Fans Forum 28 April 2005 at the Madejski Stadium.
After the season we've had, just how on earth are we still
up there! Do you think the overall standard of the division has improved or
stood still - are we a better team than last season?
A tremendous start - very conscious of the three 3-0 defeats, didn't want
the dip in Dec, so we had it Jan Feb and Mar! Cost many sleepless nights.
We are vulnerable without Kitson and aware no goals from wide, so opponents
just have to stop him scoring. Defensively we have improved dramatically thanks
to Wally Downes. That is the fundamental reason we have improved. This summer
need to work on scoring goals. The league is determined by the spend - and
we have won our league as we are 8th from bottom on spend. Not many teams
have a variety of match winners just hard work as a unit.
What's been the high point of this season from your perspective
and which debacle was the most embarrassing?
Sunderland high point, Millwall was v important, low point Rotherham away,
with one point would have been bitterly disappointed and the last minute goal
was dreadful, especially as that point could still make the difference.
Reading Football Club is better than it was last season:
what have you learnt this season about your players, the fans and about yourself?
I am learning all the time about the players, even with a small squad you
get players unhappy when not playing, at this stage this season know better
what we need next season. If we can get the players we have targeted we will
be a stronger outfit, but that may not be higher in this league as cannot
bank on the 3 teams relegated failing (assuming we are in this div) if we
get promoted things will have to change to compete.
Which player on our books do you think has progressed the
most this season in terms of their game development and who has been your
player of the season - dare you say?
Player improved most - Sonko. When he came in was very raw and now is still
raw but so committed as well as a lovely warm human being. Still can get better
and better. Kitson has made most impact.
This season, excluding Reading of course, who have you really
rated in the Championship and Coca Cola Leagues as a team as a player and
as a manager?
Team Sunderland, with the best foundation (best creative back 4), Wolves play
most pleasing football on the eye, Joe Royle has the gift of finding positives
from even a bad performance.
Is it worse knowing other results/scores of the teams around
you than not knowing. How do you try and calm the nerves of players, do you
try an prevent news of other games and scores getting through?
At Palace we were 8 points ahead of Oldham with 3 games to go and they won
all three so Palace was relegated. Since then assume everyone will win all
remaining games. Can see from players how other games have gone, but controlled
nerves are good.
Why no loan players taken on at all-all season-some Premier
players during our bad run would have given us automatic promotion !
Availability of right players, even Martin and Les took a while to slot into
place. This season was different as prem clubs had smaller squads so players
available were inexperienced. Situation can change (for instance Blackstock
inquiry - not available then 2 weeks later gone to Plymouth). With hindsight
should have brought someone in Oct Nov Dec to just give a boost.
John Salako, Shaun Goater, Adie Williams, Nicky Forster... Most
fans were very upset over how these players were treated. Are you concerned
that RFC will get a bad reputation concerning players' contracts?
No absolutely not. We have been consistent and we do better than most clubs.
My way is business in summer and will not look at anything else until January.
Players accept it - it is unsettling but that is a footballer's life now.
If Reading Football Club is still in the Championship next
season will Steve Coppell receive a strong transfer budget?
Strange club from that point of view, do not have a budget but not in that
way. If the opportunity arises the Chairman will finance a new player. I treat
my money like my.own and strive for 100% hit rate If we could get top players
here he would find money especially for a young player who will get better.
How much of a change to the squad is planned in the summer - just a few
tweaks or a little bit of surgery?
Nothing from wide and midfield sparse, and defence could have scored more.
Pleased high in the fair league, with the benefit also of not many suspensions.
Will need a bigger squad next year with the transfer window. But we have good
young players in the squad so will grow from within.
While a small squad is probably a good idea in that it helps
the spirit within the squad to grow and all players know they're likely to
play some part or get their opportunity during the course of the season, do
you not perhaps think that the squad at the start of the season (and as now
come to that) was/is just a little too small and over-stretched. Also that
it is unbalanced with a preponderance of 'winger' types?
Not too small, not really stretched. Maybe need more variety so that the bench
is not like for like. Maybe in a search for wide players there are too many.
Having more players does not make a better squad - need better players. Some
players still look on Reading as a footballing backwater
Just what has been the difficulty this season in getting
players to come to the club? Are the club perhaps being too blinkered in those
players they are interested in or are those players the fans see moving to
other clubs (and who they feel could do a job here eg. Rob Hulse, David Johnson,
David Unsworth, Darren Powell, Danny Cullip, Michael Ricketts, Brett Ormerod
etc...) really not that good at all - and therefore not worth the effort -
or did we try for some but were rejected.....
Money is a big issue, our wage structure means that a lot of prem players
would not fit into our structure. So alternatively they want long term deals.
Not many home town boys in football - it is now all about money.
Don't suppose you'd like to tell us who two players we tried
to sign before deadline day? Assuming not, will we still be pursuing them
in the summer or are those deals dead now.
Can't remember. Got the notes though. Wanted an impact player, Les was designed
for that and has made an impact in a way I did not foresee. He makes most
impact coming on as sub.
