Superb Spurs Batter Lowly Reading
A Jermain Defoe inspired Tottenham Hotspur registered their first league win of the season after easing to a 3-1 victory over newly-promoted Reading at the Madejski Stadium, lifting the pressure off of the shoulders of manager Andre Villas Boas, whilst condemning the Royals to a second consecutive Premier league defeat.
Defoe netted twice either side of a Gareth Bale strike to give Villas Boas his first win as manager with a late Hal Robson-Kanu volley proving only little consolation for Brian McDermott’s team, as Tottenham banished the demons of throwing away the lead from their last two home games to kick start their season.
Defoe netted from an Aaron Lennon cross after just eighteen minutes before Bale doubled the lead twenty minutes from time from Kyle Walker’s cut-back. Defoe secured the points for the White Hart Lane occupants with a fine left-footed strike from twelve yards before Robson-Kanu gave the home fans a slight moment of joy with a late goal from Adam Le Fondre’s deep cross. It came too little too late though as Tottenham held out for a deserved victory.
After a bright Tottenham start, in which Reading’s second choice goalkeeper Alex McCarthy, drafted in due to injury to Adam Federici, had been busy, it was Reading who may have felt aggrieved not to receive a penalty after eleven minutes when Walker looked to have handled a cross under pressure from Alex Pearce, only for Howard Webb to penalise Pearce for a foul on the England international.
This did not seem to faze Tottenham though and it took just eighteen minutes for the visitors to breach the home backline; former Reading midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson found Lennon with a delightful through ball before the England winger used his blistering pace to power past veteran left-back Ian Harte. Lennon hit the by-line before cutting the ball back to Defoe, who fired into the bottom corner past the stranded McCarthy to give the visitors a well-earned lead.
The England international could and perhaps should have doubled his tally just six minutes later when he spectacularly controlled a long ball forward from Kyle Naughton to take two Reading defenders out of the game and he drove towards goal, before firing an outside of the right boot effort inches wide of McCarthy’s post from the edge of the penalty area.
The hosts were struggling to get a foot-hold in the game and McCarthy almost gifted Tottenham a second when his heavy first touch allowed Defoe to nip in. He crossed low for Sigurdsson, whose right-footed effort was wonderfully cleared off the line by Pearce, who had got his goalkeeper out of trouble and kept his side in the game with a fine clearance.
Tottenham should have been more than one goal up at the break but, despite a spell of pressure from the hosts without really threatening Brad Friedel’s goal after the interval, they doubled their lead twenty minutes from time after Walker hit the by-line with too much ease before cutting it back for Bale, whose scuffed effort nestled into corner, out of reach of the helpless McCarthy.
If the second goal did not kill Reading off, the third certainly did and Defoe produced a magnificent individual effort to bag his second of the game. He dispossessed centre-back Kaspars Gorkss on the halfway line and he used his pace to storm towards McCarthy’s goal, steaming past Pearce before finishing with aplomb into the corner to secure the win for Villas-Boas’ team.
Robson-Kanu netted a late consolation at the back post for the hosts after good work from substitute Le Fondre but it was a fantastic performance from Tottenham who have finally got their season going with a much-deserved and comfortable victory, keeping Reading winless on their return to the top-flight.
By Marcus Oades (@Oadesey147)
Defoe netted twice either side of a Gareth Bale strike to give Villas Boas his first win as manager with a late Hal Robson-Kanu volley proving only little consolation for Brian McDermott’s team, as Tottenham banished the demons of throwing away the lead from their last two home games to kick start their season.
Defoe netted from an Aaron Lennon cross after just eighteen minutes before Bale doubled the lead twenty minutes from time from Kyle Walker’s cut-back. Defoe secured the points for the White Hart Lane occupants with a fine left-footed strike from twelve yards before Robson-Kanu gave the home fans a slight moment of joy with a late goal from Adam Le Fondre’s deep cross. It came too little too late though as Tottenham held out for a deserved victory.
After a bright Tottenham start, in which Reading’s second choice goalkeeper Alex McCarthy, drafted in due to injury to Adam Federici, had been busy, it was Reading who may have felt aggrieved not to receive a penalty after eleven minutes when Walker looked to have handled a cross under pressure from Alex Pearce, only for Howard Webb to penalise Pearce for a foul on the England international.
This did not seem to faze Tottenham though and it took just eighteen minutes for the visitors to breach the home backline; former Reading midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson found Lennon with a delightful through ball before the England winger used his blistering pace to power past veteran left-back Ian Harte. Lennon hit the by-line before cutting the ball back to Defoe, who fired into the bottom corner past the stranded McCarthy to give the visitors a well-earned lead.
The England international could and perhaps should have doubled his tally just six minutes later when he spectacularly controlled a long ball forward from Kyle Naughton to take two Reading defenders out of the game and he drove towards goal, before firing an outside of the right boot effort inches wide of McCarthy’s post from the edge of the penalty area.
The hosts were struggling to get a foot-hold in the game and McCarthy almost gifted Tottenham a second when his heavy first touch allowed Defoe to nip in. He crossed low for Sigurdsson, whose right-footed effort was wonderfully cleared off the line by Pearce, who had got his goalkeeper out of trouble and kept his side in the game with a fine clearance.
