenly feel much more relaxed about the situation .

 

That is such a silly way of looking at it.

 

now let's see who left -

 

Lloyd James - Replaced by Butterflied and Richardson

Simon Gillett - wasn't anywhere near the team and wouldn't have played if he was here, but we do need an extra CM.

Oliver Lancashire - wasn't anywhere near the team and his departure has allowed Rancie and Tazfoli (sp) to come into the team

Chris Perry - He was really replaced by Fonte/Seaborne in january - he didn't get a look in after that

Wayne Thomas - " "

Graeme Murty - injured and crocked, + we signed 2 more RB's.

Jamie White - no where near the first team, no loss

Michael Poke - no where near the first team, no loss

Jon Otsemobor - not very good, replaced by 2 good players

Jake Thomson - no where near the first team, no loss

Kayne McLaggon - no where near the first team, no loss

Tom Dunford - no where near the first team, no loss

Jack Boyle - no where near the first team, no loss.

 

So what's the problem? I guess the 15 players out figure just makes your argument look much more dramatic, when in reality the majority of the players that left wouldn't get into a L2 team.

[Causer]

Just back from the game. Very good attacking performance in the first 65 mins with some fantastic passing and movement. Barnard was linking up very well with Hammond and Dickson and Butterfield getting forward well. Defensively we looked suspect though with Mcanuff causing problems. Jaidi was being very clumsy and Fonte should have won the ball for the goal although Wotton sliding at him hardly helped the situation. Wotton and Hammond could not cover enough ground to protect the defence adequately and they had to resort to giving away free kicks to break up the play. After 65 mins the game became completely irrelavent as academy player after academy player came on for a cameo.

Overall it was encouraging especially when you consider how many players will come back into the team.

[Toomer]

At 2-1 up we looked good and were comfortable, then came the wholesale changes as others have said don't read to much into the last 30 mins.

[Viking Warrior]

Its interesting some of the moaners comments on here. And I thank those who are now starting to post after being at the game

I have just logged on to the saints list and read Herbies Match report. It makes very refreshing reading. for the first 60 minutes he states we were the better side. It was only when the changes were made that the team suddenly lost its shape

He thinks on what he saw to day that Reading may well struggle in the CCC. one interesting comment he made was that he thought Fonte and Jaidi were solid at the back

So based on herbies assessment and some other listees comments. I am not at all worried about the comming season. but i reserve the right to change my mind if things start to go pear shape mid term

[alpine_saint]

This is a valuable contribution .

 

You see I was labouring under the impression that the actual figure's were :

 

15 players out

3 players in

 

Now I know that that is all wrong I suddenly feel much more relaxed about the situation .

 

I dont agree with this, it is not about numbers. 10 of that 15 would never have got a look in ever again anyway.

 

But the fact that we drew 0-0 with Oldham and saw the playoffs disappear due to suspension of Morgan, and that we couldnt unlock the likes of Exeter and Wycombe even with Lallana, Puncheon, Antonio and Papa and now two of them are gone, leaves me with apprehension for this season.

[WATERSIDEIFASAINT]

We have lost Antonio,Papa,James,Semi,Thomas,Perry,Murty & Gillett from our 1st team squad.

 

Semi & Murty have been replaced by Richardson & Butterfield.

 

We have Dickson covering the left hand side.

 

So Antonio,Papa and James/Gillet need replacing which is basically what most people have been saying throughout the summer.

 

Thomas & Perry were basically replaced in January.

 

Hopefully a few of the youngsters like OC & Martin can also make the step up.

 

Why was Holmes not in the squad today? Not injured again!!!!?

[lethallee]

my bro feels a bit ripped off paying £15 to watch a bunch of youth players plus Pulis come on. all for giving youth a chance but its important we have confidence ahead of plymouth game. before subs were made it was even game and saints were well in the game. shame AP made so many changes. typically goes flat once that happens.

 

Pulis and Wotton in midfield surrounded by youth players not exactly getting money's worth but I will let AP off due to the injuries !!

[CHAPEL END CHARLIE]

That is such a silly way of looking at it.

 

now let's see who left -

 

Lloyd James - Replaced by Butterflied and Richardson

Simon Gillett - wasn't anywhere near the team and wouldn't have played if he was here, but we do need an extra CM.

