Reading FC

Adam Federici's poor form in the opening three games of the season has gifted Alex McCarthy the No.1 spot at Reading FC for now
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McCarthy: Reading boss told me Federici was dropped

By Jonny Fordham
September 18, 2012

Alex McCarthy was told that Adam Federici had been dropped before being given his Premier League debut.

Reading manager Brian McDermott hauled Australia stopper Federici out of his side for Sunday's 3-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur - to replace him with 22-year-old McCarthy.

And the young England hopeful has been told he will keep his place for the time being with Federici supposedly ruled out with a knee problem, despite declaring himself fit.

McCarthy explained: "I went to training on Saturday and the gaffer pulled me aside and said I would be playing.

'He told me it was a tactical (decision). He said he didn't want me to feel that he was just pulling (Federici) out because he was injured, because obviously that would have an influence on the rest of the boys in the team.

"I was over the moon to make my Premier League debut. I hope I can get a run in the Reading team now.

"I played in the Championship last year and I've been wanting to play in the Premier League for a long time. It's a massive league.

"The game's a lot quicker so I was pleased to get a start and I hope I can go on and build from that.

"I just have to get on and play my best. Obviously I want to play for England one day and this can give me a good chance to do that."

Federici was one of Reading's best players last season and kept 20 clean sheets as they won the Championship with a late charge up the table.

However, his poor form in the opening three games of the season has gifted McCarthy the No.1 spot for now.

And McCarthy will need to quickly improve himself if he is to make a genuine claim for the shirt.

"We can take some positives out of the Tottenham game, but we know we've got to do a lot better," he added.

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Just a small point. Brian McD told the press that Feds was injured so for McCarthy to contradict his statement in public, to me, is a breach of confidentiality and goes against the grain of "togetherness" the club is so proud to boast. On the other hand, was McCarthy misquoted as is often the case with reporters. In my opinion Feds is suffering from a lack of confidence which the boss has tried to conceal to the public by trying to play the situation down as much for Fed's sake as for anybody. If McCarthy did make that statement, even if true, I feel he has stabbed Feds and the club in the back as I wouldn't have made such a statement in the circumstances. Anyway I'm sure many will disagree with my opinion but it's just the way I am.

askan
19/09/2012 at 09:49

I agree with much of HARB's comments. McCarthy terrified me everytime he got hold of the ball. His kicking was extemely poor and throwing the ball to the feet of oncoming strikers cannot be in the "keepers manual", can it? I am sure he will develop and I hope he will be a fixture in the side but I'm not sure my ticker will cope with too many "dodgy keeper" moments like those on Sunday! Feds will come back in time and I am sure he will show how good he is again but he may have to wait. The one thing we can be sure of this year is our goalkeepers will get plenty of practice!!

Haggerty F, Haggerty B, Wallingford
18/09/2012 at 22:20

Just been on Twitter and Mrs Federici's account seems to have been closed/suspended - can't think why

unhappygolucky
18/09/2012 at 20:26

First of all I like both keepers and think they are both top class performers.

On the dropping of Feds, in yesterdays GetReading article, McDermott said his decision to play McCarthy was tactical, which in my opinion means he dropped him, so why all the surprise by this article today?

Now to McCarthy, great keeper, who needs more experience on the pitch also, going by this article off the pitch too. Comments like this to the press are unprofessional.

SSB

Side Show Bob, Reading
18/09/2012 at 18:52

You Federici bashers are so incredibly stupid and have ridiculously short memories. Feds is one of the main reasons we are playing in the PL this season. Furthermore he has proven himself over several seasons at Championship whereas McCarthy did well at Leeds but was far less impressive at Ipswich.

Talking of McCarthy, if any of you were impressed by his error ridden performance on Sunday then it just confirms your stupity. He made at least two very serious errors, which but for the timely & critical intervention of his defenders would have led to us conceding goals. He displayed an alarming tendency to push shots back out to forwards in dangerous positions and his distribution was awful - ball in his hands generally meant possession gifted back to Spurs.

Then we have the criticism of Feds' girlfriend for speaking out on Twitter, yet here we have McCarthy telling Jonny Fordham exactly what McDermott had told him about one of his teammates, presumably in confidence. So who is most at fault there?

Maybe McCarthy will turn into a great keeper. However, on the basis of Sunday's performance he has some way to go. He needs to improve really quickly or his presence in the team will cost us far more dearly than Feds did.

HARB
18/09/2012 at 18:29

To Mrs Federici wannabe, this is the same club that has kept you in hangbags, hair extensions and false nails for the last few years. Don't bite the hand that feed (and waxes) you !

ScubaDoo, Newbury
18/09/2012 at 14:01

I hope Federici is suitably embarrassed by the comments of his girlfriend. I know short memories seem to be all the rage these days but perhaps both Federici and his girlfriend should remember that Reading offered him a contract at a time when no other club were interested. Loyalty works both ways.......

Also with McCarthy and Andersen at the club Federici might consider that he is far from indispensable. If he doesn't keep his mouth shut he may well find himself playing back in the Championship (or lower) faster than he can say "inflated sense of my own importance".

RBC Traffic Management are Useless, Calcot
18/09/2012 at 13:42

Two separate stories here:

1. Feds getting dropped. In my opinion a bit harsh, but that's what McD is paid for, and he watches training sessions too lets not forget, not just matches. However, not convinced after Sunday that McC is any better, but as I say that's the manager's call.

2. Twitter - agree with Big P, "They obviously only have one brain cell between them" How does she think that is going to help his cause? Bet all hell has broken loose behind the scenes. Overall very sad that this has happened. Reading are a well run club, that seem to have a great repoire between the players. We are going to need that more than ever this season. If this is his/her reaction to being dropped, can I suggest speaking to someone like Jay Tabb, who seems to be the consummate professional in these matters.

Have always liked Feds (and the rest of the team in truth) as egos never seemed to be a problem - please don't let them be now, for the sake of the team!

GwentRoyal, Pontypool
18/09/2012 at 13:25

In a way it was ood to see Fedders dropped, nice to show that no one is untochable. At the same time, at least tell the guy to his face... as opposed to 'lets us have a better look at an injury' line. I wouldn't be too happy either.

I think Brian will struggle with some of the ego's these guys are going to develop now they are premiership players.

Craigy Boy
18/09/2012 at 12:23

Is Fedders girlfriend Australian? Not saying to much, but to twitter about the club is a little bit naughty. She must make to short planks look like a computer.

cav007, Caversham
18/09/2012 at 12:20

Fedders has joined e-harmony I hear ........

Robsy , Reading
18/09/2012 at 11:35

Presumably McCarthy needed to know he was playing and so had to be told at some point, unless McDermott is working on a revolutionary tactic of playing with two keepers until Federici was injured?

Megaman
18/09/2012 at 10:38

This headline is mischievous. Contrary to the comments below, Brian told the press that it was a tactical decision. Check his post match comments here http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19491534 (fwd to 1:50). He said it was a tactical decision but that it also gave them a chance to get a better look at Feds' injury.

Feds will know perfectly well that he's not played well and Alex McCarthy would probably get a chance, it's how things work all across the team and goalies are no exception.

JJB
18/09/2012 at 10:28

Nobody should consider themselves un-droppable.

Would Leigh
18/09/2012 at 09:34

Check out Feds' girlfriend (and her mate's) twitter feed! They obviously only have one brain cell between them.

And for those of you who don't know what I am talking about, they were both slagging the Club off to high heaven. Disgraceful

So, yes. He was (deservedly) dropped. Only a shame McD hasn't got the balls to admit it