Tottenham should have been more than one goal up at the break but, despite a spell of pressure from the hosts without really threatening Brad Friedel’s goal after the interval, they doubled their lead twenty minutes from time after Walker hit the by-line with too much ease before cutting it back for Bale, whose scuffed effort nestled into corner, out of reach of the helpless McCarthy.
If the second goal did not kill Reading off, the third certainly did and Defoe produced a magnificent individual effort to bag his second of the game. He dispossessed centre-back Kaspars Gorkss on the halfway line and he used his pace to storm towards McCarthy’s goal, steaming past Pearce before finishing with aplomb into the corner to secure the win for Villas-Boas’ team.
Robson-Kanu netted a late consolation at the back post for the hosts after good work from substitute Le Fondre but it was a fantastic performance from Tottenham who have finally got their season going with a much-deserved and comfortable victory, keeping Reading winless on their return to the top-flight.
By Marcus Oades (@Oadesey147)
Controversial Torres Strike Denies Brave Reading
The Champions of Europe versus the Champions of the Championship; the side which overcame Barcelona versus the 21st best side in England and, at times, it was difficult to see which one was which.
Chelsea went off like a steam train in their first home match since that memorable night in Munich back in May and could easily have been ahead before the ever-reliable Frank Lampard powered home a penalty after the magical Eden Hazard, jinking this way then the other almost effortlessly, was brought down by visiting full-back Chris Gunter. Had Ramires found the back of the net moments before, this game may well have been all over before the twenty minute mark. After cutting inside onto his left-foot and with Torres ready to slot home into an empty net, the Brazilian selfishly went for goal himself, only to find Adam Federici equal to the task in hand.
However, Reading derailed their hosts. Firstly, summer signing Pavel Pogrebnyak thundered home a fantastic header after fine work from Garath McCleary down the right-hand side; the Royals winger comfortably getting the better of the world’s most highly-rated left-back Ashley Cole as he drilled a cross towards the penalty spot for Pogrebnyak to attack, and he did just that, leaving Gary Cahill challenging thin-air and Petr Cech helpless to deny the equaliser.
If Cech was helpless to deny the first, he was entirely at fault for the second. A lung-busting run from captain Jobi McAnuff was cynically ended by John Terry twenty yards from goal, and Danny Guthrie, another new signing for a free transfer, fired a fairly tame effort towards the Chelsea goal. It should have been a bread and butter save for Cech, regarded as one of the world’s best shot-stoppers, but clearly butter had found a way onto his gloves, as he spilled the ball over the line to give the visitors the lead.
Chelsea had ran out of coal and Reading continued to pick up speed after a slow getaway; Alex Pearce should have made it 3-1 to Brian McDermott’s side when Ian Harte whipped in a tantalising free-kick which needed only the faintest of touches from the Reading centre-half to send it goal bound. Unluckily for him, and indeed the thousands of Reading fans making a deafening noise at the other end, the ball sailed harmlessly wide of Cech’s goal.
With the Royals leading at the break and their fans chanting ‘we are top of the league’, something needed to change for Chelsea and Roberto Di Matteo clearly injected a turbo as his side came out in the second half as they had started the first. The hosts were pummelling the Reading penalty area, but the visitors remained calm and solid, restricting the European champions to long-range efforts which, apart from one, were absorbed comfortably by the Royals back-line.
Unfortunately, this one effort resulted in the much-needed leveller for Chelsea, as Cahill was allowed time to strike from all of 30 yards and, although the ball was moving around in the air, Federici will have been disappointed to have allowed the ball to slip under his body and find the net. The Reading rear-guard had been breached and Chelsea had seized the initiative.
If the supporters thought that Reading may settle for a point with just twenty minutes to go, they were wrong. McDermott threw on strikers Adam Le Fondre, the scorer in the 1-1 with Stoke, and Noel Hunt to maintain his unmistakable philosophy of ‘win football games’, regardless of the fact that they were away to the best team in the continent. McAnuff fizzed an effort towards goal but Cech held comfortably, no doubt un-nerved after his earlier gaffe, this routine save well have come as a welcome relief.
He will, however, have been one of the most thankful men in the ground when the home side took the lead on 81 when Fernando Torres, the £50 million man, tapped home from all of four yards after Cole’s low cross from the left, leaving Federici scrambling across his goal. Reading, however, as illustrated by an infuriated McDermott, felt aggrieved as Torres was a yard offside when the ball left the boot of Cole, only the linesman failed to see the illegality of the move. A signalling malfunction had cost the Royals and Chelsea hit top gear from then on, netting a fourth in injury-time when Reading threw every man at a corner, including Federici, only to get caught on the counter; Ivanovic tapped into an unguarded net to complete the scoring a give Chelsea a hard-earned victory, sending them top of the division for the first time in almost two years.
