Friendly Reading fan chat

[daib0]

Hi, daib0 here as promised, and once again a heartily congratulations on a magnificent season. It has reminded me of Reading’s own record points winning season in 2005-06, because rarely does a single team dominate the league so convincingly (not forgetting the very fine effort of Burnley either). And I hold my hands up and say I got the prediction all wrong pre-season – I had predicted the Foxes to do really well all the last three or four seasons and I didn’t get my game points, so this time I made a more modest prediction outside top six. Shows what we know!

 

So to our game on Monday night. We’re doing a bumper match presentation on Royals Rendezvous, with more info on Leicester from an ‘away’ site than you’ve probably seen all season, and needless-to-say the ‘Foxes Talk’ forum is the site recommendation to look in for all things Leicester for all Reading members and the hundreds of guests looking in. Have a browse for yourselves, never any winding-up from us:

http://royalsrendezvous.co.uk/topic/10069466/1

 

           

In friendly spirit I’d love to have your quick thoughts on these points, and promise to credit the forum and member for any snippets used!:

 

1) A magnificent season you’re having as we have said – did you realistically imagine that you were going to set the Championship alight back last August?

 

2) It seems to be a team effort all round producing the goods, but if you had to lay your finger on it, where have you had the real cutting edge as compared to most other Championship sides?

 

3) I notice that you are already bookmarked with the bookies to have a successful first season up in the Premier, and some consider you may well finish top half. But we know the premier is another kettle of fish, just look at Reading last season. Are you optimistic that you can establish yourselves in the promised land?

 

4) Are you surprised that although last season’s Premier relegated teams (Wigan, Reading, QPR) have well held their heads above water (unlike, say, Wolves or Bolton before them) none have had the consistency to mount a sustained promotion campaign?

 

5) General thoughts on Reading? Anything goes, you can be honest! Ethics, club management, friendly or cold/abrasive supporters, bit of a premier-championship yo-yo club, punching above their weight or not, that sort of thing …

 

 

 

I’m on hand daily these days, any points back welcome and I’ll try to respond as honestly as I can. Finally, just to remind some of the regulars that the ‘Inter-Forum Premier League Positions Game’ is only a month away from announcing all the winners, and although nationally your members are not having as much success as the first team it’s been a very responsive and fun game with nearly 40 forums taking part. And each board will also have its individual winners too!

 

Here’s to a great game lads, no pointless whinging or gloating our end whatever happens, you know me by now …

[LCFC FOX]

1) if most fans are honest, it would be no way. I predicted another scrape into the play offs.

2) keeping the same side most games and if we did make a change in the side the players were ready and made the spot their own.

3) with the current side I think we would be in the bottom 5. With a bit of Nigel and his teams scouting and the right players come in I think we can finish around 12th.

4) at the start of the season most fans thought QPR would do a Newcastle and walk the league. I also had Wigan and Reading to make the play offs. I still think Wigan or Reading will win the play offs.

5) Reading are a good club, but the same as us when it comes to a boring ground. You have some nice facilities like is though. I still don't really rate Adkins though...

[StanSP]

1) A magnificent season you’re having as we have said – did you realistically imagine that you were going to set the Championship alight back last August?

 

Not as convincingly. The key thing from last season to this season was to get rid of the heartache of what happened last May out of our heads. Seems like that was the case over summer and we as a club are showing that stability does pay off. Another important thing was to get off on a good start - it was fitting that the player who worked the hardest over summer got us on our way with the winning goal vs Middlesbrough - Jamie Vardy. We kept our manager, we kept our spine of our squad and added much-needed experience to some already promising players and it has put us in good stead.

 

2) It seems to be a team effort all round producing the goods, but if you had to lay your finger on it, where have you had the real cutting edge as compared to most other Championship sides?

 

 

Key partnerships all around the pitch. Drinkwater/James in the middle who are phenomenal engines when combined together. Virtually unstoppable on their day no matter who they've come up against. Nugent/Vardy up front, too. It's hard to split the 2 partnerships as to decide who's had the real cutting edge. On an individual leve, Jamie Vardy. Last season was tough for him - any player stepping up from Non-league to Championship would find it difficult. Vardy was no different but there's no questioning at all how much effort and commitment he put in over the summer. His improvement epitomises the ethos that if you work hard enough, the rewards do come.

 

Overall, there's always been a real togetherness since day one. You could say that was the cutting edge too - every player knows their role and every player has each other's back.

 

3) I notice that you are already bookmarked with the bookies to have a successful first season up in the Premier, and some consider you may well finish top half. But we know the premier is another kettle of fish, just look at Reading last season. Are you optimistic that you can establish yourselves in the promised land?

 

Fairly. If we keep that togetherness and spirit in tact and make some wise acquisitions, I can't see why not. But easier said than done! We can't get too carried away if we win a couple of games on the trot next season, but at the same time if we lose a couple, there's no point in blowing things out of proportion. I think next season may be a bit of a reality check for us given how well we've done this season. But as long as the fans and players stick together and as long as the owners give Nigel Pearson the chance he deserves in the Premier League, there's no reason why we can't establish ourselves.

 

4) Are you surprised that although last season’s Premier relegated teams (Wigan, Reading, QPR) have well held their heads above water (unlike, say, Wolves or Bolton before them) none have had the consistency to mount a sustained promotion campaign?

 

With QPR it's a bit of a surprise because of the players they have. But perhaps the problem is with the manager and not the players. Wigan seem to have got their act together and credit to Uwe Rosler for that. It's now clear that Coyle wasn't doing it any more for them and I bet they're glad they got shot of him. Everyone expected QPR to steam-roll this league with all the money they have, but even we know that doesn't work in this league. Nigel Pearson said something a couple of matches ago - 'ability isn't enough. Neither is spirit alone, But put them together and you have a good blend to be successful'

 

5) General thoughts on Reading? Anything goes, you can be honest! Ethics, club management, friendly or cold/abrasive supporters, bit of a premier-championship yo-yo club, punching above their weight or not, that sort of thing …

 

 

I've only had one experience of Reading back in 2009 when we won 1-0 (somehow!). I thought they would do better with such a decent manager at the helm - Nigel Adkins did the business with Southampton and I thought Reading would be a bit of a better outfit.  I have no idea what's happened with your home form though! I'm hoping we can capitalise on that on Monday. Good luck in the play-offs if you get there!

