READING MATTER

SPRING 2010

YOUNG STAR MEMBERS ON THEIR DAYOUT

STAR
SUPPORTERS’ TRUST AT READING
 STAR SHOTS

Kingsley looks surprised — two

Santas?

We make no apologies for the

picture quality. It’s the content
we like.

Did a UFO landed on our pitch

the other night?

Away game anticipation!

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 STAR CONTENTS

EDITORS COMMENTS

I sit here writing this editorial. The radio has the volume turned up a
little too high for comfort. But there again Reading are playing away
from home. Will we come away with another win? Will Brian get
the team tactics correct? Will Jimmy get yet another goal? It’s not
good for anyone’s blood pressure.

What a change since the last editorial. Then we were bumping

around the bottom of the championship. Now we are moving up the
table and things are looking good. The blood pressure is still up,
but this time with excitement. Are we proud to be Reading?
You Bet We Are.

We asked in the last edition if you could fill the blank space. Well
two people have taken up the challenge and we would like to say a
big thank you to Steve Prince and Mark Sugar for their articles. A
new section has been added. Happy Events. This was the idea of
another member. In this edition we are celebrating the birth of a
new mini royal and two very important birthdays. If you have a
Happy Event coming up, send us the details and a picture. Our
address never changes info@star-reading.org

CONTENTS

Chairman’s Notes….Page 4 / What is Success Anyway?….Page 5

Fans’ Forum: Players….Page 8 / NADS….Page 13
STAR Events….Page 14 / Nomination Form….Page 15
Ladies Centre of Excellence….Page 19 / Happy Events….Page 20
Fans’ Forum: Brians….Page 21 / Games on The Net….Page 30
A Support’s Interview….Page 31

Main Cover Picture

‘WE’RE BACKING BRIAN’ Brian McDermott at his Fans’ Forum

EDITORS
Wendie Wakefield / Esther Madden / Nathan Wakefield / Pete Vickery

Published on behalf of STAR

Reading Football Supporters’ Society Ltd. trading as STAR

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 CHAIRMAN’S NOTES
Well there have been changes since the last Reading Matter, and to
be honest not ones I expected as Reading does not have the
reputation for short-term reactions due to lack of progress on the
pitch. Personally I am disappointed that we do seem to have joined
the ranks of clubs who expect immediate success - but having said
that, the change so far does seem to be for the better. The results
have not changed drastically in the league and the performances do
seem (with the obvious exception of Plymouth) to have improved. I
am writing this as we have just had our second success in the FA
Cup, so with Brian McDermott confirmed as manager although we
are in the relegation zone my eternal optimism means that I am
anticipating a good run on the new confidence. (How right you were:
Ed)

Another postponement due to the snow was the unveiling of the

blue plaque to remember Roy Tranter; we were hoping to unveil it
on the anniversary of his death in the week after Christmas but the
snow meant that all the efforts at the stadium had to be put to
clearing snow for Boxing Day so the plaque is still waiting to be
mounted on the wall of the stadium. Keep watching the website and
local press for dates of all these events.

Finally thanks to all the members who have elected to receive

Reading Matter electronically as it will help reduce costs. This is
relevant as the 3 copies a year and the administrative costs of
renewing memberships use up all the membership fee and if we do
not have social events to raise funds we are less able to help others
in football as we should according to our objectives.

Also remember to let us have any problems you want us to follow up

for you at our regular meetings with RFC or the national supporter
organisations, either drop a note into the STAR Base or email us on
info@star-reading.org.

Paula Martin

4
 WHAT IS SUCCESS ANYWAY?

I love football.

I didn’t like the agony of waiting for the final whistle to go at Anfield
with the Royals threatening to create their own piece of history.
Never has my heart raced so much in a sporting context!

The performances over two FA Cup ties against one of Europe’s

most successful sides were absolutely phenomenal. Our boys are
heroes.

