Halford Debut

[Huntley & Palmer]

The old boy next to me was moaning about Harper not being able to tackle. That was the first moan I have ever agreed with

[Yorkshire Royal]

I barely saw any of either Sidwell or Harper in the match..

[brendywendy]

actually theyve gone missing for the last three games havent they?
time for a shake up?

[Vision]

I barely saw any of either Sidwell or Harper in the match..

I saw a lot of Sidwell. Unfortunately 90% of the time it was giving the ball away.

All 4 midfielders were off their game yesterday. Simple as that.

[Huntley & Palmer]

actually theyve gone missing for the last three games havent they?
time for a shake up?

I would certainly advocate Gunnar replacing either Harps or Sidders. Was it me or did we shift to a central three when Oster came on, it seemed we lost all width as Blakey pushed more up front with Lita and Kitson and Oster certainly did not patrol the chalk line down the left

[Chaney]

its pretty obvious that Halfords first choice position will not be full back, its also so typical of Reading fans to slate a player and call him a waste of money after just 90 minutes

[Stranded]

its pretty obvious that Halfords first choice position will not be full back, its also so typical of Reading fans to slate a player and call him a waste of money after just 90 minutes

How is it obvious?

RB was his preferred position at Colchester and he's stated many times since joining the club is that what he sees himself as.

[rotherwick_royal]

typical of Reading fans to slate a player and call him a waste of money after just 90 minutes

So true! That was a tough game to come into for your premiership debut, and I think Spurs knew that and put him under as much pressure as possible. Yes he was off the pace (it was his first prem game), and he did look knackered at the end (lack of match fitness).

Give him a chance, I'm sure he'll come good. There were a few other experienced guys on our side yesterday who played worse than he did.

Spurs deserved their win - they were by far the better team - but that penalty was harsh on the lad.

[Huntley & Palmer]

its pretty obvious that Halfords first choice position will not be full back, its also so typical of Reading fans to slate a player and call him a waste of money after just 90 minutes

How is it obvious?

RB was his preferred position at Colchester and he's stated many times since joining the club is that what he sees himself as.

I think he might be better off as a wing back rather than right midfield or right back. Certainly, I think we will see him used more as a replacement for Murty than for Little

[Royalee]

Thought he looked a good prospect yesterday and he clearly has the talent. It was always going to be difficult coming into our defence in place of our captain against Spurs, let alone with a moron referee. I think he'll improve with every game and I wouldn't go along with those who say he isn't ready yet as he certainly wasn't the worst player in our back four yesterday.

[DelBoyRodders]

I barely saw any of either Sidwell or Harper in the match..

the more I watch Sidwell the more I am convinced he is the most overated player this club has ever had.

What does he ever do in a game that warrants pundits heaping praise on him and his demands for top wages?

What can he do that will add and improve another Premiership club when he joins in the summer?

His shooting is appalling and he gives the ball away reguarly. His goal return is rubbish as a result of his poor shooting.

It's obvious he believes in his own hype - hence his constant refusal to sign a new Reading deal.

He wasn't in our top 5 players last season and I don't really think he is this season.

If there is one player I think we could afford to lose then Siddy is that player.

I would be sad to see him go as he was part of something special last season and I will always recognise and appreciate the part he played, but I think if he goes we'll hardly notice he's gone.

There are far more important and influential players at this club who have signed extended deals. I am pleased that they have done that.

[RFCMod]

Quote of the day was a couple of Reading fans at Seven Sisters who thought Halford was "crap and a waste of money".

I heard similiar. "2 million for that shit ?, could have bought 20 Kevin Doyles for that!"

After coming back from the England it was great to hear a different set of supporters whinging

You're shit giraffe
Oh what a great comment that was

[Stranded]

its pretty obvious that Halfords first choice position will not be full back, its also so typical of Reading fans to slate a player and call him a waste of money after just 90 minutes

How is it obvious?

RB was his preferred position at Colchester and he's stated many times since joining the club is that what he sees himself as.

I think he might be better off as a wing back rather than right midfield or right back. Certainly, I think we will see him used more as a replacement for Murty than for Little

Possibly but for someone to say it's obvious RB isn't his first choice position clearly doesn't know much about the player and his career to date. It is currently his first choice position, wether we adapt him to a different role is another matter.