[AKCJ]

1) A magnificent season you’re having as we have said – did you realistically imagine that you were going to set the Championship alight back last August?

 

Absolutely not. I thought we'd struggle at the start of the season and gradually get better, culminating in a late (but unsuccessful) playoff charge). Instead we flew out of the traps and haven't really looked back since.

 

2) It seems to be a team effort all round producing the goods, but if you had to lay your finger on it, where have you had the real cutting edge as compared to most other Championship sides?

 

Pace. Without a doubt we're the fastest side in the league. We start with Schlupp and De Laet at the back, Dyer, Knockaert and now Mahrez on the wings with Vardy and Nugent up front. We rarely pass sides to death or bully them out of games, we simply soak up pressure then hit them on the break at a million miles an hour.

 

3) I notice that you are already bookmarked with the bookies to have a successful first season up in the Premier, and some consider you may well finish top half. But we know the premier is another kettle of fish, just look at Reading last season. Are you optimistic that you can establish yourselves in the promised land?

 

I think with the right signings and the continual backing of Pearson and the boys then we'll be O.K. We will have rough patches but I think we'll do well at home and our pace could prove deadly against some lesser opposition away from home. I think we'll be underestimated.

 

4) Are you surprised that although last season’s Premier relegated teams (Wigan, Reading, QPR) have well held their heads above water (unlike, say, Wolves or Bolton before them) none have had the consistency to mount a sustained promotion campaign?

 

Not so much for QPR and Wigan, I didn't rate the managers they started the season with. I think that if Wigan started with Rosler then you'd be making this thread on a Latics forum because they've been superb under him and have shown their potential. QPR remind me of Leicester under Sven Goran Eriksson. Reading, in my eyes, were the pre-season favourites. You kept the majority of your squad in tact and kept Adkins who I think is a super manager. Unfortunately you've lacked consistency and have been unable to push on, but I still fancy you for a playoff spot.

 

 

5) General thoughts on Reading? Anything goes, you can be honest! Ethics, club management, friendly or cold/abrasive supporters, bit of a premier-championship yo-yo club, punching above their weight or not, that sort of thing …

 

Always remember the game when your fans were celebrating your promotion but also too kthe time to clap our fans and wish us well. Got a lot of time for Reading fans after that so it was good to see you do well in the season after. I think that this is about your level (sort of top end of the Championship, one season in 5 in the PL), you run your club so well.

[Mark_w]

1) A magnificent season you’re having as we have said – did you realistically imagine that you were going to set the Championship alight back last August?

I don't think many people predicted we'd dominate the league the way we have, myself included. But I've always had faith that Nigel Pearson would have us challenging for Automatic Promotion, he's done a superb job wherever he's been and I'm delighted that he's going to get a chance to prove himself in the Premier League.

 

2) It seems to be a team effort all round producing the goods, but if you had to lay your finger on it, where have you had the real cutting edge as compared to most other Championship sides?

Avoiding the temptation to chop and change with regards to the manager, staff and players in the summer. We've got a young talented squad and thankfully they've been given a chance to build on the good work they did for the majority of the last season. The work rate and togetherness is probably on a par with Burnley, and it's no secret that we've been able to bring in players who are just a little bit better than the players they have available to them.

 

3) I notice that you are already bookmarked with the bookies to have a successful first season up in the Premier, and some consider you may well finish top half. But we know the premier is another kettle of fish, just look at Reading last season. Are you optimistic that you can establish yourselves in the promised land?

I see no reason why we can't challenge for a top half finish, although if you offered me 17th place now I'd take it. The key really, is going to be sticking with Nigel Pearson, if he's here for the entirety of next season then I'm confident we will still be a Premier League club at the end of the campaign.

 

4) Are you surprised that although last season’s Premier relegated teams (Wigan, Reading, QPR) have well held their heads above water (unlike, say, Wolves or Bolton before them) none have had the consistency to mount a sustained promotion campaign?

Not really. I did expect more from QPR, but if anything I'm surprised that all three are challenging for a play-off spot, don't think that happens that often?

 

5) General thoughts on Reading? Anything goes, you can be honest! Ethics, club management, friendly or cold/abrasive supporters, bit of a premier-championship yo-yo club, punching above their weight or not, that sort of thing …

This will be my first trip to the Madejski, so looking forward to that. Of the realistic candidates you're probably third in my list of sides I'd want to win the Play-Offs, behind Wigan and Bournemouth. Not got a lot else to add really.

[Xen]

1) I think I was more optimistic than most, and expected us to bounce back and get a more solid play-off position this time round, about 5th. Never did I think we'd get automatic promotion, let alone winning it (not yet!) or dominate as much as we have. 

 

2) I think pretty much every position on the pitch we have a class above what most other teams have. I was tempted to say the spine of our squad, with Schmeichel/Morgan/Drinkwater/Nugent keeping us steady, but that would be neglecting the sheer levels of pace and fitness of our wingers and full backs, and Vardy. The combination of solidarity in the middle and perhaps the highest-tempo passing game in the division is probably what has got us into the promised land.

 

3) Yes, but it's going to take time. About 14/15th is where I expect us to finish next year, and hopefully we can progress like Southampton have and secure ourselves in (at least) 8th-10th over time.

 

4) I'm surprised by Wigan, but it seems that they've started picking up the sort of form that most people would have expected of them at the start of the year, albeit a bit too late for automatics. Reading I expected to be in and amongst the playoffs, which seems about right. QPR is a bit of a strange one, they have the individual quality to bounce straight back, but they dont seem to work as well as a team (and Redknapp seems pretty clueless as to any strategies that dont involve buying more players). I thought their individual talent would see them through to the automatics, but clearly theyve fallen just short.

 

5) Don't really have much of an opinion on Reading tbh. Decent club, similar to our own (yoyoing between divisions). Reading as a club and it's fans don't irritate me, which is more than can be said for a lot of the division, so I guess thats a positive

[kingcarr21]

1. Never anticipated this season in a million years. Pre-Season i expected another play off scrap. wasnt quite sure how we would react to such a cruel play off exit last season.

