Cedric Baseya

[The Rouge]

This type of game isn't as uncommon as you might think.

donkeys years ago, we played a Pompey X1

No further questions your honour.

[melonhead]

This type of game isn't as uncommon as you might think.

donkeys years ago, we played a Pompey X1

No further questions your honour.

you forgot

when i was a student in pompey

[rhroyal]

Just guessing here, but i would imagine one of the considerations was that RFC decided that it was more convenient to arrange fixtures for the development squad as and when they see fit, as opposed to be tied to a fixture list (and possible cost of being a member of the Combination League).

There may have been occasions in the past that didn't suit us taking players down to Exeter/Brighton etc on a Wednesday afternoon just for the sake of fulfilling a fixture.

It strikes me that yesterday's fixture came about for a number of reasons. Some of the squad hadn't played a game in a while (injury/new signing) - we had some trialists that we wanted to see in a game situation - it was a convenient local fixture - (as Ian says) a community friendly relationship.

It was just a practice match ffs. The opposition were a change of scenery to just playing 11 v 11 in training.

If they just wanted the latter, that could have been achieved by playing a team from STAR or Hob Nob!

Don't disagree with some of the philosophy behind the game, just would have thought they could have stretched them a bit more than a University team who in all probability have only just started playing again after an extremely long summer break.

10 years ago a game like this wouldn't have even been reported. I find it amazing that some people feel the need to question the reasons behind the club deciding to play a game of this nature. Who gives a fvck?

This I agree with 1000%. (Not a typo, it would be 1000% if possible) I don't agree with all opinions on team selections, performances, finances etc. What would be the point of a message board if I did?

But this? It's a friendly for a load of players who are a million miles away from the team; they will have to pass far tougher tests if they want to get near our team. Have a problem with this friendly? Get a oxf*rd life, because you deserve no respect for taking this match with levels of ultimate seriousness, when the club clearly won't.

Immediate response to this post: Why do we bother playing Reading Uni if the club doesn't take it that seriously then?

1) We're a community club. I'm proud of that, and we should encourage our local university.

2) If a gem ever slips through the nets of professional football, like Coppell did, and ends up at Reading uni, we're in prime position.

3) Will we get sponsorship from Reading uni for this? Universities advertise these days; I would not be surprised if we get money from them.

4) Who will these players otherwise face? Eastleigh? Didcot Parkway? Hardly massively above Reading Uni, and I'm assuming that these players aren't trusted in the reserve squad yet. Otherwise they'd be selected.

5, 6, ,7) Read other points on this thread; they're pretty much all valid.

Anybody who complains about this fixture undermines all opinions of STGs entirely; it's meaningless, unimportant and irrelevant to the fortunes of our first team. I won't sagree with you all the time, but at least disagree with me on something worthwhile.

[Royal Rother]

You can't change human nature. The moaners will moan, whatever the club does.

Let's say we achieved promotion with a record points total, finished 8th in the Premier League, then got relegated, narrowly missed promotion twice, got to 2 FA Cup Qtr finals, beating a handful of PL clubs along the way, cleared our overdraft, promoted many Academy players to the 1st team (and beyond) and scattered other homegrown youngsters across the professional leagues - all in the space of 6 or 7 years - some will talk about the great memories along the way, others will moan about the missed opportunities, and doubt every step the club took during that time...

This friendly elicits the same group responses. Many wouldn't even give the merit of the fixture a 2nd thought but the moaners will see it as something to further detract from the club.

They can't help themselves. It's in their DNA. They will never change.

[M-U-R-T-Y]

I don't see the point. Football is supposed to be recreational, a form of entertainment, something to take an interest in and enjoy.

If it makes you so frustrated and angry, then go and find something else to do to pass the time. No-one's forcing you to spend your money on it.

[melonhead]

youre missing something. its moaning and bing negative that make him happy

[Ian Royal]

There's a lot to be said for the enjoyment a good trivial rant or moan can bring you.

But if you find it's all you do on a given subject, you've probably got a bit of a problem developing and it's not so trivial to you any more.

[FiNeRaIn]

How cute, most of the notorious RTG's all on at once bonding together in their condemnation of the moaners!!

[melonhead]

yeah yeah, laugh it up shit 4 eyes!

[Arnie_Pie]

And I've got yours. So go f*ck yourself.

rhroyal has hit a nerve.

[floyd__streete]

And I've got yours. So go f*ck yourself.

rhroyal has hit a nerve.

Definitely rattled.

[floyd__streete]

I think if we've gained anything from the thread and indeed the signing of Cedric Baseya it is clarification from rhroyal as to what can and can't be reasonably discussed on this board. Cedric - thank you.

[LoyalRoyalFan]

He hasn't even played yet so how can anyone judge him?

Reading have a fantastic scouting network.

[floyd__streete]

He hasn't even played yet so how can anyone judge him?

Yes he has, he has played against Reading University. He scored twice. Big game against Rabson's Rovers next week, that'll sort the wheat from the chaff.

[rhroyal]

I think if we've gained anything from the thread and indeed the signing of Cedric Baseya it is clarification from rhroyal as to what can and can't be reasonably discussed on this board. Cedric - thank you.

I just see people moan about a lot of things on here, and a friendly against Reading uni is by far the most trivial of the lot.

[grey_squirrel]

Whichever side of the fence you are on some of the exchanges on here are a damned sight more interesting than what we have (so far) had to watch on the pitch this season!......... just as comical though mind.

[catfork]

He hasn't even played yet so how can anyone judge him?

Yes he has, he has played against Reading University. He scored twice. Big game against Rabson's Rovers next week, that'll sort the wheat from the chaff.

oh for f*cks sake, whilst I like what you normally post even if a little pessimistic, this is a step too far. Get a grip man.

[floyd__streete]

a friendly against Reading uni is by far the most trivial of the lot.

[Royal Rother]

Give it up chap - he owns you on this thread.

[floyd__streete]

Give it up chap - he owns you on this thread.

Really? I just saw a few personal digs and assumptions. Still, it has put a smile on your face.