Hazard was once again impressive, assisting three of the goals Chelsea netted but on another day, Reading may well have earned themselves a famous victory at the Bridge. Or at least a point. Apart from a slight ‘keeper error and a blatant offside unsighted, Reading proved that they are not here to make up the numbers and the attacking philosophy under McDermott will no doubt have won a few more fans over the course of the evening. Well played Reading but fair play to Chelsea for finding a way to win, albeit a bit fortuitously.
By Marcus Oades (@Oadesey147)
Chelsea went off like a steam train in their first home match since that memorable night in Munich back in May and could easily have been ahead before the ever-reliable Frank Lampard powered home a penalty after the magical Eden Hazard, jinking this way then the other almost effortlessly, was brought down by visiting full-back Chris Gunter. Had Ramires found the back of the net moments before, this game may well have been all over before the twenty minute mark. After cutting inside onto his left-foot and with Torres ready to slot home into an empty net, the Brazilian selfishly went for goal himself, only to find Adam Federici equal to the task in hand.
However, Reading derailed their hosts. Firstly, summer signing Pavel Pogrebnyak thundered home a fantastic header after fine work from Garath McCleary down the right-hand side; the Royals winger comfortably getting the better of the world’s most highly-rated left-back Ashley Cole as he drilled a cross towards the penalty spot for Pogrebnyak to attack, and he did just that, leaving Gary Cahill challenging thin-air and Petr Cech helpless to deny the equaliser.
If Cech was helpless to deny the first, he was entirely at fault for the second. A lung-busting run from captain Jobi McAnuff was cynically ended by John Terry twenty yards from goal, and Danny Guthrie, another new signing for a free transfer, fired a fairly tame effort towards the Chelsea goal. It should have been a bread and butter save for Cech, regarded as one of the world’s best shot-stoppers, but clearly butter had found a way onto his gloves, as he spilled the ball over the line to give the visitors the lead.
Chelsea had ran out of coal and Reading continued to pick up speed after a slow getaway; Alex Pearce should have made it 3-1 to Brian McDermott’s side when Ian Harte whipped in a tantalising free-kick which needed only the faintest of touches from the Reading centre-half to send it goal bound. Unluckily for him, and indeed the thousands of Reading fans making a deafening noise at the other end, the ball sailed harmlessly wide of Cech’s goal.
With the Royals leading at the break and their fans chanting ‘we are top of the league’, something needed to change for Chelsea and Roberto Di Matteo clearly injected a turbo as his side came out in the second half as they had started the first. The hosts were pummelling the Reading penalty area, but the visitors remained calm and solid, restricting the European champions to long-range efforts which, apart from one, were absorbed comfortably by the Royals back-line.
Unfortunately, this one effort resulted in the much-needed leveller for Chelsea, as Cahill was allowed time to strike from all of 30 yards and, although the ball was moving around in the air, Federici will have been disappointed to have allowed the ball to slip under his body and find the net. The Reading rear-guard had been breached and Chelsea had seized the initiative.
If the supporters thought that Reading may settle for a point with just twenty minutes to go, they were wrong. McDermott threw on strikers Adam Le Fondre, the scorer in the 1-1 with Stoke, and Noel Hunt to maintain his unmistakable philosophy of ‘win football games’, regardless of the fact that they were away to the best team in the continent. McAnuff fizzed an effort towards goal but Cech held comfortably, no doubt un-nerved after his earlier gaffe, this routine save well have come as a welcome relief.
He will, however, have been one of the most thankful men in the ground when the home side took the lead on 81 when Fernando Torres, the £50 million man, tapped home from all of four yards after Cole’s low cross from the left, leaving Federici scrambling across his goal. Reading, however, as illustrated by an infuriated McDermott, felt aggrieved as Torres was a yard offside when the ball left the boot of Cole, only the linesman failed to see the illegality of the move. A signalling malfunction had cost the Royals and Chelsea hit top gear from then on, netting a fourth in injury-time when Reading threw every man at a corner, including Federici, only to get caught on the counter; Ivanovic tapped into an unguarded net to complete the scoring a give Chelsea a hard-earned victory, sending them top of the division for the first time in almost two years.
Hazard was once again impressive, assisting three of the goals Chelsea netted but on another day, Reading may well have earned themselves a famous victory at the Bridge. Or at least a point. Apart from a slight ‘keeper error and a blatant offside unsighted, Reading proved that they are not here to make up the numbers and the attacking philosophy under McDermott will no doubt have won a few more fans over the course of the evening. Well played Reading but fair play to Chelsea for finding a way to win, albeit a bit fortuitously.
By Marcus Oades (@Oadesey147)
Battling Royals Earn Hard-Fought Point
IT WASN’T GREAT. At some stages, it was far from convincing but at the end of the day, a point on the return to the Premier League after a four-year absence for Brian McDermott’s Reading will be well received by Royals fans around the country. Their team are off-the-mark in the top-flight.
Again though, as they did many times in their Championship winning season last campaign, they left it late to salvage a draw, this time against Stoke City at the Madejski Stadium. Yet again, they made the fans wait until the 90th minute, turning their anxiety at the prospect of an opening day defeat into absolute relief; they had come from behind and secured their first point back in the top division.