Our cutting edge for me has come from midfield. Drinkwater and James have performed brilliantly with Dyer having his best season in a city shirt and knockaert improving all the time. Always fights a lost cause. A special mention to our strikers aswel. Nugent has had a great season but i dont think anyone imagined Vardy to of improved so much over the summer.

I believe if we keep the spine of the team and not have wholesale changes in the line up then theres no reason we cant finish 17th or above. Our scouting network has worked wonders recently so 3 or 4 quality signings could provide the difference between a relegation scrap and a comfortable mid table position. Crucially we need to stick with Pearson even if we are off to a terrible start. He deserves a full season and deserves the backing of the fans through thick and thin.

The biggest surprise is QPR. It wouldnt of been strange to of seen them run away with the league. Im sure if Austin remained fit it would of been closer at the top but seems like too many individuals at the club and no team spirit. Without players fighting for one another it can be very difficult to get a good run of results going. Confidence is everything in the Championship as we have proved. Wigan have began to perform with Rosler in charge and i believe they are the team everyone wants to avoid in the play offs.

Never had a problem with Reading. Seem like a good club. Fancied you to be doing slightly better this season though. Fancied Adkins to do the job as he did at Southampton. Still got a very good shout at the play offs and good chance of winning it. Play off place is probably where you are as a club at the moment. good luck if you make the play offs. Would certainly not mind if you come up with us this season.

[lcfc_amie]

1) A magnificent season you’re having as we have said – did you realistically imagine that you were going to set the Championship alight back last August?

I did find a tweet from myself from the day after that Watford game saying it would be our year the other day, but I don't think I truly believed it. I always believed in Nigel and his backroom staff, but I think if you would have offered me another shot at the playoffs at the start of the season then I would have (reluctantly) took it. Every year for the past 4 years I've thought we've had a shot of getting the autos, but I never imagined that we'd storm the league as much as we have done this season.  

 

2) It seems to be a team effort all round producing the goods, but if you had to lay your finger on it, where have you had the real cutting edge as compared to most other Championship sides?

Hard work + quality & team spirit. I think teams come into games with us knowing we're a good side, but they underestimate just how hard every player in the team works. I think we've also scored around 15 goals in the last 10 minutes so far this season, which shows the fitness of the players & the determination & spirit that runs through the entire club. 

 

3) I notice that you are already bookmarked with the bookies to have a successful first season up in the Premier, and some consider you may well finish top half. But we know the premier is another kettle of fish, just look at Reading last season. Are you optimistic that you can establish yourselves in the promised land?

I think I'm going into the season expecting to be fighting off relegation, but I know we have the quality and spirit in the squad to do better than that. Players such as Danny Drinkwater, Matty James, Riyad Mahrez and Anthony Knockaert will hopefully thrive in the prem, as you tend to have more time on the ball. But I'm under no illusions to the quality that is in the premier league, and I would take 4th from bottom right now if it was offered to us. 

 

4) Are you surprised that although last season’s Premier relegated teams (Wigan, Reading, QPR) have well held their heads above water (unlike, say, Wolves or Bolton before them) none have had the consistency to mount a sustained promotion campaign?

Definitely, I would have been expecting all 3 to be challenging us for the title. They all have quality running through their squads, and players who can produce a bit of magic when it is needed. I'm especially surprised by QPR, considering the money they have spent. It just shows the unpredictable nature of the championship, and that the best team is not necessarily made up of the best players on paper.  

 

5) General thoughts on Reading? Anything goes, you can be honest! Ethics, club management, friendly or cold/abrasive supporters, bit of a premier-championship yo-yo club, punching above their weight or not, that sort of thing …

I've always sort of liked Reading, because it's where my brother lives. But you tend to be a bit of a bogey team for us (especially away from home), so that puts me off you a bit! I always see you as a club a bit smaller than us (don't take it the wrong way), definitely a yo-yo club. I always see you as one of our main competitors in the championship. 

 

I hope this helps  

[Corky]

 

1) A magnificent season you’re having as we have said – did you realistically imagine that you were going to set the Championship alight back last August? Not at all, I thought we'd do ok and challenge for the top six but didn't know how long the hangover would last. Winning our first game was huge, coming from behind added something more and proved we did have belief in ourselves.

 

2) It seems to be a team effort all round producing the goods, but if you had to lay your finger on it, where have you had the real cutting edge as compared to most other Championship sides? The pressing game we play, we've forced a lot of errors from defenders for goals, especially Jamie Vardy and David Nugent up front. We are the top scorers and have scored so many late goals that have won and saved games, as we aren't the best defensively we've shown plenty of attacking threat this season and just keep going.

 

3) I notice that you are already bookmarked with the bookies to have a successful first season up in the Premier, and some consider you may well finish top half. But we know the premier is another kettle of fish, just look at Reading last season. Are you optimistic that you can establish yourselves in the promised land? A top half finish will be some ask and a fabulous season. I think we can compete and certainly stay up, 14th/15th will be the limit but I have faith in the current squad and management to make the step up and also make the right transfer moves.

 

4) Are you surprised that although last season’s Premier relegated teams (Wigan, Reading, QPR) have well held their heads above water (unlike, say, Wolves or Bolton before them) none have had the consistency to mount a sustained promotion campaign? QPR have had fantastic resources and a well-respected (in the game) manager who is known for attacking football. 49 goals in 41 games is a very poor return for their quality of player and has held them back. Wigan made the wrong appointment in the summer, rectified it with Rosler and are now firmly in the play-offs but too far back to make the top two. Had he been there all season I could see them in the automatic places.

 

Reading have been a surprise for me, very good manager who knows how to get promotion yet have rarely been near the top two, inconsistent and are presently struggling to hold onto sixth place. I thought they would be challenging for automatic promotion as well.

 

5) General thoughts on Reading? Anything goes, you can be honest! Ethics, club management, friendly or cold/abrasive supporters, bit of a premier-championship yo-yo club, punching above their weight or not, that sort of thing … Fans seem absolutely fine, never any trouble, well run under Madjeski (although naming a ground after himself is rather tacky, for me). In the last ten years I see you as the Leicester of the 1990's on the pitch, normally very much in contention for promotion whilst playing in the top flight and having some relative success, as well as several cup runs.

