Richardson out

[fred sharpes nose]

If watching Reading is bringing your mood down, giving you no enjoyment and making life so unbearable have you thought of doing something else instead?

This isn’t aimed at you but in general to those who seem depressed one or twice a week.

Didn't say it made my life unbearable, what a stupid comment. Been supporting Reading FC for over 50 years, think I'm entitled to a bit of criticism now and again, paid enough money over the years.
Real fans continue to go through thick and thin, doesn't mean they can't complain now and again though, it's not as if I can go and support anyone else.

This 100%. However I dont want LR out. I think what we're seeing isn't what he really wants from his team. I mean, it can't be, surely.

I do not want Leam sacked this season - pointless turmoil. Yes he has done very well on the points accumulated since joining and credit for that.

His "style" of play is generally accepted by all as a dull watch at best. There have been some truly awful performances again hardly a contentious point.

Is he doing an excellent job getting the best out of the squad at both the individual player and group level - I am not convinced. There is obviously enough talent there. He has been heavily backed with players and coaches.

But what gets me is those 4 points recently dropped - largely IMO down to him tactics and game management wise. He will repeatedly claim its "the moments" another one this weekend from Williams. He should have fixed these issues by now surely. OK play dull defensive football if you want but do it better.

I think he is still living off the low bar he inherited - clearly the squad is capable and by now could be surely doing even better than we are ?

I hope he succeeds and wins the fans over - and a playoff final win would deservedly get him that. But I'm not a big fan of him , his style, his manner, and like others would not shed one tear if he left in the summer.

Contrast him and Sir Steve - Coppell played at the top level, was a winger and thrived on energy, excitement and making chances. Leam was primarily a League 2 / Conference right back probably most happy when he got clean sheet on a rainy night away at Haliifax or similar. My guess is THIS IS WHAT HE WANTS from his team based on his learned personal experience

[Brogue]

Re positive vs negative. I'm probably* seen as a negative poster on here. I'm not always though. and i'm happy to give praise where its due. so here is a positive spin on things - we've lost only 9 games this season only 3 teams have lost fewer which is quite the stat considering how bad we've been in some games. The football is dog shit but we are hard to beat there is no doubt in that. and if we do make the playoffs that should stand us in good stead.

*definitely

[Mid Sussex Royal]

Pretty sure Wigan fans said the football would be turgid until Richardson had had a pre-season to work on fitness/tactics, but they had an immediate uptick in results and stayed up, so seems the same is happening here.

I can't see us in all honesty making the play offs but a top 10 finish is fine based on who we lost in the summer, and have to also consider how well those players are doing in the Championship.

Next season key for me.....also need to remember all the players bought in by LR bar Ward are injured....

[parky]

Re positive vs negative. I'm probably* seen as a negative poster on here. I'm not always though. and i'm happy to give praise where its due. so here is a positive spin on things - we've lost only 9 games this season only 3 teams have lost fewer which is quite the stat considering how bad we've been in some games. The football is dog shit but we are hard to beat there is no doubt in that. and if we do make the playoffs that should stand us in good stead.

*definitely

5 of those losses came under Hunt.

[leon]

Didn't say it made my life unbearable, what a stupid comment. Been supporting Reading FC for over 50 years, think I'm entitled to a bit of criticism now and again, paid enough money over the years.
Real fans continue to go through thick and thin, doesn't mean they can't complain now and again though, it's not as if I can go and support anyone else.

This 100%. However I dont want LR out. I think what we're seeing isn't what he really wants from his team. I mean, it can't be, surely.

I do not want Leam sacked this season - pointless turmoil. Yes he has done very well on the points accumulated since joining and credit for that.

His "style" of play is generally accepted by all as a dull watch at best. There have been some truly awful performances again hardly a contentious point.

Is he doing an excellent job getting the best out of the squad at both the individual player and group level - I am not convinced. There is obviously enough talent there. He has been heavily backed with players and coaches.

But what gets me is those 4 points recently dropped - largely IMO down to him tactics and game management wise. He will repeatedly claim its "the moments" another one this weekend from Williams. He should have fixed these issues by now surely. OK play dull defensive football if you want but do it better.

