BFIFollow Brentford

[Old Man Andrews]

Sorry, one other talking point for me and it is regarding Tim and Micks favouritism. It was very obvious in the first half and so frustrating to listen to.

Whenever one of their preferred players does something wrong it is "thats not like them" or "shame that didn't come off" and they absolutely lambast the players they dont like for similar mistakes.

Case in point we have endlessly heard Mick have a go (often correctly) at Puscas for his hold up ability. He goes on and on about it. Talks about the requirements of a modern striker. However last night whenever the ball was played up to Baldock and he had a poor touch or was out-muscled the reaction was "oh well, thats a mismatch against the CB".

And their favourites get praise for the faintest of things. Baldock made a routine run off the shoulder of a defender last night, didnt get to the ball and they talked about how superb it was for a good minute!

I can guarantee that anyone who listens to their commentary is not getting a true sense of the game. They frequently brush over poor incidents from players they like and will talk endlessly about the shortcomings of the ones they dont.

Tim is worse though. Mick says his piece and will occasionally criticise his favourites when necessary but Tim acts like Micks little brother, for ever agreeing and often scornfully addressing certain playera Mick criticised the last game as if to win brownie points. I dont know why I listen.

they are unlistenable at times. the last 20 Mick started talking a bit of sense and wasn't going overboard. Dellor is abysmal.

I think Dellor has been allowed by his bosses and his own ego to forget what his job is, he is a commentator and no more than that. He is there to tell the listener what is happening on the pitch and not to offer his opinions. Mick and Ady are there to provide us with their opinions as former Reading players and respected professional footballers.

[Hound]

I think Dellor has been allowed by his bosses and his own ego to forget what his job is, he is a commentator and no more than that. He is there to tell the listener what is happening on the pitch and not to offer his opinions. Mick and Ady are there to provide us with their opinions as former Reading players and respected professional footballers.

Its when Dellor starts wittering on about what the player should have done or what the team should be doing. He isnt qualified to do that, and just sounds like the kind of bore who always seems to sit behind me in the stadium. Fair enough for Mick to do that, but Dellor should just be describing what is happening

[NewCorkSeth]

Sorry, one other talking point for me and it is regarding Tim and Micks favouritism. It was very obvious in the first half and so frustrating to listen to.

Whenever one of their preferred players does something wrong it is "thats not like them" or "shame that didn't come off" and they absolutely lambast the players they dont like for similar mistakes.

Case in point we have endlessly heard Mick have a go (often correctly) at Puscas for his hold up ability. He goes on and on about it. Talks about the requirements of a modern striker. However last night whenever the ball was played up to Baldock and he had a poor touch or was out-muscled the reaction was "oh well, thats a mismatch against the CB".

And their favourites get praise for the faintest of things. Baldock made a routine run off the shoulder of a defender last night, didnt get to the ball and they talked about how superb it was for a good minute!

I can guarantee that anyone who listens to their commentary is not getting a true sense of the game. They frequently brush over poor incidents from players they like and will talk endlessly about the shortcomings of the ones they dont.

Tim is worse though. Mick says his piece and will occasionally criticise his favourites when necessary but Tim acts like Micks little brother, for ever agreeing and often scornfully addressing certain playera Mick criticised the last game as if to win brownie points. I dont know why I listen.

I like them. I take your points yes there are irritations but people know what they're getting with these guys.

Love or hate them personally, Mick is an absolute legend of the club and is generally quite conservative, underspoken, gentle and fair. You can be pretty sure if he gives an opinion as a pro footballer and Reading manager he knows wtf he's talking about and it's absolutely great to hear. And Tim obviously won't be as knowledgable as an ex-pro but the thign with him is he's a true fan and wears his heart on his sleeve. Yes his emotion turns into rants about some players and favouritism because he's human like the rest of us, but you're getting the real deal there. The one thing that would stop me listening in an instant would be two totally neutral level headed people who didn't show any of their human side or their passion of being Reading fans. If I want a cold clinical accurate description of what's happening on the pitch I'll just read text updates or a neutral match report the next day. I like having a passionate Reading fan describe the game to me - warts and all - in s/he sees it. I feel like I want to listen alongside a fellow fan. I do take your points though, not everyone might like that.

I just dont think they strike the balance at all. Commentator teams are supposed to offer different roles but the 2 always seem to get dragged into the same old discussions time and time again. Mick has, at times, been fantastic to listen to. His commentary on McIntyre on game was really interesting. He offered insight on how he should develop, where he was going wrong and how to change that. Most games its just "club spent x amount, Puscas is shit, Gunter is great, the owners must be asking questions".

I accept you enjoy the fan commentary aspect but a bit of focus on tactical play that amounts to more than "why are we so shit" would be nice.