 

Reading are a pretty inoffensive club in the game really.

 

 

[Dan]

1) A magnificent season you’re having as we have said – did you realistically imagine that you were going to set the Championship alight back last August?

 

It's hard to not be a little concerned when you're not strengthening on a side that ended up blowing it big time the year before whilst clubs such as Forest & QPR are buying (I use that word over 'strengthening' in hindsight), but I did slowly start to think we could upset a few if those players found the form they're capable of. We were absolutely excellent at times in the 2012/13 season. Though, I never ever could've imagined that we'd be on course for 100 points, promoted by early April and our revelation of the season would be a player I thought was about finished at the club, in Vardy.

 

 

2) It seems to be a team effort all round producing the goods, but if you had to lay your finger on it, where have you had the real cutting edge as compared to most other Championship sides?

 

Determination. Pearson has never stood for anything other than players fully committed to it. It's a common cliche but it's quite simple really. I just find the transformation he's made from the squad of players on higher wages two years back who blatantly couldn't give a shit about the club or trying to earn promotion, to be amazing. The dressing room has been turned on its head. I also think our counter attacking has been on another level this season and it's a lot down to Vardy.

 

 

3) I notice that you are already bookmarked with the bookies to have a successful first season up in the Premier, and some consider you may well finish top half. But we know the premier is another kettle of fish, just look at Reading last season. Are you optimistic that you can establish yourselves in the promised land?

 

If we keep full faith in the management and most of this squad, we will be fine. The depth of the Premier League is massively over-rated in my opinion. There are a lot of sides stuck around the bottom who really aren't all that. The more organised sides such as Swansea (though they're tailing off), Hull & most of all Southampton have been the successful ones and I think that we're closer to their set-up than clubs like Cardiff, Sunderland & Fulham who are all pretty unstable. Pearson has a hell of a lot going for him as a manager and if we stick with him I think we'll be a Premier League club for years.

 

 

4) Are you surprised that although last season’s Premier relegated teams (Wigan, Reading, QPR) have well held their heads above water (unlike, say, Wolves or Bolton before them) none have had the consistency to mount a sustained promotion campaign?

 

Not at all. Like I say, I think the Premier League's bottom sides really aren't up to much. It was easy to fear Wigan who'd just won the FA Cup and Reading who often perform at this level, but the gap between the bottom of the Premier League & the top of the Championship is as small as it's been for years, which is surprising given the gap between the amount of money those teams receive is widening. There's a hell of a lot of money squandered by clubs in this country and QPR are the biggest culprits.

 

 

5) General thoughts on Reading? Anything goes, you can be honest! Ethics, club management, friendly or cold/abrasive supporters, bit of a premier-championship yo-yo club, punching above their weight or not, that sort of thing …

 

Generally pretty harmless, but a bit dull. You've had one hell of a scouting system about you though. The money you made on Long/Doyle was to be admired. Reading of this season? I think you're still well in the race. Very inconsistent but the play-offs are a lottery. Palace went into last years as the most out of form side of the four and were promoted. I'd personally rather Burnley & Wigan came up with us though, but good luck to you as you're overall pretty harmless.

[Julian Joachim Jr Shabadoo]

1) A magnificent season you’re having as we have said – did you realistically imagine that you were going to set the Championship alight back last August?

 

I think I predicted to finish in the play-offs, us to have an alright season but there to be 2 teams that were head and shoulders above the rest. I suppose there has been, and the best has been us - nice surprise really 

 

 

 

2) It seems to be a team effort all round producing the goods, but if you had to lay your finger on it, where have you had the real cutting edge as compared to most other Championship sides?

 

Partnerships and squad togetherness overall. All over the pitch, players know each others game inside and out and that has been key in our consistency. That and having an absolute menace in Vardy.

 

 

 

3) I notice that you are already bookmarked with the bookies to have a successful first season up in the Premier, and some consider you may well finish top half. But we know the premier is another kettle of fish, just look at Reading last season. Are you optimistic that you can establish yourselves in the promised land?

 

Tough to predict. The owners have shown themselves to be smart and patient people so I predict Pearson will be given the full season even if we're bottom 3 for the most part - I think we'll sign a few key players in Summer and January to strengthen and finish 12-16th and try to build from there.

(I do have a slight fear that we'll get battered one too many times, Pearson leaves and we're assigned an ill-fitting manager that seals relegation weeks before the seasons end though…)

 

 

 

4) Are you surprised that although last season’s Premier relegated teams (Wigan, Reading, QPR) have well held their heads above water (unlike, say, Wolves or Bolton before them) none have had the consistency to mount a sustained promotion campaign?

 

Not really. I don't buy into the cliché that cycles at the start of each seasons outcome predictions, many people argue that the relegated Premiership teams have the advantage of having a Premiership squad… forgetting the fact that they were too poor to win anything. Whether as individuals or just a non-gelling team. I had the feeling that Wigan might go back up as they seem to be a generally well-run club

 

 

 

5) General thoughts on Reading? Anything goes, you can be honest! Ethics, club management, friendly or cold/abrasive supporters, bit of a premier-championship yo-yo club, punching above their weight or not, that sort of thing …

 

Seem friendly enough and will probably be back in the PL soon enough - maybe this year or possibly next. Adkins is a bit of an arse with his post-match excuses sometimes but he does tend to be a fairly good manager. Best of luck.

[daib0]

The responses are so good so far that we've decided to open up a special topic with them all included. In the coming days I'm sure our own members will make a comment or two on them ... hopefully good publicity for your forum at the same time.

 

http://royalsrendezvous.co.uk/topic/10069490/1

 

Thanks so much, and keep them coming in!!    

[Fox92]

A magnificent season you’re having as we have said – did you realistically imagine that you were going to set the Championship alight back last August?

I personally predicted another top 6 finish, but I never thought we'd win the division (well, nearly), no. The amount of strength in the Championship is for all to see, added with the inclusion of both Wigan and QPR who I initially thought would take the automatic places.