Oliver Lancashire - wasn't anywhere near the team and his departure has allowed Rancie and Tazfoli (sp) to come into the team

Chris Perry - He was really replaced by Fonte/Seaborne in january - he didn't get a look in after that

Wayne Thomas - " "

Graeme Murty - injured and crocked, + we signed 2 more RB's.

Jamie White - no where near the first team, no loss

Michael Poke - no where near the first team, no loss

Jon Otsemobor - not very good, replaced by 2 good players

Jake Thomson - no where near the first team, no loss

Kayne McLaggon - no where near the first team, no loss

Tom Dunford - no where near the first team, no loss

Jack Boyle - no where near the first team, no loss.

 

So what's the problem? I guess the 15 players out figure just makes your argument look much more dramatic, when in reality the majority of the players that left wouldn't get into a L2 team.

 

You forgot to mention two rather good loan signings (Papa Waigo & Michail Antonio) who have also left the squad . From the above list our 3 new defenders are going to busier than a one-legged man in a ar3e kicking contest .

 

I take it you also don't place much store in the concept of 'strength in depth' then ? I would have thought players of the caliber of Wayne Thomas or Michail Antonio for instance might just have come in handy at some point in this coming season when first XI players receive the inevitable run of injuries and suspensions that are a routine part of any clubs season .

 

Are you or anybody else really happy with the size of the squad - I make it about 18 experienced players at the moment (including injuries)

 

Now who's really being silly here ?

Edited 31 July, 2010 by CHAPEL END CHARLIE

[SaintBobby]

I dont agree with this, it is not about numbers. 10 of that 15 would never have got a look in ever again anyway.

 

But the fact that we drew 0-0 with Oldham and saw the playoffs disappear due to suspension of Morgan, and that we couldnt unlock the likes of Exeter and Wycombe even with Lallana, Puncheon, Antonio and Papa and now two of them are gone, leaves me with apprehension for this season.

 

You're still really sore about that Wycombe result aren't you? :-)

[alpine_saint]

You're still really sore about that Wycombe result aren't you? :-)

 

It was synonomous with how our season played out. So much promise, so little delivery.

[Matthew Le God]

It was synonomous with how our season played out. So much promise, so little delivery.

 

Apart from earning only 3 fewer points than 2nd place?

[S-Clarke]

It was synonomous with how our season played out. So much promise, so little delivery.

 

Hang on alps, you've just made that up.

 

We delivered much more than was initially promised last season.

 

Surely we delivered much more than you believed too, as you had us down for a 16-18 finish.

[alpine_saint]

Hang on alps, you've just made that up.

 

We delivered much more than was initially promised last season.

 

Surely we delivered much more than you believed too, as you had us down for a 16-18 finish.

 

Totally disingenuous.

 

I made that prediction very early, before we started putting winning runs in October together. Of course that changed expectation - for many people.

 

I keep reading people like NickG banging on about 2 points per game. It would have been more if it wasnt for places like Wycombe. And we would have got into the playoffs then, where I am sure we would have blown the other teams away.

[Debm]

can someone ban alpine saint please ?

[SaintBobby]

Totally disingenuous.

 

I made that prediction very early, before we started putting winning runs in October together. Of course that changed expectation - for many people.

 

I keep reading people like NickG banging on about 2 points per game. It would have been more if it wasnt for places like Wycombe. And we would have got into the playoffs then, where I am sure we would have blown the other teams away.

 

What's your prediction for our finishing position this season?

 

Would it be reasonable to assume we will end up about ten places higher than this, given your prediction for last season was about ten places too low?

[Turkish]

Totally disingenuous.

 

I made that prediction very early, before we started putting winning runs in October together. Of course that changed expectation - for many people.

 

I keep reading people like NickG banging on about 2 points per game. It would have been more if it wasnt for places like Wycombe. And we would have got into the playoffs then, where I am sure we would have blown the other teams away.

 

and it would have been less if we hadn't beaten Norwich, MK Dons & Bristol Rovers away and Leeds, Huddersfield and Charlton at home.

[alpine_saint]

can someone ban alpine saint please ?

 

For what, exactly ?