It was Adam Le Fondre who was Reading’s hero on the opening weekend of the eagerly-anticipated new season; the former Rotherham star scored against Crewe Alexandra for the Millers a year ago to the day before his move to the Royal county and now, he has scored Reading’s first Premier League goal of the season, cancelling out Michael Kightly’s earlier strike for the Potters. Le Fondre’s penalty came courtesy of Dean Whitehead’s foul on substitute Garath McCleary and the Reading striker made no mistake from the spot; ‘keeper Asmir Begovic guessed the right way, only to see the pin-point accuracy from Le Fondre’s right foot get the better of him as the ball nestled perfectly in the corner.
The Royals had started reasonably well, despite no real clear cut chances and fell behind on 34 when Kightly found a yard of space in the home penalty box to get his shot away. He scuffed the effort and it lacked significant pace but somehow the ball still wriggled under the body of goalkeeper Adam Federici into the back of the net, giving Tony Pulis’ side the lead ten minutes before the break. It was an uncharacteristic error from the usually reliant Federici; the same shot-stopper who kept 20 clean sheets in the Championship last season and saved Reading numerous times throughout the campaign.
He will no doubt have been the most relieved man in the stadium when referee Kevin Friend pointed to the penalty spot after McCleary was cynically tripped by Whitehead, who in turn received his marching orders after the referee brandished a second yellow card for the visiting midfielder. McCleary was undoubtedly the game changer for the hosts; he provided the energy Reading had lacked and the spark which had been missing in the 67 minutes previous to his arrival. Le Fondre stepped up and, with the knowledge that Reading had missed five of their seven penalties last season, knew that the pressure was on to convert. If he knew of this pressure, he hardly showed it; a calm, composed sweep of the right foot sent the ball into the bottom corner, sending the 22 or so thousand home supporters into joyous moods.
Neither side did enough to win the game, despite Stoke looking comfortable from their goal until the final twenty minutes and Reading starting well and finishing strongly once again. One thing remained intact though, the never-say-die attitude attached to McDermott’s valiant team will once again serve them well in the top-flight and this specific approach earned them a hard-fought point on their return to the Premier League.
By Marcus Oades (@Oadesey147)
Again though, as they did many times in their Championship winning season last campaign, they left it late to salvage a draw, this time against Stoke City at the Madejski Stadium. Yet again, they made the fans wait until the 90th minute, turning their anxiety at the prospect of an opening day defeat into absolute relief; they had come from behind and secured their first point back in the top division.
It was Adam Le Fondre who was Reading’s hero on the opening weekend of the eagerly-anticipated new season; the former Rotherham star scored against Crewe Alexandra for the Millers a year ago to the day before his move to the Royal county and now, he has scored Reading’s first Premier League goal of the season, cancelling out Michael Kightly’s earlier strike for the Potters. Le Fondre’s penalty came courtesy of Dean Whitehead’s foul on substitute Garath McCleary and the Reading striker made no mistake from the spot; ‘keeper Asmir Begovic guessed the right way, only to see the pin-point accuracy from Le Fondre’s right foot get the better of him as the ball nestled perfectly in the corner.
The Royals had started reasonably well, despite no real clear cut chances and fell behind on 34 when Kightly found a yard of space in the home penalty box to get his shot away. He scuffed the effort and it lacked significant pace but somehow the ball still wriggled under the body of goalkeeper Adam Federici into the back of the net, giving Tony Pulis’ side the lead ten minutes before the break. It was an uncharacteristic error from the usually reliant Federici; the same shot-stopper who kept 20 clean sheets in the Championship last season and saved Reading numerous times throughout the campaign.
He will no doubt have been the most relieved man in the stadium when referee Kevin Friend pointed to the penalty spot after McCleary was cynically tripped by Whitehead, who in turn received his marching orders after the referee brandished a second yellow card for the visiting midfielder. McCleary was undoubtedly the game changer for the hosts; he provided the energy Reading had lacked and the spark which had been missing in the 67 minutes previous to his arrival. Le Fondre stepped up and, with the knowledge that Reading had missed five of their seven penalties last season, knew that the pressure was on to convert. If he knew of this pressure, he hardly showed it; a calm, composed sweep of the right foot sent the ball into the bottom corner, sending the 22 or so thousand home supporters into joyous moods.
Neither side did enough to win the game, despite Stoke looking comfortable from their goal until the final twenty minutes and Reading starting well and finishing strongly once again. One thing remained intact though, the never-say-die attitude attached to McDermott’s valiant team will once again serve them well in the top-flight and this specific approach earned them a hard-fought point on their return to the Premier League.
By Marcus Oades (@Oadesey147)
Is this Noels year?
So the new season is nearly underway and for Reading, it's been a busy summer. With the tour to Portugal and many fresh faces coming in, has Noel Hunt got what it takes to be a first team player by the time the new season arrives? With players such as Jason Roberts, new boy Pavel Pogrebnyak and even super sub Adam Le Fondre looking to impress. The big question is, has Hunt who has been at the club a number of years now got the flair pace and skill that is required to play in the best league in the world?
