Can Reading FC avoid the drop?
Most pundits have anticipated just a one season return to the premier league for Reading FC. One of those pundits is the much-loathed, semi-professional dancer, Robbie Savage who has been invading our TV screens far too much recently. Why the BBC have given him so much exposure is beyond me considering he has about as much knowledge as a Ginsters steak slice.
Brian Mcdermott- The Uncle Fester lookalike has certainly got the tactical orientation to feel right at hom
e in the premier league. He runs a solid defensive unit playing two deep-set midfielders that will look to break up the play and mobilise the counter attacking strengths of the wingers. In a tough league such as the prem, this mentality is ideal especially for a team that will, more often than not, enter a fixture as the underdogs. Some of these strategic choices must be credited to assistant manager, Nigel Gibbs who specializes in defensive discipline and shape. Brian Mcdermott, on the other hand, is a top quality man-manger. An attribute, no doubt, picked up during his time under the Steve Copell regime, where he was a chief scout. In fact, there are quite a few parallels in the way the two men approach the game. They are both quite humble people, focusing on building up individual relationships with their players, rather then oppressively commanding them, like for instance Alex Ferguson or Villas Boas who, on the whole, keep their distance from players.
Ian Harte- His free-kicks are an invaluable part of Reading’s attacking outfit, as 26 goals in two seasons may testify to. He might not be bombing up and down the left wing as much as he did in his heyday for Leeds but considering Reading might well struggle for goals this season, his left-foot whippage will surely be a massive asset to his club this season.
All in all, Reading have a lot to get excited about with the astute signings of Pavel Pogrebnyak, Nathan Mclearly, Nicky Shorey, Chris Gunter and Danny Guthrie. They certainly have strength in depth, which is crucial as injuries and suspensions can easily tarnish a good season. The tendency might have been to buy big this summer considering the cash injection promised by Zingaravich but, in my view, this can upset an already thriving dressing room atmosphere. Mcdermott has therefore done well in staying patient and keeping the core of the team in place but the question is, have we got enough quality to avoid relegation? I think Reading will struggle this season. They do not have the brand of football that seems to be in place at the continental looking Swansea or Wigan. They need to battle hard and work effectively as a defensive unit if they are to achieve their long term ambitions.
Author: Rajahruncorn
Freelance Sports writer covering broad sporting debates and current affairs
