How do you sort that lot out?

I can't see a way forward with this squad. No amount of systems or tactics can make up for the fact that barring miraculous improvement from somewhere, these players barely look up to Championship football. Their reading of the game, anticipation and approach looked a full division below that of Swansea. It looked like a bunch of lads against experienced men, which in many respects it was. I would have thought that the likes of Collins, Helik and Styles would want to find a lifeboat to salvage their careers if any offers come in. Not too many of the rest look worth persevering with. But will the club sanction a large-scale revamp of the playing staff that produces a more balanced squad ahead of our League One campaign next season? Hard to see it, isn't it?

And what on earth is the agenda with the ground and facilities, with spurious stand closures, capricious extra inconveniences for supporters and secret discussions about ground-sharing? So many questions; so few answers.

 

I think some of our “big” names need to be dropped. They appear to think they’ve made the big time already and don’t have to graft like they used to. They appear to think they’re owed referee decisions. The scrap and the fight are not evident. Maybe it’s fitness, maybe it’s mindset…. But something needs to change.

 

I think a clear out is needed for once I'm looking forward to January hope some of our players agents have been busy lately. Apart from Collins I honestly wouldn't be bothered who went. I keep saying this but if watched some ***** over the years but last night with our 18% possesion 1 scuffed shot from cauley on target and Swanseas 800+ passes was something else. And if conway needs a hand packing his bags I'm here.

 

"But will the club sanction a large-scale revamp of the playing staff"
You can be very sure of that sentence!!....except i wouldn't use the word "revamp" as more "firesale".

 

Oh and in Jan rather than waiting until may.

 

Teamwork makes the dream work.
They’re playing like a bunch of strangers, they’ve all retreated into their own little worlds and it means no one is willing to work for the team. Consequently we look even worse then we are. The new boss has to get them playing as a unit for 90 minutes and then we’ll win some games, if he can’t find that team spirit no amount of fitness training and formation tinkering is going to help, we will continue to see embarrassing performances like last night.

 

The large scale revamp/fire sale relies on other clubs wanting to take on these players.

Long term contracts are fantastic when players are developing and increasing in value. Against a backdrop of Covid and relegation, this squad of players hardly look like an attractive transfer proposition.

 

We could have done if we paid for an experienced manager. Don't think Warnock would be afraid to drop anyone if he felt it was needed. Val 's tenure proved that they can work, press, play as a team. Our owners have done what they did with Stendel, killed the golden goose .

 

Tell you what though Helen, it makes you wonder if there is any 'influence' in the selection of the team?

 

I think Woodrow picks the team.

 

I honestly don’t know. All the energy that was so important under previous coaches seems to have evaporated. We can’t press, we can’t win the ball in midfield and we can’t pass it out from the back.

Not sure what we do with the midfield, it’s just too soft at the moment. Benson and Styles cannot win a tackle. Palmer is a bit better, but he can’t play 90 minutes. When negotiating his contract, they should agree what he’s worth based on his ability then offer him 6/9ths of it. Hondermarck, Gomes and probably even Brittain would be stronger, but i still doubt they’ll be good enough.

So we have a weak midfield, and no forwards that can press and keep us on the front foot. Not much you can do with that. It’s no wonder they tried to park the bus, and to be fair, they looked more organised than they ever were under Schopp. Anything like that defensive shape for the first 18 games and we’d have more points on the board and more confidence now. But too little too late now.

 

The weak link in the team is Moon. Get rid of him and we might have a chance.

 

We

We cant string 3 passes together either...confidence has gone.

 

Should be simple then....

 

Last season, Reading tried to employ much the same tactics as Swansea, passing it out leisurely from the back.

Under Val, this was snuffed out immediately, as our forwards were straight onto their defenders, preventing their build up. Reading then resorted to long balls which suited the likes of Helik and Andserson, who dealt with these easily.

Last night we stood off, allowing them to dictate the pace, and pass with great accuracy, with 81% possession. I can't understand why PA was satisfied with this, and at half time didn't change our approach.

As I saw it, it was only a matter of time before they scored, allowing them that huge amount of possession.

 

He chucked forwards on to try and the win the game. The irony was. At the time of the changes we were enjoying our best spell of the night. Stopping waiting for the free-kick for the foul on Morris was criminal though.

 

In league 1. A great league for us to rebuild and blood youngsters.

 

Can't blame it on just one player

 

The problem with League 1 is we aren't a League 1 club. We're in between. Hence the target will always be promotion.

 

His co cks ups all season have led to goals.