so, we all know that Reading made it too the FA cup semi last year, but what does seem to have been bypassed is the blatant cheating that got them there.
In the 1/4 finals they faced Bradford city, the first game being very tight a replay was required. The game was arranged for a Monday night (odd as Liverpool and Blackburn also had to replay that round at were afforded 3 weeks to get the game played due to Liverpool's Euro commitments).
Both teams had to play on the Saturday, Bradford were going for the playoffs and had a tough game they had to go all out for. While Reading rested their entire team for a fixture away at Watford gifting the them 3pts (they only finished 3pts ahead of Norwich securing automatic promotion come the end of the season) there is of course a precedent for teams throwing fixtures in this manner getting punishments.
Of course nothing happened and Reading were too strong in the replay for Bradford, securing a lucrative pay day, which surely is helping with the wages for Vydra et-al.
so yesterday, was a great 3 puts, great entrainment but for importantly a victory for football justice
why yesterday was extra sweet...
posted on 29/11/15
I don't agree, he doesn't get enough credit for what he has achieved so far. We could be propping up the division. He has found the club a fantastic left back, can't remember if he is on loan, or a free transfer and accepting £10k a week. All D.F's players have proved to be a bargain except the Dutchman.
posted on 29/11/15
Pinillos is contracted to the club What a find!
SP and Dougie have both pretty much brought in decent players with the right attitude.
posted on 29/11/15
He's signed some good players, but I could do that. Once he gets them playing consistently I might be more convinced. Hope so.
posted on 30/11/15
comment by stillhatehooijdonk (U7334)
posted 45 minutes ago
He's signed some good players, but I could do that. Once he gets them playing consistently I might be more convinced. Hope so.
_________________________
"He's signed some good players, but I could do that."
Where you been for last 15 years champ?
posted on 30/11/15
Hooijdonk, I'm not suggesting it is wrong to question DF or even disagree with his tactics and selections. What I don't like is some posters who only come on here and other sites after each defeat and say Dougie must go, Dougie hasn't a clue, Dougie has one game to save his job, or that the club has lined up the next manager without offering reasons or proof for what they are saying.
On the question of his signings, given the constraints he has done well. The only ones that haven't worked out so far have been Trotter and Ebecilio, but to replace Majewski with Williams, Mackie with Ward, and Paterson with Mendes and reduce costs has been excellent business even though it is on a temporary basis.
posted on 30/11/15
I agree with you for the most part, red. Just think that as much as some posters go overboard in one way, a lot of others seem reluctant to question his selections and tactics even when we're flirting with relegation. I am unconvinced by him, that's for sure. But would love to be convinced. Also don't see the point of getting rid this early. Unless disastrous, I'd give him the season.
Omar, don't have much of an answer for your usual ignorant reply. But well done for getting through a post without calling me a d ick, or a t Wat - you must be maturing.
posted on 30/11/15
I'm not entirely convinced either. Everyone has the right to question and criticise the manager given the league position. But to blindly criticise and give no credit for the way the team is playing and the excellent transfer business under constraints seems unfair to me.
SHH, were you aware of Mendes, Pilinios and Oliveria then and would you have signed them? I know what you're saying and I suppose Pearce signed good players too although how many managers have we had that didn't bother getting a proper LB? He has to be congratulated for that alone! He has also cleared out a lot of dead wood although still needs to move Dex on.
There is some consistency needed without a doubt because we have played very poorly in some games this year and I think Dougie has got the team selection wrong at times. It was bang-on on Sat even though I wouldn't have brought O'Grady back in. When O'G is good, he can bring out best in other attacking players and that seems essential for our style of play. If we're asking Oliveria to play up front on his own then it nullifies his strengths.
posted on 30/11/15
Cannigia, it's his tactics an negativity that I question. Not his eye for a player. Although I think psycho bought better, albeit under less constraints.
posted on 30/11/15
That said, though, I hope we're seeing him turn that around at the minute. He seems to be slowly growing into the role.
posted on 30/11/15
DF needs a run of really positive results. He hasn't really had that since he first started the job. He'll always be thought of a manager who has a great initial impact, as many do, unless he can conjure up another good run of form. Think the players returning from injury are boosting the squad, but more importantly, focussing minds, so DF has a lot in his favour now.