[alpine_saint]

and it would have been less if we hadn't beaten Norwich, MK Dons & Bristol Rovers away and Leeds, Huddersfield and Charlton at home.

 

Strange, I would have expected being in the top 6 to mean results between those teams being close and able to go either way...

[alpine_saint]

What's your prediction for our finishing position this season?

 

Would it be reasonable to assume we will end up about ten places higher than this, given your prediction for last season was about ten places too low?

 

Playoffs.

[Turkish]

Totally disingenuous.

 

I made that prediction very early, before we started putting winning runs in October together. Of course that changed expectation - for many people.

 

I keep reading people like NickG banging on about 2 points per game. It would have been more if it wasnt for places like Wycombe. And we would have got into the playoffs then, where I am sure we would have blown the other teams away.

 

Surely only what happens in August matters and that we get off to a great start???

[Turkish]

Strange, I would have expected being in the top 6 to mean results between those teams being close and able to go either way...

 

but they didn't and we beat them all, two of which by scoring 5 goals.

[alpine_saint]

Surely only what happens in August matters and that we get off to a great start???

 

And I never said that either. Bit silly, that question.

 

If one were to assume there is a very real possibility of AP being sacked at Xmas if we are not there or thereabouts, his job becomes a helluvalot more difficult if we dont start making progress until October.

[alpine_saint]

but they didn't and we beat them all, two of which by scoring 5 goals.

 

Thought we lost to Leeds and Bristol Rovers ?

 

I notice you coveniently left out Swindon...

[grammy]

can someone ban alpine saint please ?

 

+1 He really is the most boring, depressing, irritating person on this forum bar none! Couldn't make it today but from reports of people who ATTENDED the game it seems that even without the likes of RL/ Spiderman/ Puncheon and Lallana we dominated against a strong Reading team and only lost by giving a few fringe players a run out in the last 20 mins. Surely even the most tedious and negative person can take some positives from that.

[doddisalegend]

interesting comment from a reading fan on 606 about the match

 

reading fan in peace

 

just to say that your squad is one of the, if not the best in League One

You gave us a shock in the first 60ish minutes

 

See you in the prem in 2012

 

Makes me feel better about the result

[SaintBobby]

Playoffs.

 

 

Gees. If you're predicting play-offs, we probably are nailed on to win the division.

 

Mind you, no team has ever entered the play-offs and been odds on to win them, so that should mean you think we'll still be in League One for the 2011-2012 season.

 

I dont. I'm confident of promotion - probably as champions, but maybe as runners-up.

[alpine_saint]

+1 He really is the most boring, depressing, irritating person on this forum bar none! Couldn't make it today but from reports of people who ATTENDED the game it seems that even without the likes of RL/ Spiderman/ Puncheon and Lallana we dominated against a strong Reading team and only lost by giving a few fringe players a run out in the last 20 mins. Surely even the most tedious and negative person can take some positives from that.

 

Not exactly a bannable offence though.

[Turkish]

Thought we lost to Leeds and Bristol Rovers ?

 

I notice you coveniently left out Swindon...

 

Er no, we beat Leeds 1-0 at SMS, lost up there 0-1. Beat Bristol Rovers 5-1, lost at home 2-3.

[EastleighSoulBoy]

Well, Ive got tickets in my usual season ticket seats in the Itchen, Block 4 so it wouldn't surprise me if the whole of the stadium was open.

 

We couldn't get our 'normal' seats in block 20 (Family Centre) as I was informed that that part was closed.

 

Haha, okay. I guess we'll see. Cheers to both of you.

 

Really looking forward to today, it's great to have football back. COYR!

 

Just a little correction! I was in the family centre today and I realised that although I thought our season tickets were in there they are actually in the Chapel and it was the Chapel which was closed off!

 

Apologies are in order!

[alpine_saint]

Er no, we beat Leeds 1-0 at SMS, lost up there 0-1. Beat Bristol Rovers 5-1, lost at home 2-3.

 

Yeah, so we lost to them. You tried to make out we beat the whole top 6 in every encounter.

 

Care to give a few words about Swindon ?

 

Or maybe Colchester ?

[Northant Saint]

So two players, Antonio and Waigo, leaving, and 3 players (Dickson, Butterfield and Richardson) coming in equates to us being "no where near" the depth we had last season? Ok...