I think he is still living off the low bar he inherited - clearly the squad is capable and by now could be surely doing even better than we are ?

I hope he succeeds and wins the fans over - and a playoff final win would deservedly get him that. But I'm not a big fan of him , his style, his manner, and like others would not shed one tear if he left in the summer.

Contrast him and Sir Steve - Coppell played at the top level, was a winger and thrived on energy, excitement and making chances. Leam was primarily a League 2 / Conference right back probably most happy when he got clean sheet on a rainy night away at Haliifax or similar. My guess is THIS IS WHAT HE WANTS from his team based on his learned personal experience

Not sure that's how it works - as it's often the case that a manager will over compensate for the things that they weren't as strong as players - flair players dont necessarily make good managers and often make defensive minded/physical managers and vice versa.

[Sanguine]

We've lost just 4 of 21 league games since LR took over. Having list 4 of our opening 7 under Noel Hunt. Up to 7th - and this having conceded three injury time equalisers in the last month (yes, I know it went the other way this weekend).

Yes, Noel Hunt can take some credit for righting the ship second half of last season - but I'm absolutely flummoxed that this thread has any legs at all.

[stealthpapes]

Leam this weekend:

[stealthpapes]

We've lost just 4 of 21 league games since LR took over. Having list 4 of our opening 7 under Noel Hunt. Up to 7th - and this having conceded three injury time equalisers in the last month (yes, I know it went the other way this weekend).

Yes, Noel Hunt can take some credit for righting the ship second half of last season - but I'm absolutely flummoxed that this thread has any legs at all.

What I honestly can't fathom is two inter-related points.

*A near-majority of posters wanted Hunt gone after he had, effectively, a single transfer window. They got what they wanted. They're now basically giving Leam one transfer window, wanting him gone ASAFP.

*If there's one club that has a track record in (a) taking things slowly and showing some patience so (b) not committing to sacking managers after wobbles (Pardew's start, 04-05 with Coppell, Selles only recently, there must be a McDermott one so we can have our four best managers all included), it's us. Even two seasons ago, a normal club would have binned Selles and instead we got two enjoyable seasons out of that squad. We signed a mix of cast-offs and unwanted players and OH MY they came good.

SHOCKED.

It's just insane that after only 20 games, with 50% of them wins and 1.8 ppg, there's a significant, vocal, toxic element whose justifications always seem to be inane, selfish or borderline demented (in the medical sense).
Old men shaking fists at clouds.

[Mid Sussex Royal]

We've lost just 4 of 21 league games since LR took over. Having list 4 of our opening 7 under Noel Hunt. Up to 7th - and this having conceded three injury time equalisers in the last month (yes, I know it went the other way this weekend).

Yes, Noel Hunt can take some credit for righting the ship second half of last season - but I'm absolutely flummoxed that this thread has any legs at all.

What I honestly can't fathom is two inter-related points.

*A near-majority of posters wanted Hunt gone after he had, effectively, a single transfer window. They got what they wanted. They're now basically giving Leam one transfer window, wanting him gone ASAFP.

*If there's one club that has a track record in (a) taking things slowly and showing some patience so (b) not committing to sacking managers after wobbles (Pardew's start, 04-05 with Coppell, Selles only recently, there must be a McDermott one so we can have our four best managers all included), it's us. Even two seasons ago, a normal club would have binned Selles and instead we got two enjoyable seasons out of that squad. We signed a mix of cast-offs and unwanted players and OH MY they came good.

SHOCKED.

It's just insane that after only 20 games, with 50% of them wins and 1.8 ppg, there's a significant, vocal, toxic element whose justifications always seem to be inane, selfish or borderline demented (in the medical sense).
Old men shaking fists at clouds.

I agree with you - but its not just on here

The local media have been very negative recently from what I can pick up on as a non local fan. Williams was apparently according to posters on social media borderline aggressive after Port Vale sounding more like a drunk fan than a measured media outlet. That new Chronicle guy Rami has been peddling negative stats for I assume as clickbait as I don't pay for his articles.

[Snowflake Royal]

We've lost just 4 of 21 league games since LR took over. Having list 4 of our opening 7 under Noel Hunt. Up to 7th - and this having conceded three injury time equalisers in the last month (yes, I know it went the other way this weekend).