Some Fans would agree with myself and honestly say no he doesn't, and some Reading fans would say otherwise. Nevertheless he is a good player and is the smallest target man in all 4 divisions of English football. But he doesn't have the flair required to make an impact in the premier league in which he will be facing the likes of Kompany, Vidic, Terry and many other world class defenders. The Irishman is suited to the championship and is above average at that level, but as ive said, the premiership is a whole different ball game. But maybe, just maybe on the 18th of August he will step up to the mark and bag a few goals to prove he is good enough to compete at the very highest level.
By Ashley Lewin (@AshLoyalRoyal)
Some Fans would agree with myself and honestly say no he doesn't, and some Reading fans would say otherwise. Nevertheless he is a good player and is the smallest target man in all 4 divisions of English football. But he doesn't have the flair required to make an impact in the premier league in which he will be facing the likes of Kompany, Vidic, Terry and many other world class defenders. The Irishman is suited to the championship and is above average at that level, but as ive said, the premiership is a whole different ball game. But maybe, just maybe on the 18th of August he will step up to the mark and bag a few goals to prove he is good enough to compete at the very highest level.
By Ashley Lewin (@AshLoyalRoyal)
Garath McCleary – Non-league zero to Premier league hero?
Reading’s new boy Garath McCleary who signed on a bosman in May seems to have gone under the radar recently since other big names have joined the Madejski such as Pavel Pogrebnyak, Nicky Shorey and Danny Guthrie. However, despite being Nottingham Forest’s leading goal scorer last term with an impressive nine goal tally from midfield will he really be playing regularly in the Premier league especially with Reading’s impressive and large hierarchy of wingers?
Surely with Jimmy Kebe being a stand out player, Jobi McAnuff being the club captain, Hal Robson-Kanu being a fan favourite and Michail Antonio’s notable 5 goals from 14 appearances for newly-promoted Sheffield Wednesday whilst on a loan spell at the Yorkshire club for the back end of last season, McCleary won’t be a regular starter. Haven written that, the 25 year-old from Oxford scored a stunning 4 goals in a 7-3 demolishing of a solid Leeds side last March and seems to have a good demeanour on and off the pitch. This has to raise the question, could the winger be a regular starter in Brian McDermott’s side for the 2012/13 Barclays Premier league? Furthermore, Jobi McAnuff is 30 years of age and isn’t getting any younger, Jimmy Kebe’s performances although dazzling at times are inconsistent and with Michail Antonio repeatedly being linked with a permanent move to Sheffield Wednesday surely McCleary could be the future for Reading. Nevertheless, it won’t be easy to imprint his name into the starting eleven immediately, something which was proved by Tomasz Cywka nearing the latter the stages of last season who was full of talent which I believe wasn’t exploited fully and only made 4 appearances for the Royals in his brief time at the Madejski.
Garath’s career started at Oxford United where he stuttered and failed to impress and was very close to quitting football full time for a further education. However solid spells at Oxford City, Slough town and Bromley soon prompted a promising trial from what was Colin Calderwood’s Nottingham Forest after he had impressed the former Scotland international. Since then he has made over 100 appearances for the club from Nottinghamshire under 6 different managers. Last season, he was also voted Nottingham Forest’s player of the season by the supporters.
However, other than his successful 2011/12 league campaign in which he flourished, in the 2009/10 Championship season he received more red cards than he did score goals, in the season later he started just 8 times while frustratingly was sat on the bench for both playoff semi-final legs against Swansea who then went on to beat the Royals at Wembley to gain promotion. Many also say that his career has lived off of his four goal haul at Elland Road last season. Garath has already spoken and has stated his desire to play top-flight football and is eager to prove himself in the big time, which would overcome his past frustration in not playing week in and week out and therefore not being able to prove how good of a talent he really is.
Could he be the dark horse in the Reading side going up against Premier league fullbacks, running down the flanks, providing assists and maybe hitting the back of the net himself a few times? I’m sure he is capable. Despite, the Premier League being one of the most demanding leagues in the worlds, Garath McCleary could shine in it. In 2008 he signed for Nottingham Forest making a huge jump from playing in the Conference South with Bromley weekly to the 2nd tier of English football. Looking at his phenomenal goal to game ratio at Forest from midfield, being at nearly 1:8, he successfully accomplished the transition, only pointing towards the fact that he could make another transition in playing in the Premier league, his personal goal he set to himself as an aspiring teenager.
By Sam Jessett (@readingfcsam)
Surely with Jimmy Kebe being a stand out player, Jobi McAnuff being the club captain, Hal Robson-Kanu being a fan favourite and Michail Antonio’s notable 5 goals from 14 appearances for newly-promoted Sheffield Wednesday whilst on a loan spell at the Yorkshire club for the back end of last season, McCleary won’t be a regular starter. Haven written that, the 25 year-old from Oxford scored a stunning 4 goals in a 7-3 demolishing of a solid Leeds side last March and seems to have a good demeanour on and off the pitch. This has to raise the question, could the winger be a regular starter in Brian McDermott’s side for the 2012/13 Barclays Premier league? Furthermore, Jobi McAnuff is 30 years of age and isn’t getting any younger, Jimmy Kebe’s performances although dazzling at times are inconsistent and with Michail Antonio repeatedly being linked with a permanent move to Sheffield Wednesday surely McCleary could be the future for Reading. Nevertheless, it won’t be easy to imprint his name into the starting eleven immediately, something which was proved by Tomasz Cywka nearing the latter the stages of last season who was full of talent which I believe wasn’t exploited fully and only made 4 appearances for the Royals in his brief time at the Madejski.
