[BFC SITE] Barry Cotter Press Conference | Reading

Fixtures

• Reading Vs. Barnsley - Sat, May 03 2025, 15:00

Barry Cotter spoke to the media ahead of the final game of the 24/25 campaign against Reading in Sky Bet League One.

On attending Callum Simpson’s pre-fight press conference:

"Yeah, I did go to Callum's pre-fight press conference. I’m not just a fan of him as a boxer—he’s a mate of mine. It was a great turnout and the reception he gets is always class. It's good to see, not just for him, but for the town as well."

On his own boxing background:

"Boxing is definitely something I’ve been into alongside football. Growing up in Ireland, it's either boxing, GAA, or rugby. I did a bit of boxing in my early teens before focusing fully on football. My mother was definitely happy with that decision!"

On the similarities between boxing and football:

"They’re completely different environments. In boxing, you’re on your own—you make the mistakes, and you fix them yourself. In football, I’ve got 10 teammates around me. But both require consistency, hunger, and work ethic. Callum and I respect each other a lot on that level."

On sharing tips with Callum Simpson:

"It’s not so much about tricks, more about sharing experiences. We bounce off each other—stuff like nutrition, training methods. Some workouts are similar—we both need explosiveness, though I need mine lower-body focused. But yeah, I’m not trying to be top-heavy like him!"

On the mental aspect of sport:

"Mentally, I actually found football tougher than boxing. In boxing, you know right away if you can handle the spotlight. In football, if you're having a bad game, it’s about not hiding and getting yourself back into it. That can be harder than taking a punch, which might actually knock you back into focus. Can’t really get a punch to wake you up in football, unfortunately!"

On the Reading match and season end:

"Honestly, I'm just focused on the Reading game. I’ve only just come back from injury—got injured on New Year’s Day—so I’m buzzing to be back. We’re still in season mode. They’ve got something to play for with the playoffs, so we want to put in a strong performance and give Conor a real headache for the summer."

On injury and recovery:

"Yeah, it was a full rupture in the 93rd minute on New Year’s Day. I tried to run it off at first. Conor wasn’t in charge yet, but he was involved and told me straight, ‘You’re not right.’ Eventually, I got the scan, and it confirmed the rupture. But I’m grateful to the physio team—Dan, Molly, Sarah, Jelly, and Elliott—they were exceptional. Got me back three weeks ahead of schedule."

On working under manager Conor Hourihane:

"Having Conor in charge is huge. He’s got that Premier League and international experience. His attention to detail is different level. Whether it’s extra runs in training or keeping the changing room tidy, everyone contributes. It’s more of a family club now—those little 1% things really add up."

On positional changes and playing style:

"I’ve enjoyed being pushed further up the pitch. I get most of my joy in the final third—either creating or carrying the ball. I grew up as a winger, then converted to fullback at Ipswich. But Conor’s system suits me. I’d love to knuckle down and make the winger spot mine."

On adapting to a winger role:

"It’s refreshing. In League One, it’s usually chasing channel balls. Now I’m the one pressing. Still have to track back, of course, but I’m enjoying it. It’s all about the details—positioning, pressing triggers. It’s made me take back a few shouts I’ve given to wingers in the past!"

On learning the role:

"I love football, so I study a lot—both in training and by watching others. I was close with Daryl Dike, who had great attacking instincts, and now having Conor as manager, the learning environment is top-notch. I keep my head high and ears open."

On role models:

"There are so many top wingers in the game now. I don’t focus on just one. I look at things like Jota’s link-up play, or Raphinha’s work rate. You can learn from all kinds of players—even the pressing work from someone like Mount. It’s about taking bits from everywhere."

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Barry could well fit into Conors plans. Given he (Conor) prefers a back 4.
And may well figure wide midfield rather than wing back. He certainly caused problems against Shrewsbury and was my Motm. Although he does require shooting boots lol.

 

Please god we’re looking at better wide options than trying to convert Cotter into one , seems a great bloke to have around the dressing room but decision making leaves a lot to be desired.

 

I loved this interview. Barry reminds me of Mads, with his infectious upbeat attitude. Always smiling.

 

I know Barry’s played on the left wing in the last two games but realistically he’s not going to be cutting inside & curling shots into the far corner & his left foot isn’t good enough to play on that side.

I’d have him watching Jacob Murphy. Murphy is pacey, strong, direct & attacks the full back like an old school winger. That’s who he should model himself on if he’s going to be used as a winger.

He will get opportunities on that right hand side as I think it’s very unlikely that Jalo will stay fit & even if he somehow does there will be cup games & chances to prove his worth.