Yes, Noel Hunt can take some credit for righting the ship second half of last season - but I'm absolutely flummoxed that this thread has any legs at all.

What I honestly can't fathom is two inter-related points.

*A near-majority of posters wanted Hunt gone after he had, effectively, a single transfer window. They got what they wanted. They're now basically giving Leam one transfer window, wanting him gone ASAFP.

*If there's one club that has a track record in (a) taking things slowly and showing some patience so (b) not committing to sacking managers after wobbles (Pardew's start, 04-05 with Coppell, Selles only recently, there must be a McDermott one so we can have our four best managers all included), it's us. Even two seasons ago, a normal club would have binned Selles and instead we got two enjoyable seasons out of that squad. We signed a mix of cast-offs and unwanted players and OH MY they came good.

SHOCKED.

It's just insane that after only 20 games, with 50% of them wins and 1.8 ppg, there's a significant, vocal, toxic element whose justifications always seem to be inane, selfish or borderline demented (in the medical sense).
Old men shaking fists at clouds.

Preach. Anything less than perfection is rage enducing. It’s like they're only involved to get angry and be toxic.

[West F]

As said before, he needs a year in the job before any real judgement can be made. He has been backed by the board, (which Noel wasn’t) and his dealings in January have been good. Given a Summer on the training ground and that window, I would expect that the start of next season should be more like his finished article.
The bug bears are still there. Playing Lane on the right , the negative safety ball when we are drawing or winning.
The key thing about Saturday, was the fact we went a goal down. At this point, the players started to carry the ball forwards in possession before it creates spaces for the pass. It is literally being on the front foot. I don’t really want to go up this season. I think it would be more beneficial to continue to grow and develop this year before any promotion. It has been proven over recent years, that the best performing championship teams have been largely built in league one.

[Orion1871]

We've lost just 4 of 21 league games since LR took over. Having list 4 of our opening 7 under Noel Hunt. Up to 7th - and this having conceded three injury time equalisers in the last month (yes, I know it went the other way this weekend).

Yes, Noel Hunt can take some credit for righting the ship second half of last season - but I'm absolutely flummoxed that this thread has any legs at all.

What I honestly can't fathom is two inter-related points.

*A near-majority of posters wanted Hunt gone after he had, effectively, a single transfer window. They got what they wanted. They're now basically giving Leam one transfer window, wanting him gone ASAFP.

*If there's one club that has a track record in (a) taking things slowly and showing some patience so (b) not committing to sacking managers after wobbles (Pardew's start, 04-05 with Coppell, Selles only recently, there must be a McDermott one so we can have our four best managers all included), it's us. Even two seasons ago, a normal club would have binned Selles and instead we got two enjoyable seasons out of that squad. We signed a mix of cast-offs and unwanted players and OH MY they came good.

SHOCKED.

It's just insane that after only 20 games, with 50% of them wins and 1.8 ppg, there's a significant, vocal, toxic element whose justifications always seem to be inane, selfish or borderline demented (in the medical sense).
Old men shaking fists at clouds.

I agree with you - but its not just on here

The local media have been very negative recently from what I can pick up on as a non local fan. Williams was apparently according to posters on social media borderline aggressive after Port Vale sounding more like a drunk fan than a measured media outlet. That new Chronicle guy Rami has been peddling negative stats for I assume as clickbait as I don't pay for his articles.

No, he wasn't.

[Hound]

I’m interested in what he does with the forward line in the summer should we stay down as I’d expect

He inherited probably quite expensive players in Lane, Marriott, Ritchie, Kelvin, DK (prob less expensive) that I imagine he was fairly duty bound to play

I do think if he gets the chance to bring in players that suit his style better, we’ll improve as a team to watch. I liked the Lisbie interest. He likes DK. I can see a quicker more mobile attack next season which will improve things visually I reckon

[Snowflake Royal]

As said before, he needs a year in the job before any real judgement can be made. He has been backed by the board, (which Noel wasn’t) and his dealings in January have been good. Given a Summer on the training ground and that window, I would expect that the start of next season should be more like his finished article.
The bug bears are still there. Playing Lane on the right , the negative safety ball when we are drawing or winning.
The key thing about Saturday, was the fact we went a goal down. At this point, the players started to carry the ball forwards in possession before it creates spaces for the pass. It is literally being on the front foot. I don’t really want to go up this season. I think it would be more beneficial to continue to grow and develop this year before any promotion. It has been proven over recent years, that the best performing championship teams have been largely built in league one.