Garath’s career started at Oxford United where he stuttered and failed to impress and was very close to quitting football full time for a further education. However solid spells at Oxford City, Slough town and Bromley soon prompted a promising trial from what was Colin Calderwood’s Nottingham Forest after he had impressed the former Scotland international. Since then he has made over 100 appearances for the club from Nottinghamshire under 6 different managers. Last season, he was also voted Nottingham Forest’s player of the season by the supporters.
However, other than his successful 2011/12 league campaign in which he flourished, in the 2009/10 Championship season he received more red cards than he did score goals, in the season later he started just 8 times while frustratingly was sat on the bench for both playoff semi-final legs against Swansea who then went on to beat the Royals at Wembley to gain promotion. Many also say that his career has lived off of his four goal haul at Elland Road last season. Garath has already spoken and has stated his desire to play top-flight football and is eager to prove himself in the big time, which would overcome his past frustration in not playing week in and week out and therefore not being able to prove how good of a talent he really is.
Could he be the dark horse in the Reading side going up against Premier league fullbacks, running down the flanks, providing assists and maybe hitting the back of the net himself a few times? I’m sure he is capable. Despite, the Premier League being one of the most demanding leagues in the worlds, Garath McCleary could shine in it. In 2008 he signed for Nottingham Forest making a huge jump from playing in the Conference South with Bromley weekly to the 2nd tier of English football. Looking at his phenomenal goal to game ratio at Forest from midfield, being at nearly 1:8, he successfully accomplished the transition, only pointing towards the fact that he could make another transition in playing in the Premier league, his personal goal he set to himself as an aspiring teenager.
By Sam Jessett (@readingfcsam)
Jimmy Kebe- Has he Still Got What it takes?
Kebe is a popular figure at the Madejksi Stadium and has been since his arrival back in 2008, though in the past season Kebe’s poor performances have seen many fans turn on him and it begs the question, has he still got what it takes?
As a Reading fan I think Kebe is a legend, he is creative, incredibly quick and in my opinion the only player at Reading who is a game changer. These assets are what make Kebe the highly rated winger that has earned him his title of “The Malian Magician”. Kebe has netted 24 goals for Reading in his 157 appearances, the majority of goals coming in the 2009-10 season where he netted an impressive tally of 12. Kebe was voted 2nd in the player of the season for two successive years and became our main man after the departure of prolific striker Shane Long.
Unfortunately, Kebe failed to step up to the mark and to put it bluntly has been appalling this season netting a disappointing 3 goals with only a few good performances. Kebe had a contractual dispute from the start of the season up until January and it appeared another prize asset would be lost due to financial issues which had seen Reading lose the likes of Sigurdsson, Mills and Long. This dispute soon made Kebe an infamous figure, his string of poor and inconsistent performances coupled with his lazy attitude began to exile Kebe from the fans and it appeared he would not be wearing a Reading Shirt next season.
Though miraculously Reading gained investment from out of the blue. Russian millionaire Anton Zingarevich gave Reading a financial boost which persuaded Kebe to sign a new contract until 2014. From then on, Reading became a force in the Championship and made an incredible surge to go on and secure promotion, pipping favourites West Ham and Southampton of the title in the process. However, Kebe failed to improve his performances and many fans believe Kebe no longer deserves a place in the starting 11.
The pressure is on Kebe next campaign. Last season was a season to forget for Kebe who needs to turn on the style if he wants to cut it in the big time. With the Garath McCleary waiting in the wings, Kebe could become Reading’s new bench warmer for the 2012/13 season. But we all know Kebe is capable of playing in the top flight, his technical ability is unquestionable and Brian McDermott has bought out the best in him. His demeanour makes people warm to him as a person and his sock pulling antics against West Ham will never be forgotten. He is a first class player and a player who can leave some defenders without a clue. But will Kebe show his talent next season? Or is it time he was replaced? Ultimately does he still, have what it takes? Only time will tell but the only definite is next season will be an exciting one.
By Jonathan Buxey (@JonnyBuxey_1871)
As a Reading fan I think Kebe is a legend, he is creative, incredibly quick and in my opinion the only player at Reading who is a game changer. These assets are what make Kebe the highly rated winger that has earned him his title of “The Malian Magician”. Kebe has netted 24 goals for Reading in his 157 appearances, the majority of goals coming in the 2009-10 season where he netted an impressive tally of 12. Kebe was voted 2nd in the player of the season for two successive years and became our main man after the departure of prolific striker Shane Long.
