Reading FC

LIVE: Aston Villa v Reading FC

November 27, 2012

Join Royals reporter Jonny Fordham live from Villa Park as Reading take on Aston Villa.

Our man will be in position in the press box from 7pm - an hour ahead of kick-off to bring you analysis of the action as it happens.

Don't forget to pick up tomorrow's Reading Post for full match analysis, player ratings, pictures and manager Brian McDermott's views.

Click here to join the action live from Villa Park

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Hmm have to agree with MDDC what basis for the next 3 years are you talking about Dave?

We should be doing all we can to stay up this season. As I have said a million times we all know how hard it is to get out of the Championship. Do not presume that we will return when about 15 other sides of a similar standing or bigger standing all want to get to the promise land.

Southampton have splashed the cash and are showing signs that they are going in the right place. QPR now have Harry who will organize them. Villa look rubbish but what are we? Worse! Norwich also look to have turned the corner and Wigan do what they do to survive. That leaves us. We are going backwards. Time for a change I am afraid. I cannot see us getting more than 2 or 3 points from our next few games then we have Arsenal, Man City, Swansea and West Ham to play.. lets say 2 to 4 points from them. That leaves us on 16 points with half the season gone. Probably best case scenario too. Change now.

poru, Bournemouth
28/11/2012 at 10:26

Ray - A long hard Winter? You mean it's going to get worse? Even this under prepared motley collection will struggle to deteriorate futher. On second thoughts, you're probably right.

Poru - Don't mention the strategy! I did once, but I think I got away with it.

Dave - Would it have been a different game if Holman hadn't skied a sitter in the first half? What solution to our ills will magically materialise in 3 years? Enlighten us, please. Don't withold this valuable information you incorrigible tease. 'Keep the faith'? Is that a direct quote from Custer prior to the little Bighorn?

I do have sympathy for BM. His post match interviews are uncomfortable to say the least. I'm hoping my toes will uncurl before the Christmas drinking season after witnessing the latest offering.

Michael Duberry's Defensive Coach
28/11/2012 at 10:00

Would have been a different game if Alfie & Morrison scored with their headers. I feel for Brian as his side isn't performing as we all know they can on their day. Looked like playing with fear - no closing down, little movement, poor passing, giving the ball away. I don't think you can blame BM for that!

Having said that, I think BM coul dhave been a little more astute with his subs. For me, Leigertwood & Jobi need dropping. Make Roberts captain and for God's sake give Guthrie a chance to play some football on the deck.

I am not blaming BM for this defeat, the players need to take the responsibility also - for their lacklustre and fearful performance.

If we need to go down to re-group and re-organise then so be it. Disappointing but I'm not going to commit suicide over it. Seen too many relagations/promotions over the last 35 years to know our time will come again. I've always said that the basis for success is already here, but success won't be on our doorstep for another 3 years........

Keep the faith, or go and support another team........

Southbank Dave
28/11/2012 at 08:42

It basically boils down to a miscalculation by Brian. He honestly thought that the spirit within the group of players who won the league last year would provide the foundations, and a small sprinkle of quality on the top of that would be enough.

However, just like a computer platform game, moving up a level also increases the difficulty level, and our wide players are not stepping up, our central midfield are too careless in possession, and our forward play is predictable. Player confidence levels are not what they should be.

It's going to be a long hard winter.

ray northstander
28/11/2012 at 08:29

It is such a shame that the inevitable feeling of relegation has to be felt in November! The whole season is a mess. The strategy was all wrong.

poru, Bournemouth
28/11/2012 at 08:02

sad to see the team i love play this bad .

churchie
28/11/2012 at 06:31

That was even worse than I'd feared. Inept doesn't even come close. A prime example of park standard football played by a clueless rabble of seemingly sedated plodders and pretenders.

Get possession, panic; conceed possession, panic - repeat until defeated. Only Shorey of the entire team can competently manipulate the ball and distribute it with any semblance of judgement and accuracy. What's the point of wingers who can't beat a full back, or cross the ball? Or of fielding two defensive midfielders who are incapable of protecting the defence and who are demonstrably unable to pass to anywhere approaching the required standard (to their team mates, at least)? To be fair Jay Tabb is admirable for his industry, if not his artistry.

Bingley - this is a car crash, not a ride and unfortunately the manager seems reluctant to release his tactical comfort blanket, or to learn from his frequent mistakes. Is it stubborness or just ineptitude?

I'm so relieved that JM unearthed a super rich owner. Incidentally, why is JM still here? Nothing to do with the TV money is it? Or could it be in order to re-cycle the 'black hole, cloth cutting' script'. I understand they keep it in a glass case to be broken in the event of an emergency.

Forget investment, AZ appears to be on an ego trip. Is it perhaps a hobby to keep him busy? I certainly hope not, but you can't escape the conclusion that he either horribly underestimated the transfer budget required, or he hasn't got/isn't prepared to spend the money.

Michael Duberry's Defensive Coach
28/11/2012 at 02:22

We are garbage.

poru, Bournemouth
28/11/2012 at 00:23

Why was Leigertwood still on the pitch in the second half? He should have been subbed at half time because he was rubbish. Why oh why were our subs used so late? McCleary should have been on at around 60 mins for HRK. Our best player by a mile was Shorey, the rest, very average.

Royals1871
27/11/2012 at 23:13

Did we really believe this team would do better in the pl. At least the manager can improve with experience. Lay back and enjoy the ride, whilst it lasts.

Bingley, Woodley
27/11/2012 at 23:08

Danny - don't blame the players - McD bought most of them. What is wrong is the tactics.

Three decent signings rather than 7 average in July + one or two loan signings would have been much better.

We bought two established premier league players. Then favoured Harte over Shorey and asked Guthrie to join the hoof and run brigade - good for him he refused!

come on lads
27/11/2012 at 23:01

McDermott is a clown who can't see what the rest of us can. To bring McClearly on so late is a disgrace!

The Commentator
27/11/2012 at 22:57

I think Brian is a good man and is trying his best. He has not been a manager for very long and had been thrust into the prem due to his success in the championship. But the players we have are too I consistent for him to depend on them week in week out, so does AZ stick with MCD with / without new players in Jan or will it be with a new manager ? What "quality" players will wanna join Reading ? If you look at our fixtures between now and Jan, note down the ones that look winable on paper, tot up the points, what story does it tell ?