[Old Man Andrews]

I think Dellor has been allowed by his bosses and his own ego to forget what his job is, he is a commentator and no more than that. He is there to tell the listener what is happening on the pitch and not to offer his opinions. Mick and Ady are there to provide us with their opinions as former Reading players and respected professional footballers.

Its when Dellor starts wittering on about what the player should have done or what the team should be doing. He isnt qualified to do that, and just sounds like the kind of bore who always seems to sit behind me in the stadium. Fair enough for Mick to do that, but Dellor should just be describing what is happening

Yeah he is awful which is a shame because he is actually a nice bloke, met him a few times at length. If you look at the best TV commentators they will comment on what they see and then ask their professional footballer co-commentator a question relating to it, its really simple stuff. It is pure ego on Dellor's part.

[Snowflake Royal]

Sorry, one other talking point for me and it is regarding Tim and Micks favouritism. It was very obvious in the first half and so frustrating to listen to.

Whenever one of their preferred players does something wrong it is "thats not like them" or "shame that didn't come off" and they absolutely lambast the players they dont like for similar mistakes.

Case in point we have endlessly heard Mick have a go (often correctly) at Puscas for his hold up ability. He goes on and on about it. Talks about the requirements of a modern striker. However last night whenever the ball was played up to Baldock and he had a poor touch or was out-muscled the reaction was "oh well, thats a mismatch against the CB".

And their favourites get praise for the faintest of things. Baldock made a routine run off the shoulder of a defender last night, didnt get to the ball and they talked about how superb it was for a good minute!

I can guarantee that anyone who listens to their commentary is not getting a true sense of the game. They frequently brush over poor incidents from players they like and will talk endlessly about the shortcomings of the ones they dont.

Tim is worse though. Mick says his piece and will occasionally criticise his favourites when necessary but Tim acts like Micks little brother, for ever agreeing and often scornfully addressing certain playera Mick criticised the last game as if to win brownie points. I dont know why I listen.

I like them. I take your points yes there are irritations but people know what they're getting with these guys.

Love or hate them personally, Mick is an absolute legend of the club and is generally quite conservative, underspoken, gentle and fair. You can be pretty sure if he gives an opinion as a pro footballer and Reading manager he knows wtf he's talking about and it's absolutely great to hear. And Tim obviously won't be as knowledgable as an ex-pro but the thign with him is he's a true fan and wears his heart on his sleeve. Yes his emotion turns into rants about some players and favouritism because he's human like the rest of us, but you're getting the real deal there. The one thing that would stop me listening in an instant would be two totally neutral level headed people who didn't show any of their human side or their passion of being Reading fans. If I want a cold clinical accurate description of what's happening on the pitch I'll just read text updates or a neutral match report the next day. I like having a passionate Reading fan describe the game to me - warts and all - in s/he sees it. I feel like I want to listen alongside a fellow fan. I do take your points though, not everyone might like that.

If I want the opinion of a fukwit fan I'll ask OMA. I want decent commentary not fukwitted bullshit

[Old Man Andrews]

Sorry, one other talking point for me and it is regarding Tim and Micks favouritism. It was very obvious in the first half and so frustrating to listen to.

Whenever one of their preferred players does something wrong it is "thats not like them" or "shame that didn't come off" and they absolutely lambast the players they dont like for similar mistakes.

Case in point we have endlessly heard Mick have a go (often correctly) at Puscas for his hold up ability. He goes on and on about it. Talks about the requirements of a modern striker. However last night whenever the ball was played up to Baldock and he had a poor touch or was out-muscled the reaction was "oh well, thats a mismatch against the CB".

And their favourites get praise for the faintest of things. Baldock made a routine run off the shoulder of a defender last night, didnt get to the ball and they talked about how superb it was for a good minute!

I can guarantee that anyone who listens to their commentary is not getting a true sense of the game. They frequently brush over poor incidents from players they like and will talk endlessly about the shortcomings of the ones they dont.

Tim is worse though. Mick says his piece and will occasionally criticise his favourites when necessary but Tim acts like Micks little brother, for ever agreeing and often scornfully addressing certain playera Mick criticised the last game as if to win brownie points. I dont know why I listen.

I like them. I take your points yes there are irritations but people know what they're getting with these guys.

Love or hate them personally, Mick is an absolute legend of the club and is generally quite conservative, underspoken, gentle and fair. You can be pretty sure if he gives an opinion as a pro footballer and Reading manager he knows wtf he's talking about and it's absolutely great to hear. And Tim obviously won't be as knowledgable as an ex-pro but the thign with him is he's a true fan and wears his heart on his sleeve. Yes his emotion turns into rants about some players and favouritism because he's human like the rest of us, but you're getting the real deal there. The one thing that would stop me listening in an instant would be two totally neutral level headed people who didn't show any of their human side or their passion of being Reading fans. If I want a cold clinical accurate description of what's happening on the pitch I'll just read text updates or a neutral match report the next day. I like having a passionate Reading fan describe the game to me - warts and all - in s/he sees it. I feel like I want to listen alongside a fellow fan. I do take your points though, not everyone might like that.