Unfortunately, Kebe failed to step up to the mark and to put it bluntly has been appalling this season netting a disappointing 3 goals with only a few good performances. Kebe had a contractual dispute from the start of the season up until January and it appeared another prize asset would be lost due to financial issues which had seen Reading lose the likes of Sigurdsson, Mills and Long. This dispute soon made Kebe an infamous figure, his string of poor and inconsistent performances coupled with his lazy attitude began to exile Kebe from the fans and it appeared he would not be wearing a Reading Shirt next season.
Though miraculously Reading gained investment from out of the blue. Russian millionaire Anton Zingarevich gave Reading a financial boost which persuaded Kebe to sign a new contract until 2014. From then on, Reading became a force in the Championship and made an incredible surge to go on and secure promotion, pipping favourites West Ham and Southampton of the title in the process. However, Kebe failed to improve his performances and many fans believe Kebe no longer deserves a place in the starting 11.
The pressure is on Kebe next campaign. Last season was a season to forget for Kebe who needs to turn on the style if he wants to cut it in the big time. With the Garath McCleary waiting in the wings, Kebe could become Reading’s new bench warmer for the 2012/13 season. But we all know Kebe is capable of playing in the top flight, his technical ability is unquestionable and Brian McDermott has bought out the best in him. His demeanour makes people warm to him as a person and his sock pulling antics against West Ham will never be forgotten. He is a first class player and a player who can leave some defenders without a clue. But will Kebe show his talent next season? Or is it time he was replaced? Ultimately does he still, have what it takes? Only time will tell but the only definite is next season will be an exciting one.
By Jonathan Buxey (@JonnyBuxey_1871)
Reading FC – Barclays Premier League 2012/13
Here we go again. Reading’s third crack in the top flight is beckoning and I for one am more than excited. Clinching the 2011/12 nPower championship title pipping Southampton and West Ham was an incredible feat for Reading, dubbed ‘the weakest side to win a championship title’ by some harsh critics.
After losing to Stevenage in the FA Cup 3rd round at home, morale was hindered within the players and fans alike. Losing to Hull at home to a dubious Robbie Brady goal a week or two after the Stevenage game, was a prominent moment in which I really considered the possibility of relegation for this Reading side. To see the change that occurred within the side and how we bounced back from them two games is no other than unbelievable. Brian McDermott didn’t panic. His mentality is to be admired, the calm and collected demeanour he portrays isn’t put on at all..a direct paradox to one Neil Warnock.
The sudden announcement that an unknown ‘Thames Sport Investment’ were to partly take over Reading Football Club came as a shock to me and fellow supporters. Thames Sport Investment otherwise known as ‘TSI’ headed by a wealthy Russian ‘Anton Zingarevich’ created a strange feeling of the unknown and excitement was evident as soon as the announcement was made. It could be said that Anton ZIngarevich was a major component in the winning of the championship, enabling us to keep Jimmy kebe at the club and sign a well known experienced striker in the form of Jason Roberts. Some Reading fans contemplated whether Jason was ‘past it’, but it was clear he wasn’t from the minute he made his debut in the Reading shirt. Jason’s experience was noticeable to have made an impact on and off the pitch.
Too say im excited about being back in the Barclays Premier League is an understatement, i’m ecstatic. We need to acquire new players to add to the squad to really push on as a club and become established in the top-flight. Anton Zingarevich needs to delve deep into his pockets and purchase players who have premiership know-how and players who have great potential futures ahead of them. John Madejski will still urge that we go about our business in a ‘wise and prudent’ manner which is necessary to make the club sustainable for the future. Being linked with players such as Pavel Pogrenybak, Jermaine Defoe and Dame N’Doye is incredible, I would have never imagined this in a million years at the beginning of last season. To have the likes of Rooney, Aguero, and Eden Hazard coming to the Madejski stadium next season is nothing other than extraordinary.
It is essential that Reading don’t turn into a ‘QPR’, where players have been bought for extortionate prices and high wages and subsequently not gelled as a team. I would take a mid-table finish right now given the current squad at the time of writing, but it will be very interesting to see the activity that Reading partake in the transfer market over the next couple of weeks. I just hope that Reading can follow the ‘Stoke model’ and become established in the top flight and potentially reach Europeon competitions in the future. One thing is for sure, no Premier League team should ever underestimate Reading, as the courage and belief that lies within the squad is honourable and a credit to football.
By Sam Rourke (@rfcrourke)
After losing to Stevenage in the FA Cup 3rd round at home, morale was hindered within the players and fans alike. Losing to Hull at home to a dubious Robbie Brady goal a week or two after the Stevenage game, was a prominent moment in which I really considered the possibility of relegation for this Reading side. To see the change that occurred within the side and how we bounced back from them two games is no other than unbelievable. Brian McDermott didn’t panic. His mentality is to be admired, the calm and collected demeanour he portrays isn’t put on at all..a direct paradox to one Neil Warnock.
The sudden announcement that an unknown ‘Thames Sport Investment’ were to partly take over Reading Football Club came as a shock to me and fellow supporters. Thames Sport Investment otherwise known as ‘TSI’ headed by a wealthy Russian ‘Anton Zingarevich’ created a strange feeling of the unknown and excitement was evident as soon as the announcement was made. It could be said that Anton ZIngarevich was a major component in the winning of the championship, enabling us to keep Jimmy kebe at the club and sign a well known experienced striker in the form of Jason Roberts. Some Reading fans contemplated whether Jason was ‘past it’, but it was clear he wasn’t from the minute he made his debut in the Reading shirt. Jason’s experience was noticeable to have made an impact on and off the pitch.