 

It seems to be a team effort all round producing the goods, but if you had to lay your finger on it, where have you had the real cutting edge as compared to most other Championship sides?

A squad that's together, a squad that isn't full of individuals. We kept the same sort of squad from last season, Nige got rid of a few and brought a few experienced players in that have proved to be essential yet coy both on and off the pitch. Phillips, Taylor-Fletcher and Hammond are obviously all strong characters in the dressing room regardless of how much playing time they get. We've also had some great/key partnerships, especially Nugent/Vardy and James/Drinkwater.

 

I notice that you are already bookmarked with the bookies to have a successful first season up in the Premier, and some consider you may well finish top half. But we know the premier is another kettle of fish, just look at Reading last season. Are you optimistic that you can establish yourselves in the promised land?

There are some poor teams in the division, I think there is a massive, massive gap between the top 6 or 7 teams and the rest of the league. I think the spine of our squad is decent, but we will need a few additions. Nigel knows what he's doing though, he's proved that here and at Hull (coy signings such as Chester and Brady), and via Steve Walsh I believe he will yet again bring in the right type of player. The last thing we need is to sign 12 or 13 players which QPR did when they got promoted. Nige has built up such as squad here, he won't want to destroy it as such, just add to it like he did this year.

 

Are you surprised that although last season’s Premier relegated teams (Wigan, Reading, QPR) have well held their heads above water (unlike, say, Wolves or Bolton before them) none have had the consistency to mount a sustained promotion campaign?

All three relegated teams have strong squads. I thought Wigan replaced Martinez with the wrong manager though (the manager of said Bolton who you have mentioned) while also competing in Europe as well as this division. QPR signed too many players in my opinion which has contributed to the fact they arn't in those automatic places. You only have to look at ourselves, Burnley and even Derby who all have a tight squad and haven't used a massive variety of different players which QPR have. It was always going to be interesting what Adkins achieved at Reading. He guided Southampton to a good promotion on the back of a League One promotion, so he was starting from "scratch" if you like at Reading.

 

General thoughts on Reading? Anything goes, you can be honest! Ethics, club management, friendly or cold/abrasive supporters, bit of a premier-championship yo-yo club, punching above their weight or not, that sort of thing …

I haven't really got an opinion on Reading off the pitch. On the pitch, I think you're inconsistent and I do believe we can beat you on Monday night  but you've probably done enough for a play off place now. I know Bournemouth and Blackburn have both mentioned late pushes towards the play offs but games are running out. I guess you are seen as a bit of a yo-yo club nowadays, a bit like West Brom were, but you've always come across as a strong side at this level in recent seasons.

[Father Ted]

1) A magnificent season you’re having as we have said – did you realistically imagine that you were going to set the Championship alight back last August?

 

Personally not. I was expected us perhaps to be challenging for play offs again providing that we kept the majority of the squad together, which we did but a top 2 finish? Not at all really. On paper, it looked like this year, the Championship could have been the toughest yet, all 3 sides coming down plus Watford with their late season form and Forest's big spending. Our pre season and start to the season wasn't the most promising either, we started with a 3-5-2 which despite managing a victory away at Middlesbrough on the opening day, followed up with a 0-0 draw at home to Leeds, was not working at all and was scrapped after that. 

 

2) It seems to be a team effort all round producing the goods, but if you had to lay your finger on it, where have you had the real cutting edge as compared to most other Championship sides?

 

As you say, it's genuinely been a team effort! We have a magic mix throughout midfield, Matty James a ball winner and Danny Drinkwater pulling the strings. Our wide men, all 3 (Dyer, Knockaert and Mahrez) are all so different and unique. However, for me, Vardy has been the key up top. His work rate and pace has terrorised defences this season and the Premiership could be in with a shock when he turns up next season.

 

3) I notice that you are already bookmarked with the bookies to have a successful first season up in the Premier, and some consider you may well finish top half. But we know the premier is another kettle of fish, just look at Reading last season. Are you optimistic that you can establish yourselves in the promised land?

 

Absolutely. The players have the correct attitudes to succeed and Nigel Pearson has already strongly hinted to keeping the squad together. We have many young core players who can only get better (De Laet, Moore, Schlupp, Mahrez, Knockaert, James, Drinkwater..) and they will all be chomping at the bit to establish themselves as Premier League regulars for years to come. 

 

4) Are you surprised that although last season’s Premier relegated teams (Wigan, Reading, QPR) have well held their heads above water (unlike, say, Wolves or Bolton before them) none have had the consistency to mount a sustained promotion campaign?

 

Not at all really. I think that most had predicted that Wigan's European distraction would cause them to falter in the league and correctly so. QPR is a circus and it seems that many of the mercenaries don't really want to be there. Reading are where I'd predicted them to be anyway at the start of the season and I think that position reflects the quality of their squad.

 

5) General thoughts on Reading? Anything goes, you can be honest! Ethics, club management, friendly or cold/abrasive supporters, bit of a premier-championship yo-yo club, punching above their weight or not, that sort of thing …

 

Not much really, will be my first visit to the Madjeski on Monday. As a side, they come across rather uninspiring.

[AndWhat?]

1) A magnificent season you’re having as we have said – did you realistically imagine that you were going to set the Championship alight back last August?

 

Nope

 

2) It seems to be a team effort all round producing the goods, but if you had to lay your finger on it, where have you had the real cutting edge as compared to most other Championship sides?

 

Midfield have bossed it

 

 

3) I notice that you are already bookmarked with the bookies to have a successful first season up in the Premier, and some consider you may well finish top half. But we know the premier is another kettle of fish, just look at Reading last season. Are you optimistic that you can establish yourselves in the promised land?

 

Tough first season then i seriously think we can establish our selves as a top half prem team

 

4) Are you surprised that although last season’s Premier relegated teams (Wigan, Reading, QPR) have well held their heads above water (unlike, say, Wolves or Bolton before them) none have had the consistency to mount a sustained promotion campaign?

 

No, it's a very competitive league.  

 

5) General thoughts on Reading? Anything goes, you can be honest! Ethics, club management, friendly or cold/abrasive supporters, bit of a premier-championship yo-yo club, punching above their weight or not, that sort of thing …

 

Boring team with shit fans in a soul less bowl stadium. 

