Pre-season friendlies 2026-27

[blythspartan]

I think the frustration about the pitch is more to do with our lack of signings. If we sign a player all will be forgiven.

I’ve heard that not all is well at the club and I’d like to know if Brogue or EPK have heard anything similar.

[RG30]

My hunch is the club probably expected some additional player sales to materialise, neither of which have occurred (Savage & Femi Azeez to leave Millwall). Couhig did make reference to the Azeez sell on fee in a summer interview with BBC Radio Berkshire.

[MR. CYNICAL]

I think the frustration about the pitch is more to do with our lack of signings. If we sign a player all will be forgiven.

I’ve heard that not all is well at the club and I’d like to know if Brogue or EPK have heard anything similar.

Wouldn't surprise me but where have you heard this?

[blythspartan]

I think the frustration about the pitch is more to do with our lack of signings. If we sign a player all will be forgiven.

I’ve heard that not all is well at the club and I’d like to know if Brogue or EPK have heard anything similar.

Wouldn't surprise me but where have you heard this?

A chap I know who once worked there and got made redundant. Tbf, he’s never really told me much, but said it’s not a happy place and money is very very tight.

[Stranded]

I think the frustration about the pitch is more to do with our lack of signings. If we sign a player all will be forgiven.

I’ve heard that not all is well at the club and I’d like to know if Brogue or EPK have heard anything similar.

Wouldn't surprise me but where have you heard this?

A chap I know who once worked there and got made redundant. Tbf, he’s never really told me much, but said it’s not a happy place and money is very very tight.

So we are a lower league football club then.

I appreciate that things will still not be great at the club but lets be honest, we are a L1 side with minimum top end Championship infrastructure to maintain that was on the brink of not existing a year or two ago. We are also working under tighter cost structures than ever before in terms of the squad, coming from a position where we were consistently spending more on wages than we brought in, we can now only spend 50% of income on that - whatever money owners put in only 50p of every pound can go towards the squad.

So I am not surprised that cuts have been made and that the staff working there are not massively happy as they will be constantly looking over their shoulder wondering when the next lay-offs may occur.

Its not great but its reality. That doesn't absolve owners of any mistakes they have made, and they clearly have made them, but too many people assume that new owners was just going to mean everything is rosy like football is just like playing Football Manager rather than an actual business having to act like an actual business.

[Stranded]

Club getting a hammering on twitter. Unfair in my opinion. The weather has not been our friend this summer. And this wasn’t just a run of the mill reseeding of the pitch. It’s been a proper job drainage under soil heating irrigation the job lot. I’m all for bashing the owners at every opportunity but I think to do it on this is harsh

Its the Twitter way - there is no nuance - the weather should have been planned for!

It's the boards fault we aren't signing players at the mo, even though spending rules are much tighter and we've already spent a fair whack. Outgoings for fees have been slow i.e. think we all thought Savage would have gone by now.

Didcot Town dug up their pitch at the end of last season. The club has virtually no money. They replanted, watered, had volunteers help throughout the summer and guess what, first pre-season friendly last week and a lush green pitch awaited the players (and fans). Actual lol a professional League One outfit blaming anything other than incompetence for this pitch disaster.

And fair play to Didcot but we haven't just dug up and replanted - they removed and replaced all the undersoil heating, piping, levelled up the pitch a bit and then reseeded. But more complex than just planting new grass.

[AthleticoSpizz]

Wouldn't surprise me but where have you heard this?

A chap I know who once worked there and got made redundant. Tbf, he’s never really told me much, but said it’s not a happy place and money is very very tight.

So we are a lower league football club then.

I appreciate that things will still not be great at the club but lets be honest, we are a L1 side with minimum top end Championship infrastructure to maintain that was on the brink of not existing a year or two ago. We are also working under tighter cost structures than ever before in terms of the squad, coming from a position where we were consistently spending more on wages than we brought in, we can now only spend 50% of income on that - whatever money owners put in only 50p of every pound can go towards the squad.

So I am not surprised that cuts have been made and that the staff working there are not massively happy as they will be constantly looking over their shoulder wondering when the next lay-offs may occur.

Its not great but its reality. That doesn't absolve owners of any mistakes they have made, and they clearly have made them, but too many people assume that new owners was just going to mean everything is rosy like football is just like playing Football Manager rather than an actual business having to act like an actual business.

tbf to the club, the person that I referred to earlier walked with six months pay.
(not a kings ransom by any means, but £ enough to make things palatable)

[Brogue]

I think the frustration about the pitch is more to do with our lack of signings. If we sign a player all will be forgiven.

I’ve heard that not all is well at the club and I’d like to know if Brogue or EPK have heard anything similar.

Yes, I hear it on the regs, but I decided I wouldn't bother sharing stuff like that anymore as I just get called negative and wanting the club to fail, and I have a vendetta against the owners and Leam. But yeah, Leam is really disappointed with the window so far. We've missed out on the top 3 CB targets we were after. We've been too slow, and as per last season fcuking around with wages and transfer fees, meaning we've missed out on players.