Too say im excited about being back in the Barclays Premier League is an understatement, i’m ecstatic. We need to acquire new players to add to the squad to really push on as a club and become established in the top-flight. Anton Zingarevich needs to delve deep into his pockets and purchase players who have premiership know-how and players who have great potential futures ahead of them. John Madejski will still urge that we go about our business in a ‘wise and prudent’ manner which is necessary to make the club sustainable for the future. Being linked with players such as Pavel Pogrenybak, Jermaine Defoe and Dame N’Doye is incredible, I would have never imagined this in a million years at the beginning of last season. To have the likes of Rooney, Aguero, and Eden Hazard coming to the Madejski stadium next season is nothing other than extraordinary.
It is essential that Reading don’t turn into a ‘QPR’, where players have been bought for extortionate prices and high wages and subsequently not gelled as a team. I would take a mid-table finish right now given the current squad at the time of writing, but it will be very interesting to see the activity that Reading partake in the transfer market over the next couple of weeks. I just hope that Reading can follow the ‘Stoke model’ and become established in the top flight and potentially reach Europeon competitions in the future. One thing is for sure, no Premier League team should ever underestimate Reading, as the courage and belief that lies within the squad is honourable and a credit to football.
By Sam Rourke (@rfcrourke)
Adam Le Fondre - Will He Cut It In The Big Time?
As a self proclaimed Reading FC fan i write this blog, with no bias intended but the ability that Adam Le Fondre obtains should not be overlooked.
Adam Le Fondre bought from Rotherham to Reading for £250,000 has proved to be nothing other than a revelation, taking on the number 9 shirt left by the prolific Shane Long.
Le Fondre scored goals that ultimately won Reading the Championship, often not starting the game but coming off the bench and scoring when called upon. Vital goals off the bench producing wins against Watford, Millwall, Leeds and Southampton were pivotal in Reading’s 2011/2012 championship winning campaign. His double against Southampton away will go down in Reading FC folklore, seeing Adam exquisitely take the ball past a faltering Kelvin Davis and calmly slotting it into the net, sending the Reading Fans in the away end into delirium was a sight to behold.
Adam has found the step up from League 2 to the Championship straightforward and his knack of scoring goals has not changed. ‘Alfie’ himself won’t be happy being a substitute forever but going from League Two to the Premier League in just 12 months is a big jump for the former Rotherham striker. He is a supreme finisher and when given a goal scoring opportunity never fails to hinder the chance, his late winning goal away at Watford broadcasted live on Sky Sports was a perfect example of his prime finishing ability.
Adam Le Fondre oozes with confidence and his exuberance and passion for football is evident everytime he steps on the pitch. It will be interesting to see how Alfie gets on in the top flight, but one thing for sure is that when given a chance in front of goal, this guy can score at any level.
At the meager height of 5ft 10 his natural pace combined with his expert positioning enables him to get into optimum attacking positions. Coming up against prominent defenders in the premier league such as Vincent Kompany and John Terry will no doubt be a massive challenge for Alfie, but without a doubt Adam will relish the opportunity to come up against world class opposition.
By Sam Rourke (@rfcrourke)
Adam Le Fondre bought from Rotherham to Reading for £250,000 has proved to be nothing other than a revelation, taking on the number 9 shirt left by the prolific Shane Long.
Le Fondre scored goals that ultimately won Reading the Championship, often not starting the game but coming off the bench and scoring when called upon. Vital goals off the bench producing wins against Watford, Millwall, Leeds and Southampton were pivotal in Reading’s 2011/2012 championship winning campaign. His double against Southampton away will go down in Reading FC folklore, seeing Adam exquisitely take the ball past a faltering Kelvin Davis and calmly slotting it into the net, sending the Reading Fans in the away end into delirium was a sight to behold.
Adam has found the step up from League 2 to the Championship straightforward and his knack of scoring goals has not changed. ‘Alfie’ himself won’t be happy being a substitute forever but going from League Two to the Premier League in just 12 months is a big jump for the former Rotherham striker. He is a supreme finisher and when given a goal scoring opportunity never fails to hinder the chance, his late winning goal away at Watford broadcasted live on Sky Sports was a perfect example of his prime finishing ability.
Adam Le Fondre oozes with confidence and his exuberance and passion for football is evident everytime he steps on the pitch. It will be interesting to see how Alfie gets on in the top flight, but one thing for sure is that when given a chance in front of goal, this guy can score at any level.
At the meager height of 5ft 10 his natural pace combined with his expert positioning enables him to get into optimum attacking positions. Coming up against prominent defenders in the premier league such as Vincent Kompany and John Terry will no doubt be a massive challenge for Alfie, but without a doubt Adam will relish the opportunity to come up against world class opposition.
By Sam Rourke (@rfcrourke)