Wouldn't bother with football if I was from Reading.

Punching well above your weight, yo-yo team between Divisions 2 and 3 is where you should be. 

[Guest LCFC_World]

1) A magnificent season you’re having as we have said – did you realistically imagine that you were going to set the Championship alight back last August?

I believed it would wither be a very good season or a very bad season. After that penalty miss I had no hope but after the first few games and seeing the performances I knew we would be able to do it.

2) It seems to be a team effort all round producing the goods, but if you had to lay your finger on it, where have you had the real cutting edge as compared to most other Championship sides?

Never giving up I would say. Everytime we go behind we always found our selves back in front or at least drawing. (Let's forget about Brighton shall we )

3) I notice that you are already bookmarked with the bookies to have a successful first season up in the Premier, and some consider you may well finish top half. But we know the premier is another kettle of fish, just look at Reading last season. Are you optimistic that you can establish yourselves in the promised land?

As long as we stay up for the first season I'm not that bothered. But after that we need to push on to get top half football and try to establish ourselves as a top ten premier league club.

4) Are you surprised that although last season’s Premier relegated teams (Wigan, Reading, QPR) have well held their heads above water (unlike, say, Wolves or Bolton before them) none have had the consistency to mount a sustained promotion campaign?

Nope, I'm not surprised. QPR have spent to much money in the past and that does not buy you championships or league titles. Both Wigan and reading have just been unlucky I would say.

5) General thoughts on Reading? Anything goes, you can be honest! Ethics, club management, friendly or cold/abrasive supporters, bit of a premier-championship yo-yo club, punching above their weight or not, that sort of thing …

They are a top club, always back and forth from the premier league though..let's hope Leicester can be different and stay there!

[Vicki Vixen]

1. No

2. Consistency of team selection, very few injuries, high fitness levels, small close-knit squad, pace, work rate

3. If we keep Nigel Pearson then yes

4. No, Premier League and Championship are so different now, it's impossible to predict how relegated teams will do

5. I am indifferent towards Reading, you are rank average in so many ways as a football club

[Basingstoke Fox]

1) A magnificent season you’re having as we have said – did you realistically imagine that you were going to set the Championship alight back last August?

 

Not to this extent. I feared that we would lose Nigel Pearson as our manager as there were still a number of people who wanted him out after a poor run of form for us during the second half of last season. Having had a half season ticket last year though, even though we did endure such a poor run of form (think it was 1 win in 16 or something), I did feel that we still had an awful lot of potential within that team. Many times last season we played some of the best football I've ever seen from a Leicester City side (having missed out on the Martin O'Neil years and the promotion under Mick Adams) and I thought we'd really develop well with experience. We did have the 3rd youngest squad in the entire football league last season so all things considered, I thought it was a pretty good year. Had we sacked Pearson at that point, we would've suffered big time. Yet more rebuilding at the club and certain individuals who have shined this season (namely Jamie Vardy who has been immense for us this season) would have probably left.

 

So to answer the actual question, once I'd realised that Pearson had stayed, I thought that we would have a real chance of making the playoffs at a minimum and possibly challenging for the top two while continuing to develop as a squad. What we've had though has been bloody marvellous and I've thoroughly enjoyed this season. Especially given that it's been the first time that I've had a full season ticket. Alot of credit must go to the players and the backroom staff but without Nigel Pearson, this would not have happened.

 

 

2) It seems to be a team effort all round producing the goods, but if you had to lay your finger on it, where have you had the real cutting edge as compared to most other Championship sides?

 

I think a big part of our success has been keeping the squad together as I alluded to in the above point. They are still a young squad overall but they have an awful lot of quality potential. Additionally, we've complimented that this season with experience from the likes of Marcin Wasilewski (played around 60 times for Poland and won titles with Anderlecht), Dean Hammond (good pro at this level, can help to see out a game), Gary Taylor-Fletcher (wasn't hugely keen at first but another decent pro at this level who can help to see out a game but has shown some nice touches) and of course Kevin Phillips (must be great to have around the squad and made big contributions coming off the bench away at Leeds and Bournemouth). By adding some experience to what was already a talented squad, we've gone from strength to strength and the team spirit throughout the entire squad has been superb. We've scored many late goals this season because of belief, fitness (largely down to Pearson who is a strong believer of the sports science aspect of the game) and quality which have been crucial. They turn defeats into draws and draws into wins.

 

 

3) I notice that you are already bookmarked with the bookies to have a successful first season up in the Premier, and some consider you may well finish top half. But we know the premier is another kettle of fish, just look at Reading last season. Are you optimistic that you can establish yourselves in the promised land?

 

I believe that we do have a strong chance. I'm not too sure how we'll cope at that level as many of our current squad haven't played there but I believe they would already be in with a good chance of staying up as it is. With some astute signings in the summer, I'm confident that we can stay up and surprise a few people next season. Exciting times ahead!

 

 

4) Are you surprised that although last season’s Premier relegated teams (Wigan, Reading, QPR) have well held their heads above water (unlike, say, Wolves or Bolton before them) none have had the consistency to mount a sustained promotion campaign?

 

I am abit actually. I thought Reading would make a title challenge this season given that they had many players who had previously shown that they can be very good at this level which was complimented by the signings of Drenthe and Bridge (who has been poor from what I've seen). I also rated Adkins highly (and still do) but you have been largely inconsistent. I don't know how you can fail to score for a few games, put 7 past Bolton and 5 past Blackpool and then struggle to score at home for a while and fail to beat an 8 man Yeovil . And I say that even having seen Championship football quite regularly for the past 5/6 years.

 

QPR should most certainly have done better with the squad that they've got. I think they do have alot of 'big time charlies' in there but even so with the likes of Charlie Austin, Assou Ekotto and Niko Kranjcar (Really? In the Championship?), they should've done better this season, not that I'm complaining of course.

 

I'm not too surprised about Wigan as I didn't really rate Coyle. They do have a good squad though and I really think they'll go up if not via the playoffs this year, then next year under Rosler (who previously did a terrific job at Brentford).