If I want the opinion of a fukwit fan I'll ask OMA. I want decent commentary not fukwitted bullshit

You haven't got a clue Ian, notice how nobody ever agrees with you on football? It isn't an accident. Tool.

[Millsy]

I think Dellor has been allowed by his bosses and his own ego to forget what his job is, he is a commentator and no more than that. He is there to tell the listener what is happening on the pitch and not to offer his opinions. Mick and Ady are there to provide us with their opinions as former Reading players and respected professional footballers.

Its when Dellor starts wittering on about what the player should have done or what the team should be doing. He isnt qualified to do that, and just sounds like the kind of bore who always seems to sit behind me in the stadium. Fair enough for Mick to do that, but Dellor should just be describing what is happening

Yeah he is awful which is a shame because he is actually a nice bloke, met him a few times at length. If you look at the best TV commentators they will comment on what they see and then ask their professional footballer co-commentator a question relating to it, its really simple stuff. It is pure ego on Dellor's part.

I've met him once too - very nice chap, but that's not colouring my opinion.

Most people can clearly see the lad is opinionated, as are all Reading fans. So when he describes what happens and then gives his opinion on the matter, I don't think most fans are sitting there thinking "oh this is clearly the truth because Tim said so" they're thinking "ok this is how he describes it, and that is HIS view". As I say I'd much rather have his view - fukwit or not - than just have him describign things in a cold clinical way. It makes BBCRB far more fun to listen to. He does bounce onto Mick too for his opinion and Mick then generally gives his view.

It's a bit like watching England play in the world cup. Do I want to watch it with my Welsh inlaws who would rather England lose or at best not give a toss but just watching it to make me happy and be cold and clinical about it, or do I want to watch it with some drunk twats who will shotu a whole load of opinionated nonsense of most of the time but who I can see at least have the same fierce passion for England as I do. I'd much rather the latter.

Yeah maybe technically it's not the done thing, but I like it and will be sad to see him change his ways. That's just me though. If I'm an outlier so be it.

[RoyalBlue]

Well many of us were worried that Brentford had too much for us,and all our fears came through.TBF to Reading we are very rarely totally outclassed,even against the likes of Dirty Leeds and WBA,but this evening we not only got our pants taken down,but Brentford ran off with our shoes,socks and Crown Jewels at the same time.We started brightly enough,but Brentford were just putting out feelers to see what we had.As soon as they realised that this was going to be a very easy game for them,they just applied enough pressure to crack us wide open;without overextending themselves for bigger games to come.Clearly tonight highlighted what a technically advanced coach can achieve,by intensely drilling his players as to what is required.When you have the ball,pass and move into space,when you don’t have the ball,compress and get into the agreed shape.To apply this process the team has to be really fit;worryingly so many of our guys clearly not put in the hard yucca and were struggling to achieve the required fitness levels.
IMHO

Rafael 6 Some v good saves,but at fault for the second and should have saved the third.

Disagree.

He made a good initial save for the second and contrary to what Dim Tellor (who had before the game questioned whether he was a good signing!) claimed, did push the ball wide rather than straight back out. The fact they scored from the rebound was due to the statues in our defence. Someone posted a good screenshot on twitter showing where the scorer was in relation to the defenders as Rafael made the initial save - no way should he have got to the loose ball first.

The ball visibly swerved for the third - even Dellor highlighted that and excused Rafael of blame.

I wonder just how much experience of goalkeeping - either as a player or a specialist GK coach - those who claim he should've done better for two of the goals have. It is regarded as a specialist position for a good reason!

[Snowflake Royal]

Well many of us were worried that Brentford had too much for us,and all our fears came through.TBF to Reading we are very rarely totally outclassed,even against the likes of Dirty Leeds and WBA,but this evening we not only got our pants taken down,but Brentford ran off with our shoes,socks and Crown Jewels at the same time.We started brightly enough,but Brentford were just putting out feelers to see what we had.As soon as they realised that this was going to be a very easy game for them,they just applied enough pressure to crack us wide open;without overextending themselves for bigger games to come.Clearly tonight highlighted what a technically advanced coach can achieve,by intensely drilling his players as to what is required.When you have the ball,pass and move into space,when you don’t have the ball,compress and get into the agreed shape.To apply this process the team has to be really fit;worryingly so many of our guys clearly not put in the hard yucca and were struggling to achieve the required fitness levels.
IMHO

Rafael 6 Some v good saves,but at fault for the second and should have saved the third.

