What is wrong with these people?

First Mellor, then Marshall and now Antonio, all of which did wonders with us yet turn down the offer of a return which could only be deemed as beneficial to all concerned.

Probably we can all understand Marshall's case, as he did finally move on for a sum we couldn't afford to pay (but he did dilly dally when we had an offer on the table holding out for a club in a higher division) and, as a result, has still ended up playing for a team in the same league as the one he turned down!

As for Mellor, things couldn't have gone worse. Arguably he wouldn't have received the injury that ended his career had he permanently signed for us......and now look where Preston are (and obviously where we are!). Very bad judgement on his behalf!

Antonio's case is all the more absurd based on his comment to Sky Sports.

Quote:

"I feel that I have proven myself in League One now, but I also feel that I can play at a higher level and if someone takes a chance on me and gives me the opportunity I can show people that".

Aren't we doing precisely that, offering him a chance to play in the championship? Does he really think he'll get the chance to shine in the Prem.? The answer to that is "no way!!". If he wasn't given a chance when Reading were in this division, why the hell does he think he'll be given it now? He'll be bundled off on loan, probably to another championship side, in order to be groomed for the distant future, by which time, we ourselves will possibly be back in the Prem!

What is it with these people? Are they so blind that they can't see that playing for us is what got them on track in the first place? We are just inches away from providing them with the very dream they all yearn for....a crack at Prem. football and in front of crowds worthy of that very same escenario. I can't see Reading pulling in a crowd of 38,000, even if they managed to get into the Champions League!!

Batth's case is something similar. Does he really see Wolves chances of getting back to the big time so much greater than ours? We are a team on the up with everything in place to make an impact in the next year or so. Will he get the same support from his home supporters as he got here? I doubt it. He shone in a team that complimented his style of play and one that will sorely feel his absence! Who's to say what will happen back home or if he'll even be given the same chance? Is it pride, wanting to prove a point to his parent club, or is it simply because it's the team he grew up supporting? Personally, I think he's taking the wrong step, especially from a professional point of view.

With the addition of Lee, I believe D.J. has enough in defence for a strong reshuffle at the back, especially considering the return of Reda, plus the possibility of new signings in that department, but Batth was definitely paramount to our automatic promotion last season and will be missed.

So now it's a question of watching and waiting as all the pieces of the jigsaw for next season's challenge slowly slot in and hopefully fit together.
We all thought Marshall was irreplaceable, and his absence did cost Meggo his job i.m.h.o., so hopefully replacements for Antonio and Batth will prove to be equally attainable. UTO!

Antonio, thanks for everything and see you next season when you're on loan to some other championship club when you're shipped out to gain further experience, where relatively few supporters will be present to see your heroics, except when you play at Hillsborough!