Claiming Noel wasn't backed by the board is such an odd take. Under Hunt we paid out to keep Pereira and Wing, signed Marriott and Lane for money, then brought RWilliams and Rino into to train for contracts. Overall, Hunt brought in 12 players, 14 if you count Rino and Randell. Several to improve upon initial signings that weren't working instead of being told make do.

Meanwhile, Richardson has brought in about 5, 2 apparently for money.

[Snowflake Royal]

I’m interested in what he does with the forward line in the summer should we stay down as I’d expect

He inherited probably quite expensive players in Lane, Marriott, Ritchie, Kelvin, DK (prob less expensive) that I imagine he was fairly duty bound to play

I do think if he gets the chance to bring in players that suit his style better, we’ll improve as a team to watch. I liked the Lisbie interest. He likes DK. I can see a quicker more mobile attack next season which will improve things visually I reckon

Muchos gacias to Ritchie for the goal, but I'd be very happy to see the back of his thoroughly immobile pointing and diving come the summer. His dive because a Bradford player put their hand on his shoulder, followed by malicious grinning once the ref had been conned was a disgrace.

Patton looks like he could be a hard working physical shithouse with an eye for goal. So wouldn’t mind him getting 20 minutes after Marriott most games next season. Them two, Randell, DK, Lane and maybe someone like Lisbie would be cracking. Though a striker short. I feel like KelvinE may need a new environment to kick on.

[MR. CYNICAL]

We've lost just 4 of 21 league games since LR took over. Having list 4 of our opening 7 under Noel Hunt. Up to 7th - and this having conceded three injury time equalisers in the last month (yes, I know it went the other way this weekend).

Yes, Noel Hunt can take some credit for righting the ship second half of last season - but I'm absolutely flummoxed that this thread has any legs at all.

What I honestly can't fathom is two inter-related points.

*A near-majority of posters wanted Hunt gone after he had, effectively, a single transfer window. They got what they wanted. They're now basically giving Leam one transfer window, wanting him gone ASAFP.

*If there's one club that has a track record in (a) taking things slowly and showing some patience so (b) not committing to sacking managers after wobbles (Pardew's start, 04-05 with Coppell, Selles only recently, there must be a McDermott one so we can have our four best managers all included), it's us. Even two seasons ago, a normal club would have binned Selles and instead we got two enjoyable seasons out of that squad. We signed a mix of cast-offs and unwanted players and OH MY they came good.

SHOCKED.

It's just insane that after only 20 games, with 50% of them wins and 1.8 ppg, there's a significant, vocal, toxic element whose justifications always seem to be inane, selfish or borderline demented (in the medical sense).
Old men shaking fists at clouds.

Preach. Anything less than perfection is rage enducing. It’s like they're only involved to get angry and be toxic.

Can't recall anyone on here asking for perfection, just the odd foray into the opposition box when we are 1-0 up at home would be nice, instead of camping in our own half for 45 minutes.
Probably best we don't score too early, on Saturday, we probably played our best football since Richardson came in after Bradford scored in the second half, especially when the subs came on.

[MR. CYNICAL]

As said before, he needs a year in the job before any real judgement can be made. He has been backed by the board, (which Noel wasn’t) and his dealings in January have been good. Given a Summer on the training ground and that window, I would expect that the start of next season should be more like his finished article.
The bug bears are still there. Playing Lane on the right , the negative safety ball when we are drawing or winning.
The key thing about Saturday, was the fact we went a goal down. At this point, the players started to carry the ball forwards in possession before it creates spaces for the pass. It is literally being on the front foot. I don’t really want to go up this season. I think it would be more beneficial to continue to grow and develop this year before any promotion. It has been proven over recent years, that the best performing championship teams have been largely built in league one.