Disagree.

He made a good initial save for the second and contrary to what Dim Tellor (who had before the game questioned whether he was a good signing!) claimed, did push the ball wide rather than straight back out. The fact they scored from the rebound was due to the statues in our defence. Someone posted a good screenshot on twitter showing where the scorer was in relation to the defenders as Rafael made the initial save - no way should he have got to the loose ball first.

The ball visibly swerved for the third - even Dellor highlighted that and excused Rafael of blame.

Originally thought the third swerved a lot, but I thought on further viewing it actually held its course mostly and that's what beat Cabral because he was expecting more swerve. Could well be wrong.

Agree on the second. Moore and Morrison just watched. Though again, do think Cabral could have done more.

[RoyalBlue]

I think Dellor has been allowed by his bosses and his own ego to forget what his job is, he is a commentator and no more than that. He is there to tell the listener what is happening on the pitch and not to offer his opinions. Mick and Ady are there to provide us with their opinions as former Reading players and respected professional footballers.

Its when Dellor starts wittering on about what the player should have done or what the team should be doing. He isnt qualified to do that, and just sounds like the kind of bore who always seems to sit behind me in the stadium. Fair enough for Mick to do that, but Dellor should just be describing what is happening

Fully agree. His play by play analysis should be restricted to cricket where I would be one of the first to acknowledge that he has a very high level of expertise.

[Westwood52]

I watched the tail end of the Brighton game last night;even though they were three nil down,they still gave it a go and were very threatening .Our shower just did nothing against Brentford;they didn’t quite throw in the towel but it was close.What happens if we don’t get a reaction against Luton ?Its the old adage;if the Manager loses the support of the team he’s effectively finished.I just hope they don’t just shore the situation up,by appointing O Shea pro tem,once Bowen goes.I bet at this moment he wishes he was still Director of Football.

[Millsy]

Well if we didn't get a known name in back when we were happy to splash the cash I don't see us risking millions on a big name after Bowen. Especially as what big name would they even be able to attract to a club in financial difficulty like us? If Bowen goes I can see O'Shea getting the job, or one of the stewards maybe. In which case I may be in the running as I've done stewarding there before. I'd make a great manager. I took Weymouth up to world champions in Football Manager.

[PieEater]

I hope they sit the team down and make them watch the replay to learn what we should be aspiring to. Neat football, organisation, pressing as a team, and everyone knowing what their job is and doing it. Everything we lacked.

Bowen needs to take a hard look at his selections, he can't pick such a lightweight midfield against a team as good as Brentford. We can't play Swift, Ejaria and Olise. Even Swift and Ejaria is too lightweight.

Nobody comes out of it well after that result but I thought in particular Moore, Puscas, and Gunter were poor. I wasn't expecting much but the way we lost the game hurt. It's like our overpaid prima donnas don't care, and tbf I'm getting that way with the current side.

[blueroyals]

I'd rather have a passionate fan for a commentator than the Heart breakfast Jamie Theakston-type generic radio bot 2000 w*nker we will inevitably get next who has probably never stepped foot in Reading before. How many Reading-supporting local football commentators with radio experience do you think there are out there queuing up for his job? Be careful what you wish for.

[Lower West]

Ejaria slows the game down. Short passess, no shots, few crosses. Beginning to wonder what contribution he actually makes to the team.

[Snowflake Royal]

Just to check, was I the only one who still quite enjoyed the game despite being disappointed with the performance and result?

[Hound]

Just to check, was I the only one who still quite enjoyed the game despite being disappointed with the performance and result?

You might well be

I quite enjoyed it until 2-0 but after that it was pretty painful

[Notts Royal]

Ejaria slows the game down. Short passess, no shots, few crosses. Beginning to wonder what contribution he actually makes to the team.

He does fancy tricks which look great on YouTube, and had a good couple of months at the start of the season...so our fans love him. So what does he contribute? Reputation

[Hound]

Ejaria slows the game down. Short passess, no shots, few crosses. Beginning to wonder what contribution he actually makes to the team.

He does fancy tricks which look great on YouTube, and had a good couple of months at the start of the season...so our fans love him. So what does he contribute? Reputation

Didnt he hit the post on Saturday, and basically create our best proper chance yesterday?

He isnt on great form but lets not rewrite what he can actually do

[billybraggsbeard]

Got to agree with the posters about having an unbalanced midfield last night , we needed two defensive midfielders as in Pele and Rino, or to have Lewis Baker as last season. Also a question is O'shea our defensive coach? If so can't say am too impressed, as we have let in some poor goals since the re-start