Redundancies have caused a lot of animosity internally; long-serving members of staff are not happy, Couhig has quite the temper i'm told, and the constant shouting at staff in front of others is 'unprofessional' and 'uncalled for'. It's a 'toxic' work enviroment.

But hey, I have a vendetta against the owners, so all of the above isn't true, and it's just me being negative as per the usual.

[linkenholtroyal]

I think the frustration about the pitch is more to do with our lack of signings. If we sign a player all will be forgiven.

I’ve heard that not all is well at the club and I’d like to know if Brogue or EPK have heard anything similar.

Yes, I hear it on the regs, but I decided I wouldn't bother sharing stuff like that anymore as I just get called negative and wanting the club to fail, and I have a vendetta against the owners and Leam. But yeah, Leam is really disappointed with the window so far. We've missed out on the top 3 CB targets we were after. We've been too slow, and as per last season fcuking around with wages and transfer fees, meaning we've missed out on players.

Redundancies have caused a lot of animosity internally; long-serving members of staff are not happy, Couhig has quite the temper i'm told, and the constant shouting at staff in front of others is 'unprofessional' and 'uncalled for'. It's a 'toxic' work enviroment.

But hey, I have a vendetta against the owners, so all of the above isn't true, and it's just me being negative as per the usual.

I have posted before on this and heard similar, this is causing a knock on effect that players, agents and clubs are not wanting to deal with us and black listing advances as the parameters always change midway through negotiations.

Would like to say it has never for me come across as a vendetta against the club. More voicing the internal issues the staff are dealing with and how that affects the club as whole. Please do keep giving your insights and your itk source knowledge.

[blythspartan]

I think the frustration about the pitch is more to do with our lack of signings. If we sign a player all will be forgiven.

I’ve heard that not all is well at the club and I’d like to know if Brogue or EPK have heard anything similar.

Yes, I hear it on the regs, but I decided I wouldn't bother sharing stuff like that anymore as I just get called negative and wanting the club to fail, and I have a vendetta against the owners and Leam. But yeah, Leam is really disappointed with the window so far. We've missed out on the top 3 CB targets we were after. We've been too slow, and as per last season fcuking around with wages and transfer fees, meaning we've missed out on players.

Redundancies have caused a lot of animosity internally; long-serving members of staff are not happy, Couhig has quite the temper i'm told, and the constant shouting at staff in front of others is 'unprofessional' and 'uncalled for'. It's a 'toxic' work enviroment.

But hey, I have a vendetta against the owners, so all of the above isn't true, and it's just me being negative as per the usual.

Thanks Brogue, I have never thought you’ve had a vendetta against the owners. You just say it as it is, and if we had decent owners you’d be singing their praises.

Yes, I was also told that Rob has a temper and likes to broadcast it, as opposed to doing it in private. I asked if we should be alarmed about the lack of finances and was simply told it’s not good.

[Sutekh]

Sounds like getting promotion and selling up can’t come quickly enough but to get that you need to get your transfer targets and we’re still waiting for a CB and CF at least.

And to be fair, because you now have to balance player wages off, then of course the owners are going to be getting pedantic over these things - though they must know what they’re able to offer to stay within the FL regulations and not piddling about changing figures every time. In addition they must have drawn up a list of targets for each position so you just prioritise and plough through that list, some you’ll win and some you’ll lose but you’ll eventually get somewhere. Seems there was a bright start but now it’s all crashed and burned and Leam’s not going to have any time in building preseason with a full squad. And that of course will mean Leam gets the blame in the end, just like Noel did.

Let’s all have another nothing season. But as long as we are learning something…

[Marcel]

I think the frustration about the pitch is more to do with our lack of signings. If we sign a player all will be forgiven.

I’ve heard that not all is well at the club and I’d like to know if Brogue or EPK have heard anything similar.

Yes, I hear it on the regs, but I decided I wouldn't bother sharing stuff like that anymore as I just get called negative and wanting the club to fail, and I have a vendetta against the owners and Leam. But yeah, Leam is really disappointed with the window so far. We've missed out on the top 3 CB targets we were after. We've been too slow, and as per last season fcuking around with wages and transfer fees, meaning we've missed out on players.

Redundancies have caused a lot of animosity internally; long-serving members of staff are not happy, Couhig has quite the temper i'm told, and the constant shouting at staff in front of others is 'unprofessional' and 'uncalled for'. It's a 'toxic' work enviroment.

But hey, I have a vendetta against the owners, so all of the above isn't true, and it's just me being negative as per the usual.

A typical American then. They love nothing more than throwing their weight around

[RoyalBlue]

I think the frustration about the pitch is more to do with our lack of signings. If we sign a player all will be forgiven.

I’ve heard that not all is well at the club and I’d like to know if Brogue or EPK have heard anything similar.