 

 

5) General thoughts on Reading? Anything goes, you can be honest! Ethics, club management, friendly or cold/abrasive supporters, bit of a premier-championship yo-yo club, punching above their weight or not, that sort of thing …

 

I've referred to the on the pitch side of things above. Historically, they've generally been a lower league club although having been in the top two leagues for the last 10-15 years, I think it's fair to say that you're an established Championship club these days. They're my local league club and the fans are generally good towards me, though I have grown sick of losing to you over the years (we'd never lost to you until 2004 I think) and I'd love to beat you, especially given that I work with a couple of Reading fans too. I have to say that your goal music over the last few years has been absolute crap, I hate 'Chase the Sun' as goal music . I watched you several times when you first went up to the top flight as I went with a mate who was a Reading fan and you were a good side that year with decent games against Charlton & Man United at home and Blackburn & Everton away.

 

Unfortunately, as an away day, it's not been the best over the years. I've found the stewards to be overzealous a couple of times with making everyone sit down which helped to kill any potential for atmosphere (though it was good when we had unreserved seating in 2009), also it isn't the best in terms of pubs in the area of the ground and we've lost the last couple of games there 3-1. I do however have very fond memories of my first trip there which was my first ever game, in the FA cup back in 2005. You went 1-0 up in the first 10 minutes before we equalised and snuck in an 89th minute winner from James Scowcroft in front of 4,000 Leicester fans, who were magnificent throughout the game. Magic.

 

Good luck on Monday night and may Leicester City win.

[LanguedocFox]

My four-pennorth: 

 

1) A magnificent season you’re having as we have said – did you realistically imagine that you were going to set the Championship alight back last August?

I think most of us thought we would do well to make the playoffs. I wasn’t too bothered about the lack of new signings, because I thought the squad we had was already pretty good. However, I thought that Waghorn would cement his place up front and that Vardy would be loaned out to get some game time.  

 

2) It seems to be a team effort all round producing the goods, but if you had to lay your finger on it, where have you had the real cutting edge as compared to most other Championship sides?

There are two main things, I reckon. One is the sense that this is a team of teams. There are partnerships from front-to-back of players who know each other’s game, know what to expect, and cover for one another when needed. The second element is the fitness and training regime that has helped to keep the team in condition, and reduce the number of injuries. City have had almost none of the “training ground injuries†that have screwed teams like Florist and QPR, and that makes a real difference.

 

3) I notice that you are already bookmarked with the bookies to have a successful first season up in the Premier, and some consider you may well finish top half. But we know the premier is another kettle of fish, just look at Reading last season. Are you optimistic that you can establish yourselves in the promised land?

We need three or four more players, I think, but apart from that, I think we are pretty well set. We’ll struggle a bit, and doubtless we will get a few heavy defeats, but that aside, I think we will do OK. If we end up 17^th, I won’t be too unhappy, although I expect us to finish just below mid-table – 12^th would be good. One thing that we will need is for our fans to be patient, and not to start screaming for Pearson’s head if results don’t go our way. I’ll be supporting him even if we go down, because there is no-one better to bring us straight back up.

 

4) Are you surprised that although last season’s Premier relegated teams (Wigan, Reading, QPR) have well held their heads above water (unlike, say, Wolves or Bolton before them) none have had the consistency to mount a sustained promotion campaign?

A lot of people thought QPR would do well, but I wasn’t that confident. However, as I’ve said on a Rangers website, I think they have done remarkably well given what a bloody awful Premier season they had last year. When Wigan appointed Owen Coyle to replace Martinez, I expected them to struggle and even have another relegation struggle, but the appointment of Rosler was a masterstroke. Personally I think Wigan will win the playoffs – and it would not surprise me if they won the FA Cup again as well.

 

5) General thoughts on Reading? Anything goes, you can be honest! Ethics, club management, friendly or cold/abrasive supporters, bit of a premier-championship yo-yo club, punching above their weight or not, that sort of thing …

I’m not sure I’d characterise Reading as a premier-championship yo-yo club – at least, not yet. I’m old enough to remember when Reading was a Third/Fourth Division side, so what’s happened to them over the past 30 years or so is really remarkable. You now seem to have the set-up for a Premier League side, and I think Adkin is an excellent manager who can take you back there: he will need to be given a bit of time, though, because like I said before, I think the playoffs are Wigan’s to lose. I’ve been a couple of times to the Madejski Stadium, and I’ve had a few beers with Reading fans before the matches: generally a good bunch of people.

[iancognito]

1) A magnificent season you’re having as we have said – did you realistically imagine that you were going to set the Championship alight back last August?
No, I had faith that Pearson would turn around the collapse that blighted last season but I'd have settled for top 6. The 21 unbeaten was a huge bonus.

2) It seems to be a team effort all round producing the goods, but if you had to lay your finger on it, where have you had the real cutting edge as compared to most other Championship sides?

More pace and more consistency. Wood and Nugent upfront was very one-paced and one dimensional but Vardy rediscovered his Conference form in pre-season and he's given us a more dynamic look going forward. Also the midfield is much more settled. We've brought Mahrez in now but Drinkwater, James, Dyer and Knockaert have been there for most of the games. The last two seasons every time we got near the top 6 or top two we dropped points and shot ourselves in the foot, not this time.

3) I notice that you are already bookmarked with the bookies to have a successful first season up in the Premier, and some consider you may well finish top half. But we know the premier is another kettle of fish, just look at Reading last season. Are you optimistic that you can establish yourselves in the promised land?

The bookies are mad and it depends on the summer signings. Our spine of Kasper, Morgan and Drinkwater and Knockaert is decent but we need 5 QUALITY signings to keep us there a'la Hull. The worst thing that Pearson can do - regardless of what he says in public - is to just believe the current lot can do the same in the big league. Money isn't everything but we need help to stay up.

4) Are you surprised that although last season’s Premier relegated teams (Wigan, Reading, QPR) have well held their heads above water (unlike, say, Wolves or Bolton before them) none have had the consistency to mount a sustained promotion campaign?

I'm amazed by QPR. Given what Redknapp did at Pompey (remember when he took them in 2003 up we finished well behind in second) I fully expected them to runaway with it this year. I'm not so surprised by Reading and Wigan. Both have done amazingly well to get in there again as it's much easier to drop than it is to re-build and come again.