How do you prepare the squad for a game? Do you just stick
their good points and get them to work at their opponents conceived weaknesses
or do you impress on them the strength and ability of the opposition and get
them to watch out for this and that rather than building their own game?
Meeting with Niall to plan the intensity of training, need to keep freshened
up so intended to play golf on Monday, but it was cancelled after the result
which may have been bloody minded! Having seen Wolves on video did specific
work on how we can get to Wolves yesterday. Players are off today, tomorrow
will see an edited video of where we can get at Wolves, light training and
set-pieces. Day before game is next to nothing physically. Come in 1.30 Sat
post team at 2 and then play….
Have the club tried to go to a higher level of league with
the reserve team as the gulf between reserve football and the first team looks
immense. Also has this impacted on Steve's squad size as the fringe players
get very little competitive football.
Another reason for smaller squads. Reserve games do not perform the function
needed. Older players can get disillusioned and training session is better
for them. Have been playing youngsters, game against Crawley this week was
a good game because their season has finished so quite a lot of their first
team played. Trying to get to the prem league although would cost us as we
would have to have a bigger squad.
Louie Soares looks to be very impressive, Johnny Mullins
has done outstandingly well in a difficult situation at Kidderminster, Simieon
Howell has travelled with a few 1st team squads, Peter Castle and Darren Campbell
played fleetingly under your predecessor, Jon Hayes looks awesome on occasions
and James Henry seems to be earning Owen and Rooney type reviews at only 16
yet none even make the bench. Do you think that any of the current crop will
break into the first team or do they all still have too much to learn to be
given substitute opportunities?
Down to playing a match on Sat and bench comprises injury cover and different
options (not just appearance money). Youngsters have been unlucky as there
have not been injuries. Now the reserve team looks a promising outfit compared
to last year.
Does the fact Reading Schools have just won their 'FA cup'
bode well for the future in view of the proposed rules on 'home-grown' talent?
Apparently the Football League have considered a rule similar to the EUFA
rule but even stricter in restricting foreign players - would this be good
for English football and Reading in particular?
Great for Reading, the amount spent on the academy has not yet paid off. But
the Chairman sees a responsibility to local youngsters, to give them an opportunity
as we are as good as anyone else at that level. Half the team academy in the
schoolboys winning side is brilliant, result is kids proud of the club, with
a feel for the supporters and the area all is a massive boost for the club
and the area.
Given that this season we've already been abiding by the
Premiership transfer window guidelines, do you think this will give us an
advantage for next season! Does its ridiculous enforcement on all league clubs
mean that we will have to carry a larger squad and if so what sort of size
squad do we need to have (this season we've generally had a 1st team squad
of 19 players).
and With the imposition of the idiot transfer window, is the loan market now
dead?
Loan market not dead but window is much shorter, now 6mth or season long loans.
Championship divides into 3 sections, first parachute payment 6, then group
in middle, then bottom group of clubs. Bottom group will cut wage bills and
spend for next season so will only be trying to avoid relegation. The next
8-10 teams aspire to prem but do not commit (spending) - we are the top of
that group. Need to be there to start well next season.
Can you finally clear up whether you actually watched Bobby
Convey play in the flesh, before shelling out a huge percentage of our transfer
budget on him?
No, loads of videos but not in the flesh. Maybe wrong but in view of Eddie
Lewis being kept out of the US team by him, felt it worth the risk.
Has Bobby Convey not achieved what you hoped in his first
season. If not what do you think are the reasons? Are you hopeful he will
make a bigger impact next season?
Wasn't intending to buy a reserve team left winger. Looking for that elusive
left-sided player and didn't think we would find it at a price we could afford
in this country. He had not been to college so had not been away from home,
so has not coped so well initially. Hope that given time he will contribute,
he is working well to make himself stronger physically and still think he
will come good.
Why is the left wing such a problem, not just for us but,
seemingly for the most part, at all levels of the english game. Do we have
an answer for us and when will Bobby get his chance again?
Nick Shorey ought to be good but whenever we try it he looks so uncomfortable
Adrian Williams - what happened there exactly? He was the
captain and in many respects the heart and soul of the defence yet he was
allowed to go with no apparent attempt to persuade him otherwise and at a
time when the squad was already too stretched defensively, then to compound
it we totally failed to get anyone in to replace him (even Darren Powell on
loan).
Adie wanted a contract in October, he was not prepared to wait to January,
but I was not prepared to make an exception because of the other 5 players
in the same position. Nothing happened for 4 weeks then left when Coventry
offered a 2.5 year deal, despite being told we would rather he stayed. Defence
is better than last year, so it has not been a defensive loss because lucky
with injuries. Enquired about Darren Powell but got nowhere.
Why doesn't Shaun Goater 'fit' any more? Surely his experience
and goalscoring presence would make up for any lack of pace/power, as well
as worrying the opposition, particularly in the latter half of the season
where we've actually managed to become quite consistent at getting the ball
in the box.
Judgement call made at the start of season, there were too many strikers,
there still are. Fozzy and Kits are the best 2 strikers - not always been
the case on the pitch - see the strikers more with training etc so as the
Goat was not the future for the club decided that in view of the contract
clause not to play him.