 

I agree that we need more attacking options, but let's not over-exaggerate here.

 

All of which are wing backs, one of which I would argue wasnt exactly essential considering the present cover. Antonio and Papa were absolutely crucial in many of our wins last season, and as yet have not been replaced. The alarming fact is is that we are lacking squad players that can come into the team and do a job, and we are extremely thin all across the midfield. If, god forbid, Lambert picks up a lengthy injury, i can see us in big trouble this year. Having said that, a couple of new faces in the next couple of weeks could change the whole situation.

 

The grim reality right now is that this current team is weaker than that of the second half of last season. I think most fans would be lying if this was the pre-season that they had in mind.

[The Kraken]

All of which are wing backs, one of which I would argue wasnt exactly essential considering the present cover. Antonio and Papa were absolutely crucial in many of our wins last season, and as yet have not been replaced. The alarming fact is is that we are lacking squad players that can come into the team and do a job, and we are extremely thin all across the midfield. If, god forbid, Lambert picks up a lengthy injury, i can see us in big trouble this year. Having said that, a couple of new faces in the next couple of weeks could change the whole situation.

 

The grim reality right now is that this current team is weaker than that of the second half of last season. I think most fans would be lying if this was the pre-season that they had in mind.

 

Instead of using such a generalisation of your opinion, can you provide a list identifying which these "many" games were? Sure, there were a few games where Papa and Antonio made a difference but I'm struggling to think of "many" where they alone dragged us through for a win. Especially so as Antonio was injured for a good part of the second half of the season and the arrival of Puncheon nudged him much more to the sidelines, and Waigo was also only used sparingly from then too.

[Appy]

Yeah, so we lost to them. You tried to make out we beat the whole top 6 in every encounter.

 

Care to give a few words about Swindon ?

 

Or maybe Colchester ?

 

Or maybe you could share a few words about when we completely outplayed the champions in their own back yard? Your negativity is boring.

[Smirking_Saint]

interesting comment from a reading fan on 606 about the match

 

reading fan in peace

 

just to say that your squad is one of the, if not the best in League One

You gave us a shock in the first 60ish minutes

 

See you in the prem in 2012

 

Makes me feel better about the result

 

Yeah, on the Hob Nob forum they were saying how we looked good and should almost definately get promoted this year and would prob be a mid table NPC team.

 

Happy with that

[Northant Saint]

Instead of using such a generalisation of your opinion, can you provide a list identifying which these "many" games were? Sure, there were a few games where Papa and Antonio made a difference but I'm struggling to think of "many" where they alone dragged us through for a win. Especially so as Antonio was injured for a good part of the second half of the season and the arrival of Puncheon nudged him much more to the sidelines, and Waigo was also only used sparingly from then too.

 

Do you believe we would have got as many wins without them? Without trawling through a list, I am trying to emphasise that we have a lack of options at the moment.

[Saint_lambden]

Stat in the Telegraph on Sunday:

 

Saints win 79% of games that Lambert scores in

[trousers]

Stat in the Telegraph on Sunday:

 

Saints win 79% of games that Lambert scores in

 

Or, to put it in SaintsWeb Forum speak: "Saints lose nearly a quarter of all games that Lambert scores in. FFS"

 

;-)

[The Kraken]

Do you believe we would have got as many wins without them? Without trawling through a list, I am trying to emphasise that we have a lack of options at the moment.

 

As I stated in my post, I said that Antonio and Waigo certainly had a number of games where they were a big influence. However, your post states that there were "many" where they alone got us out of trouble, which I think enormously overstates the roles they played last year. Maybe you see it differently, which was why I asked you which particular games you were referring to.

 

And I don't believe we do have a lack of options; we are certainly missing those two from last year's squad but we also have a number of other options that we didn't have (Dickson LM, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Lee Holmes back from injury, Connolly back from injury, Mills is a year older and judging by Saturday's match seems to have upped his game since last season, Butterfield can play CM/RM, and the right back spot is more secure).

 

I still hope we'll sign either Antonio or a replacement for him (I won't miss Papa if Connolly stays fit though); But to me doesn't mean we're currently short of options, it simply means that at the moment we look ok and another signing would give us a whole wealth of options.