Personally I see him as being very similar to Murty, in that he will be a RB that will overlap the winger acting as a second winger at times, his defensive duties need a bit of work on yesterday but for a first game and against some of the tougher opponents he will face he did well enough to show his potential.

[PieEater]

I thought Halford did pretty well and looks to be a great prospect. I've never seen anyone hit a ball quite as sweetly, and those throws are something else.

OK he looked very tired at the end and maybe we got caught out of position, but overall I thought the pluses by far outweighed the minuses.

[savage 4 england]

The old boy next to me was moaning about Harper not being able to tackle. That was the first moan I have ever agreed with

I was annoyed with Harper for not getting stuck in. He could have broken a few Spurs attacks, before they happened.

[John Madejski's Wallet]

The old boy next to me was moaning about Harper not being able to tackle. That was the first moan I have ever agreed with

I was annoyed with Harper for not getting stuck in. He could have broken a few Spurs attacks, before they happened.

No different to any other match then

[starbug]

I was very pleased with Halfords performance, its clear he's got a lot to learn but he looks a solid player with good potential. Looked very comfortable on the ball, can tackle and pass. Bit worried about his throw though, its going to be awfully tempting to constantly lump it in the area and before we know we could be playing like Bolton

Before yesterday I was getting a little worried that he'd initially be too good and would be challenging Murty straight away but I'm happier now as its clear the learning process will take a good season and maybe he can start challenging Murty after the end of next season. In the meantime I hope he learns how to go forward like Murty and link up with the winger.

[brendywendy]

I barely saw any of either Sidwell or Harper in the match..

the more I watch Sidwell the more I am convinced he is the most overated player this club has ever had.

What does he ever do in a game that warrants pundits heaping praise on him and his demands for top wages?

What can he do that will add and improve another Premiership club when he joins in the summer?

His shooting is appalling and he gives the ball away reguarly. His goal return is rubbish as a result of his poor shooting.

It's obvious he believes in his own hype - hence his constant refusal to sign a new Reading deal.

He wasn't in our top 5 players last season and I don't really think he is this season.

If there is one player I think we could afford to lose then Siddy is that player.

I would be sad to see him go as he was part of something special last season and I will always recognise and appreciate the part he played, but I think if he goes we'll hardly notice he's gone.

There are far more important and influential players at this club who have signed extended deals. I am pleased that they have done that.

he wasnt even our 5th best midfielder last year, let alone player

i agree 100 percent with your post

[RG30]

Good debut for me I thought. Good test with Malbranque/Lennon frequently switching over but he's 1 for the future, and boy do we have a good weapon that throw in. I'm expecting us to work on them now with the Kitson flick on's.

[Millsy]

I thought Halford had a good debut he worked hard and did his best.

I also think that Halford is not ready for first team Premiership football just yet.

He was caught out of position regularly, he seemed slow getting back and misplaced a number of passes.

He's not reading the game yet the way it needs to be read in the Premiership. When the team lose the ball on the halfway line, you got to turn around and sprint back and defend. Murty would have done.

Halford is still reading the game as if it were a League One or Championship game. Obviously in the Championship if you lose the ball on the halfway line, the opposition are gonna do F all to hurt you. But you lose the ball on the half way line in the Premiership and they opposition are in your penalty box before you get a chance to take your next breath.

There were a number of occassions where we lost the ball and Halford waited to see what Tottenham were gonna do before deciding whether he needs to run back or not. 99% of the time, when we lost the ball, Lennon and Malbranque were driving at us and getting the ball in the box.

I accept Halford was up against two of the best wing players in the Prem yesterday so fair play to him and he was also making a nervy debut against in form opposition.

At the moment I would say Murty is first choice right back, De La Cruz is second choice and then Halford is third choice, but I have no doubt that after Halford has received the coaching, learned how to play at Prem level, then he can become an excellent signing. At this moment in time he has a hell of a lot to learn.

But well done Halford, a good first effort. Can't be easy rising to Prem level and there is still so much he needs to learn but Coppell and Downes will sort him out.

Thanks for the indepth analysis Top Flight.

Would you (or anyone) say that he was actually doing quite well then after the penalty against him he lost all confidence and looked a different player?

That's just what it seemed like to me on the radio.

Before the pen it was all praise for Halford. The straight after the pen it seemed he'd lost his way and looked rattled.

We have to factor that in too.

Any thoughts?