Yes, I hear it on the regs, but I decided I wouldn't bother sharing stuff like that anymore as I just get called negative and wanting the club to fail, and I have a vendetta against the owners and Leam. But yeah, Leam is really disappointed with the window so far. We've missed out on the top 3 CB targets we were after. We've been too slow, and as per last season fcuking around with wages and transfer fees, meaning we've missed out on players.

Redundancies have caused a lot of animosity internally; long-serving members of staff are not happy, Couhig has quite the temper i'm told, and the constant shouting at staff in front of others is 'unprofessional' and 'uncalled for'. It's a 'toxic' work enviroment.

But hey, I have a vendetta against the owners, so all of the above isn't true, and it's just me being negative as per the usual.

A typical American then. They love nothing more than throwing their weight around

To be fair, I've worked for some very good American bosses & senior execs. I've also encountered some loud-mouthed bullies - both British and American.

The member of staff that answered the phone to my wife yesterday sounded really unhappy and as though he really didn't want to be there. Actually hung up on her without answering her question 'If X isn't in until Monday is there someone else who could help me please?' .

I suspect the cost-cutting has gone far too deep amongst staff who really make a difference to the supporter experience, leaving those who are left struggling to cope and extremely frustrated. I've seen the same thing happen in businesses that I've worked for. When a business is already on the ropes it's extremely difficult to cut your way to success and improved performance.

[Marcel]

Yes, I hear it on the regs, but I decided I wouldn't bother sharing stuff like that anymore as I just get called negative and wanting the club to fail, and I have a vendetta against the owners and Leam. But yeah, Leam is really disappointed with the window so far. We've missed out on the top 3 CB targets we were after. We've been too slow, and as per last season fcuking around with wages and transfer fees, meaning we've missed out on players.

Redundancies have caused a lot of animosity internally; long-serving members of staff are not happy, Couhig has quite the temper i'm told, and the constant shouting at staff in front of others is 'unprofessional' and 'uncalled for'. It's a 'toxic' work enviroment.

But hey, I have a vendetta against the owners, so all of the above isn't true, and it's just me being negative as per the usual.

A typical American then. They love nothing more than throwing their weight around

To be fair, I've worked for some very good American bosses & senior execs. I've also encountered some loud-mouthed bullies - both British and American.

The member of staff that answered the phone to my wife yesterday sounded really unhappy and as though he really didn't want to be there. Actually hung up on her without answering her question 'If X isn't in until Monday is there someone else who could help me please?' .

I suspect the cost-cutting has gone far too deep amongst staff who really make a difference to the supporter experience, leaving those who are left struggling to cope and extremely frustrated. I've seen the same thing happen in businesses that I've worked for. When a business is already on the ropes it's extremely difficult to cut your way to success and improved performance.

Well after reading the last few posts I’m glad I kept my money in my bank account this season.

[RG30]

Judge the pitch for yourself.

https://x.com/andybryant28/status/20831 ... 36c4Cd9nxQ

[Mid Sussex Royal]

I think the frustration about the pitch is more to do with our lack of signings. If we sign a player all will be forgiven.

I’ve heard that not all is well at the club and I’d like to know if Brogue or EPK have heard anything similar.

Yes, I hear it on the regs, but I decided I wouldn't bother sharing stuff like that anymore as I just get called negative and wanting the club to fail, and I have a vendetta against the owners and Leam. But yeah, Leam is really disappointed with the window so far. We've missed out on the top 3 CB targets we were after. We've been too slow, and as per last season fcuking around with wages and transfer fees, meaning we've missed out on players.

Redundancies have caused a lot of animosity internally; long-serving members of staff are not happy, Couhig has quite the temper i'm told, and the constant shouting at staff in front of others is 'unprofessional' and 'uncalled for'. It's a 'toxic' work enviroment.

But hey, I have a vendetta against the owners, so all of the above isn't true, and it's just me being negative as per the usual.

I have worked in a business where company restructures have happened every 2 years and atm redundancies are a fact of life everywhere even in football and do cause animosity, and with that directors and owners are bad mouthed in public by the remaining staff.

I assume from what you are saying about transfer dealings that your source is at director level as no one else would have this amount of detail...without accusing you of being negative can you at least confirm your source at the club is at board level so we all know its accurate as otherwise anything else is staff gossip.

[Sutekh]

Judge the pitch for yourself.

https://x.com/andybryant28/status/20831 ... 36c4Cd9nxQ

It’s a bit narrower than I expected

[Sutekh]

Kick off at the valley is at 2pm tomorrow….

How to watch Charlton v Reading on RoyalsTV for free

[Royals and Racers]

Stevens
Roberts
Fraser
Savage
Williams
Lane
Duah
Ahmed
Beacroft
Sackey
Jones
Subs
Rowley
Dashi
Spencer
Harrison
Osho
Howard

[RoyalBlue]

Judge the pitch for yourself.

https://x.com/andybryant28/status/20831 ... 36c4Cd9nxQ

It’s a bit narrower than I expected

That should stop opposition wide men constantly skinning our fullbacks!