Reading FC

Adam Federici has accepted full responsibility for his clanger in Reading FC's 1-1 draw with Stoke City
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Embarrassed Federici will pick himself up for Chelsea

By Jonny Fordham
August 20, 2012

Embarrassed Adam Federici has accepted full responsibility for his clanger in the 1-1 draw with Stoke City.

The usually rock-solid Royals goalkeeper, one of the stand-out performers in the Championship-winning season, made a howler when he let Michael Kightly's scuffed 35th-minute shot slip through his hands in Reading's opening Premier League game of the season

Luckily for the Australia international, team-mate Adam Le Fondre scored a penalty two minutes from time to earn a point and get Brian McDermott's men off the mark.

"The boys deserved something out of it, but with my mistake in the first-half, it wasn't a great start," began 27-year-old Federici when giving an honest and frank analysis of his mistake.

"It's been a long journey and I've come a long way to get here, but it's a bit disappointing on my behalf. I'm very hard on myself and don't make those kind of mistakes in training, let alone games.

"I've been dreaming about playing in the Premier League for a long time, so I'm a little bit embarrassed.

"It took a massive deflection and it spun off my wet top - I just lost it. I didn't let it affect me during the game though.

"But Stoke are a big strong team and we matched them in every department."

Federici has little time to feel sorry for himself, with Royals travelling to play European champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday (7.45pm kick-off).

Roberto Di Matteo's side kicked-off their own league campaign with a solid 2-0 win away to Wigan thanks to goals from Branislav Ivanovic and Frank Lampard.

Fernando Torres, who was largely a flop last season but has rediscovered his form, will also be one to watch for the Blues.

"I've played against him before, in a cup tie, and I think he scored a hat-trick against me," Federici added.

"I'll be looking forward to it though, I'm sure it will be a good test. I think there is a lot of gloss on the Premier League.

"I was a little bit nervous to start with (against Stoke), so were the boys, but it's just another game and it's the same environment."

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Lets hope that he's got his clanger for the season out of the way early :-)

Its gonna be hard enough this season without anymore of those.

Danny0367, Chorley, Lancashire
22/08/2012 at 08:35

I still don't quite get why he attempted to save it like he did, you normally save the ball like that when it is straight on at you, he had to dive sideways and catch it or tipped it around the post?

RFC4EVA, reading
21/08/2012 at 13:09

We always referred to Gary Phillips as 'Bed wetter'.

Because he was totally incapable of keeping a clean sheet!

RBC Traffic Management are Useless, Calcot
21/08/2012 at 12:47

Anyone old enough to remember Gary Philips "howler" on his debut against one of his former clubs? Through his arms, against the crossbar and then hit the back of his head before it went in. Now thats what I call a howler......

Anyway, Feds is a top keeper, we all make mistakes at times.

SSB

Side Show Bob, Reading
21/08/2012 at 09:24

My problem with Feds is Yes he will make world class saves, but he is also sceptical to a howler hence Saturday, he also needs to command his box much more than he does i put that down to confidence and concentration. i wouild like someone to get in his head cos he has all the attributes to be a top keeper i.e shot stopping, distribution etc but for me he's not there yet

Fred Baines
21/08/2012 at 06:57

You saved loads last season, and you'll save loads this season Feds! No one around me in the North Stand was critical - it happens. You're our No. 1 and we're proud of you.

Uncle Buck, Reading
20/08/2012 at 20:30

Feds- Do NOT let this incident ruin your season. Everyone makes mistakes and although it is easy to say; just forget it and move on. The game is over and forgotten and we need you for the next 37.

askan
20/08/2012 at 19:22

Apologies Hopeful Hoops, I made my comment this morning but it's only posted now I've signed in...great minds tho eh!

Lester Crinklesack
20/08/2012 at 13:11

Get the "mistake/howler etc" out of the way nice & early in the season.

Lester Crinklesack
20/08/2012 at 13:08

Normally every keeper makes one howler a season... glad Feds got his out the way first thing.

Hopeful Hoops, Reading
20/08/2012 at 13:00

Fedders was class last season and barely put a foot wrong. This case is only highlighted due to the fact we're now playing PL football. He'll save us again this season!