Claiming Noel wasn't backed by the board is such an odd take. Under Hunt we paid out to keep Pereira and Wing, signed Marriott and Lane for money, then brought RWilliams and Rino into to train for contracts. Overall, Hunt brought in 12 players, 14 if you count Rino and Randell. Several to improve upon initial signings that weren't working instead of being told make do.

Meanwhile, Richardson has brought in about 5, 2 apparently for money.

And they are all injured apart from one!

[MR. CYNICAL]

As said before, he needs a year in the job before any real judgement can be made. He has been backed by the board, (which Noel wasn’t) and his dealings in January have been good. Given a Summer on the training ground and that window, I would expect that the start of next season should be more like his finished article.
The bug bears are still there. Playing Lane on the right , the negative safety ball when we are drawing or winning.
The key thing about Saturday, was the fact we went a goal down. At this point, the players started to carry the ball forwards in possession before it creates spaces for the pass. It is literally being on the front foot. I don’t really want to go up this season. I think it would be more beneficial to continue to grow and develop this year before any promotion. It has been proven over recent years, that the best performing championship teams have been largely built in league one.

Claiming Noel wasn't backed by the board is such an odd take. Under Hunt we paid out to keep Pereira and Wing, signed Marriott and Lane for money, then brought RWilliams and Rino into to train for contracts. Overall, Hunt brought in 12 players, 14 if you count Rino and Randell. Several to improve upon initial signings that weren't working instead of being told make do.

Meanwhile, Richardson has brought in about 5, 2 apparently for money.

And they are all injured apart from one!

Apologies for being negative

[Hound]

I’m interested in what he does with the forward line in the summer should we stay down as I’d expect

He inherited probably quite expensive players in Lane, Marriott, Ritchie, Kelvin, DK (prob less expensive) that I imagine he was fairly duty bound to play

I do think if he gets the chance to bring in players that suit his style better, we’ll improve as a team to watch. I liked the Lisbie interest. He likes DK. I can see a quicker more mobile attack next season which will improve things visually I reckon

Muchos gacias to Ritchie for the goal, but I'd be very happy to see the back of his thoroughly immobile pointing and diving come the summer. His dive because a Bradford player put their hand on his shoulder, followed by malicious grinning once the ref had been conned was a disgrace.

Patton looks like he could be a hard working physical shithouse with an eye for goal. So wouldn’t mind him getting 20 minutes after Marriott most games next season. Them two, Randell, DK, Lane and maybe someone like Lisbie would be cracking. Though a striker short. I feel like KelvinE may need a new environment to kick on.

Yes - not seen enough of Patton but would obvs be delighted if he turns into a Smith type up top and comes through properly next year. Would like to see a target man still come in if possible

Be a shame if Kelvin moves on but can certainly see that being the best for him also. He needs to find a proper position and an understanding of his role. He’d prob best best as a Meite style winger but needs to get into the type of position Meite did in front of goal

[Hound]

As said before, he needs a year in the job before any real judgement can be made. He has been backed by the board, (which Noel wasn’t) and his dealings in January have been good. Given a Summer on the training ground and that window, I would expect that the start of next season should be more like his finished article.
The bug bears are still there. Playing Lane on the right , the negative safety ball when we are drawing or winning.
The key thing about Saturday, was the fact we went a goal down. At this point, the players started to carry the ball forwards in possession before it creates spaces for the pass. It is literally being on the front foot. I don’t really want to go up this season. I think it would be more beneficial to continue to grow and develop this year before any promotion. It has been proven over recent years, that the best performing championship teams have been largely built in league one.

Claiming Noel wasn't backed by the board is such an odd take. Under Hunt we paid out to keep Pereira and Wing, signed Marriott and Lane for money, then brought RWilliams and Rino into to train for contracts. Overall, Hunt brought in 12 players, 14 if you count Rino and Randell. Several to improve upon initial signings that weren't working instead of being told make do.

Meanwhile, Richardson has brought in about 5, 2 apparently for money.

And they are all injured apart from one!

The question would be i suppose is would they have trusted Noel with the type of money they spent on Ward and would have on Lisbie? Lane was about 150k wasn’t he? Doubt Marriott was a lot either

But he did get decent backing; just made some poor signings between him and JJ etc