As football supporters we tend to be complex characters. We get

taken over by emotion that can make us pretty schizophrenic. On
the one hand we are so often long suffering - and then there are
moments of euphoria that take us into absolute ecstasy. As a
church pastor and football club chaplain I get to spend a great deal
of time with people and the further I go on in life, the less I really
understand myself – let alone other people. We are made with
emotions and feelings, and these are so affected by what’s
happening in our lives, and especially with our football team! I have
watched Reading since I was sixteen and I can remember having to
lead church meetings on a Sunday following a Saturday when the
Royals had lost. I literally had to drag my feelings and emotions out
of despair and through trying to gain a sense of perspective,
discharge my responsibilities with real zeal and inspiration.

I have been listening to the clamour for Rafa to be sacked at

Liverpool, and the possibility that the Glazier brothers are
considering selling Old Trafford in order to help pay off some debts.
I am asking myself, in footballing terms – what is success anyway!?

The real problem with success is that once you have experienced it,
you have set the standards or markers much higher than they
previously have been. So, we have enjoyed two seasons in the
Premier League and suffered the agony of relegation on goal
difference. Many argue that had we spent more money, we may
have stayed in the Promised Land. We may have done. Spending
money does not always bring success. What is success anyway?
Let’s consider the turmoil that Pompey fans are enduring. Is winning
the FA Cup really worth jeopardizing the very existence of the club
itself? So, now we have experienced the Premier League, anything
less feels like failure.

5
 The reality in life and especially in football is that there are seasons
(excuse the pun!). At a club like ours we have to accept that we will
pass through phases of change and transition that will mean times
of euphoric excitement followed by the travail and agony of
‘ordinariness.’ As I watched our young lads perform so well at
Liverpool part of me was thinking that with all the terrestrial TV
exposure, how long will we be able to hold on to Gylfi or Churchy? I
congratulate the wisdom of a board that have been busy securing
longer-term contracts for our young stars. At least we might get paid
well should they move on (or will we actually get paid if the so called
bigger clubs don’t really have any money!?).

I am a firm believer that if we build our lives, our businesses, our

relationships, our families or anything else we might be building – on
good, sensible values, we will eventually be successful. As a
Christian leader my values come from the Bible and whilst
Christians may have reputations for all manner of things, the values
I seek to live by are really common sense – and they actually work!

As human beings we have many failings and frankly we don’t often

live up to our own expectations. None of us is perfect but if we live
our lives in the light of good values and foundations, success will
come. We just need to be careful that we don’t miss it! I think that
time will prove that the prudence and wisdom exercised by our
Chairman and his Board, along with many of the healthy values that
can be discovered around the club, will serve as a springboard for a
successful future. In the current economic climate, success could be
simply existing and not going out of business.

Football clubs play a big part in community life. Since being

Chaplain at Reading (a role I have fulfilled voluntarily for five years
now) I have realised more and more just how significant the effect
that the club has in the wider communities around Reading. The
club, together with its supporters are also a community. My wife has
recently been dealing with breast cancer and some of her support
has come from her fellow season ticket holders around her in the
East Stand, sending text messages to encourage her at just the
right times. Many of the staff at the club regularly ask me how she is
doing, expressing care and concern. For me this is an important
aspect of what success in life can look like.

Our PA announcer valiantly stirs us to “back the boys and make

(

6
some noise!” Are we willing to continue to do this when things aren’t
necessarily going our way? I think in the circumstances our support
is terrific but let’s keep it going, appreciating that success may just
be slightly different to where our expectations direct us. It’s good to
have a dream but when reality is saying something different, let’s be
grateful for our amazing recent history, and be thankful that we have
such a superb environment to gather in, and continue to do our part
in helping to continue towards more success – whatever that may
look like!

Steve Prince is the Chaplain of Reading Football Club. He is the

club’s second ever chaplain and is also part of a Pastoral Prayer
Team which meets weekly to pray for the success of Reading
Football Club and everyone involved with it. The Chaplains role is
one of a friend of the club and its supporters, offering help, care and
a listening ear whenever required. Steve leads Brookside Church in
Earley, East Reading, and is part of a growing group of leaders of
churches and charities who relate and work closely together across
Reading.