5) General thoughts on Reading? Anything goes, you can be honest! Ethics, club management, friendly or cold/abrasive supporters, bit of a premier-championship yo-yo club, punching above their weight or not, that sort of thing …

I've no idea why you got rid of McDermott last season and almost replaced him like-for-like with a similarly qualified guy like Adkins. I'll be honest and say I don't know enough about your fanbase or club owners to pass judgement but three words have always been associated with your lot for me "Good footballing side".

[Mr E Kelly]

5) I love reading, horrors, science fiction, travel, anything well written really.

[Al-aLondon-Foxile]

1) A magnificent season you’re having as we have said – did you realistically imagine that you were going to set the Championship alight back last August?

No, I thought QPR would be the team to beat, and that we'd have a good shout at the POs if we stuck together.

2) It seems to be a team effort all round producing the goods, but if you had to lay your finger on it, where have you had the real cutting edge as compared to most other Championship sides?

Consistent team selection, and very few injuries. Is that luck, or is it down to the sports science guys and the effort they've made with their expertise? I don't know, but I do know that we have a very strong team ethic, and a group,that never know when they're beaten.

3) I notice that you are already bookmarked with the bookies to have a successful first season up in the Premier, and some consider you may well finish top half. But we know the premier is another kettle of fish, just look at Reading last season. Are you optimistic that you can establish yourselves in the promised land?

I'm pessimistic by nature, it always allows me to be surprised. I think we have a great management team and trust in them to do the right thing. I'd rather we build long term stability than aim at short term gains, and would hope the owners stick with Pearson to deliver that.

4) Are you surprised that although last season’s Premier relegated teams (Wigan, Reading, QPR) have well held their heads above water (unlike, say, Wolves or Bolton before them) none have had the consistency to mount a sustained promotion campaign?

No, history shows that it's difficult for those relegated teams to turn around a losing habit. The championship is not an easy ride, and strong a work ethic is required.

5) General thoughts on Reading? Anything goes, you can be honest! Ethics, club management, friendly or cold/abrasive supporters, bit of a premier-championship yo-yo club, punching above their weight or not, that sort of thing …

Always seem to do badly there so don't like it. I remember the old ground, and turning up there in 1985 I think it was, and a lady offering sweets from her bag to all the city fans, there was so few of us there! I dropped my bike in the car park there a couple of years ago and so I hate the place! Nothing personal ;-) No, it's like the KP, modern and sterile to a degree, but I like Reading in general and rated Macdermott but obviously that's all on the past, maybe they should have stuck with him like we did with Nigel.

Good luck for next year mate.

[Leicesterpool]

1) A magnificent season you’re having as we have said – did you realistically imagine that you were going to set the Championship alight back last August?

I thought we'd be up there as we've saying for the last four seasons, though I couldn't imagining us going on an unbeaten run of 21 games and being promoted in the early part of April.

 

2) It seems to be a team effort all round producing the goods, but if you had to lay your finger on it, where have you had the real cutting edge as compared to most other Championship sides?

I think last year we had a good team, but i think even on that good run we had between October and January there's was a feeling of something missing, which we later found was experience. Maybe if we had that experience what we have this season, then we'd have probably have done the job last term. The reason why i think we're so good this year is because we've simply got a good mixture of youth and experience, it is as simple as that. 

 

3) I notice that you are already bookmarked with the bookies to have a successful first season up in the Premier, and some consider you may well finish top half. But we know the premier is another kettle of fish, just look at Reading last season. Are you optimistic that you can establish yourselves in the promised land?

I honestly believe Leicester can finish as high as ninth, this team as got some quality in it and I think most of the young lads involved have got huge potential. I won't be surprised if within the next year or so you'll see both Liam Moore and Jamie Vardy in an England shirt!

 

A lot of premier league clubs would love to have some of players right now!

 

If Leicester play the same style of football they have this term next, then they'll be just fine!

 

4) Are you surprised that although last season’s Premier relegated teams (Wigan, Reading, QPR) have well held their heads above water (unlike, say, Wolves or Bolton before them) none have had the consistency to mount a sustained promotion campaign?

Myself I had at the start of the season the only club that got relegated from the season before to do well, was Reading probably down to the fact they'd were playing a good championship squad in the premier league, if you get my drift and they had a top class championship manager in Nigel Adkins, i felt Reading we're already ready for the championship even before they kicked a ball in August. QPR and Wigan i seen knocking around the outside of the play offs, I felt QPR's problem was they signed too many underachieving, ageing and high earned players they look like us during the early bit of the 2011/12 season. Wigan's problem was they had Owen Coyle in charge, you could tell Coyle was going to setup Wigan playing defensive football yet they had a team full of good attacking style players, also thought the europa league would be too much on there minds!

 

5) General thoughts on Reading? Anything goes, you can be honest! Ethics, club management, friendly or cold/abrasive supporters, bit of a premier-championship yo-yo club, punching above their weight or not, that sort of thing …

Reading have appeared in recent years as team that is too big for the championship and too small for the premier league! On fan base wise I'm not sure there a premier league club and i don't wish to sound disrespectful in any way, I just feel there are bigger teams with stronger fan bases that deserve to be in the premier league. Credit to Reading in recent years though they've certainly grew in size. 

 

I like Nigel Adkins, a nice guy, a good manager and a gentleman. I personally tipped him for the England Under 21's job sometime ago as i thought he was the perfect fit and can't deny he started the current success of Southampton in recent years. 

 

What Do i expect of Reading, I have a sneaky feeling we're going to lose this. We've got an terrible record at the Madejski and i feel Reading will be more up for this than us! If they come out at us and long to control the midfield the game is there's for the taking.

[Bob Weasel Fox]

1) expected play offs or just outside so yes we have done better than I thought

2) we defend from the front and have pace in key areas

3) hoping for about 12-15th ish first season back higher if we can

4) QPR have surprised me thought they would walk the league otherwise not really

5) good ish club slightly below Leicester in terms of potential etc but otherwise well run etc

[daib0]

fantastic replies, lads, the best of the season so far; have reproduced almost all on "RR" crediting your user names.

 

Many thanks!!