Goalkeepers. Hahnemann's done well this season despite the
seeming lack of competition. How do you rate Jamie Young and, now, Adam Frederici
are either likely to make the breakthrough with us? Will you be looking for
a more experienced keeper in the summer to allow Jamie out on a season loan
somewhere?
Possibility of letting Jamie on loan. Marcus is hard working committed player
and maybe the lack of competition is why - he enjoys the responsibility. Jamie
has suffered as he needs to play first team football now he may go out on
loan. We need 3 goalkeepers in view of the restricted loan rules.
Ricky Newman, completely underrated star or what?
He's terrific. First 6 months didn't get a look in, spent time on the bench
but still with 100% commitment. Now has come in and played, depend upon and
trust him in the team. When he played reserve team football he was a fabulous
example for the youngsters. Nothing but praise for the man.
Questions from the Floor:
Do you feel one reason for not scoring is that front two lack concentration
when we do not have ball?
Body language important and talk about a lot. Some players like Kits look
apologetic. His size and hair colour means he stands out, but concentration
- no. Fozzy, yes he loses concentration, should not be caught offside.
Goals from other areas big problem
Ever get frustrated for players not playing to his strengths
eg Harps driving forward?
No agree, wanted and encouraged even pushed him to take the ball past players,
but he thinks he has to be the cover.
Transfers, are prem clubs interested in kits and siddy?
No-one has ever approached me, no phone call or even conversation about them
or anyone else.
People critical about mnotivation, how do you do it?
Look around football, take Arsenal they play good football and cannot imagine
Wenger throwing cups. In this division it seems you are expected to be the
jump up and down monkey on the line. Passion is going to watch the reserves
and missing the Champions league semi-final last night! Motivation comes from
pre-season setting standards and making the most of ability.
Chairman spent 2.5 million pound garden should it be on players?
Not really a garden kind of man. Chelsea have shown money counts, and at this
level with many millions you could buy success. Understand why the chairman
wants club to wipe it own face and have no complaints with it.
How do you account for performance like last Saturday?
Said keep them quiet for 20 mins, but we made a mistake on 12 mins. More open
in second half trying to get a goal, it is not our style to throw 5 up front
and the frustrated long ball does not work for us. Also does not reflect well
on us. Did not have post mortem as it could be counter productive - the players
knew.
Little town on M4 quote, does the national media annoy you?
Post match press conference I was asked 'were players overawed?' no, pressure
is great when you are at top of division, club with no footballing history
and we know can make history. But the Sun quoted some of it without the context.
Love it seeing READING colours everywhere, and increasingly.
Under 11s, more and more wear reading shirts, with Martin
and Les, can they encourage youngsters more?
All player do a lot, Hughesy should be getting MBE for what he does. We try
to use them but both are on short term contracts and it is the lads who have
been here for years who understand and put the time in.
Back to submitted questions:
Having Forster, Ferdinand and Kitson on the pitch currently seems to make
us much more dangerous opposition yet we seem to 'play safe' by not starting
with this combination, why?
Frightening but unbalanced. For last 4-5 games not sure have the combinations
are working
I remember the year Glen Little scored, I was there the day
Andy Hughes struck - why don't our midfield score more goals ?
Glen is high on shots without scoring. Wide players should get a goal in 7
games and we have none! Hasn't happened
Do you feel taking the captaincy has effected Murty's game
at all?
He is a proud man and felt the poor run most. That is not what the captain
should do, and he let it affect him a little. He is learning the position
following a strong captain.
Sidwell and Harper are both young players, how much more
do you think they have to learn before they peak - can we provide that experience
for them?
Start of season as good as any team. The bad run made me question that. As
a combination they are as effective as anyone and given their age can only
get better.
How can you get our wingers to more consistently take on
players and get to the goal line to cross a ball rather than take the easier
option of lamping the ball over from about 25/30 yards?
Not by telling them to take players on. Glen has had niggling injuries all
season. If we had real penetration in wide area we would be more effective.
Andy Hughes, great player but he is not a winger. He can excel at full
back and as a box to box midfielder he is superb but a wing player is probably
his least successful position - does this mean that you just don't rate any
of our actual wingers or, more to the point, is our central midfield just
so strong that you cannot leave any of them out?
I like Harps and Siddy in the middle and that is why Hughesy has not been
there. He is jack of all trades as he can fit in anywhere on the pitch. Needs
to calm down but invaluable and may prove the case on Sat if SHorey does nto
make it. Hughesy defensive abilities balances Glen a little more.
Do you know what our proposed pre-season schedule is as yet?
Depends when this season ends! Sweden again on west coast.
Please, cheer us all up and say something to get us all up
in the right frame of mind for Saturday (and if it works please say it to
the players as well).
Can only echo Lloydy, another player who has given everything as a sub, he
goes around saying to himself and anyone else who will listen 'believe it,
believe we can win'.
Steve said a few words about wanting the club to do well, wanting to be part of the growth. Start of the season, worried about the expectations but we are there or there abouts. Whatever happens in the next 2 games appreciate the support of the fans
Thanks to STAR for the above information supplied to Hob
Nob Anyone?