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 FANS’ FORUM PLAYERS

Attended by: Brendan Rodgers (BR), Ryan Bertrand (RB),

Jobi McAnuff (JM), Alex Pearce (AP) and Jay Tabb (JT).

A Fans Forum for STAR members was held on the 25th November
2009 in the Royals Suite at the Madejski Stadium. This forum was
a lot less formal than the usual, with no ‘press conference’ style top
table etc. A ‘goldfish bowl’ format was used whereby a circle of
chairs was placed in the middle with further circles around this
centre ‘bowl’. Anyone could enter or leave the centre circle but only
people in this bowl could ask or respond to questions. This allowed
the discussion to be informal and everyone had a chance to
participate.

How much, if at all, are you finding Brendan has changed from
your time together at Watford?
JM: Not at all really, he is pretty chilled out!
BR: I’m a bit of a slow starter, that was the same at Watford, but I
did turn it around.

What was the atmosphere in the changing room like on

Saturday?
BR: Saturday was a terrific day for everyone here and involved with
the club. It had been nearly a year since the last home win and we
had all been, in a kind of way, carrying a burden. But we won’t get
carried away. The atmosphere in the dressing room is always very
good anyway but especially after winning of course! After the
match on Saturday there was a real sense of positively.

What other sports do you like to play in your spare time?

BR: We play quite a lot of pool. We have a champions league-style

8
tournament. I’m playing Jobi tomorrow.
JM: I think he is the self-appointed favourite! He beat John Terry
in the final when he was at Chelsea.
BR: One of the secretaries beat Jimmy Kebe!
JT: I like playing golf. I always choose a round of golf if possible
on a day off. I play off a handicap of 10.

How are you enjoying playing at right back? Question to JT

JT: I just love playing and I’m enjoying it. I’m still learning but
hopefully getting better. You just have to get on with it and I don’t
mind doing it at the left or right or in the middle.

We have a number of coaches and staff here, can you explain

about who does what?
BR: We have a good mix of staff. It wouldn’t be any good if we
were all the same. We’ve got Frank Lampard senior – he is
‘old school’ and is a great man. He lives for football, it is his life.
He comes in every day and loves it here. Then we’ve got Karl
Halabi. I worked with him at Chelsea and Watford. He’s from
Reading and has a big connection with the club. He worked with
the first team at Fulham before Chelsea. Nigel Gibbs is
development coach and works alongside me. He is good with the
players. Then there is Sal Bibbo, the best looking goalkeeping
coach! I would say that we have the best set of goal keepers in the
country, Adam Federici and Ben Hamer, Mikkel
Andersen and Alex McCarthy. Alex will be fantastic, he is 6’5 and
he will be very, very good. We won’t need to buy another one for
ten years. So we have great support staff and it is all building and
coming together really well. ...... now it is up to them (players)!
JM: They are top coaches. They do all kinds of things as well as
on the training pitch. It is a great set up and we are very fortunate

How has training changed?

JT: It is a mixture of fitness and ball training. A combination. It is
It is more intense. It tests us and improves us.

What is a typical training day like?

BR: It starts at 10.30am. Everyone comes in for about 9 am and
does their own thing first, preparation or conditioning work either in
the gym or with coaches. Then we do 90 minutes on the training
field and this is integrated training – technical and physical and
mental. Then it is lunch and after that we do ongoing development

9
 work with those who want it, we help them with anything they need
help with, perhaps help them to analyse their games individually.

I wondered why Alex is playing on the left side at centre back?

He seems to struggle a little on that side and used to play on
the right side.
BR: Alex is one of few players who can play either side. He has
natural ability and can kick the ball miles. There is no man better.
In fact he started out as a striker, then played in midfield. So I
would disagree (to applause!). I’ve even heard the same thing said
about John Terry.

I think our midfield has never been the same since Steve
Sidwell left. We have really missed him. Would you consider
getting someone similar, perhaps someone like Ben Watson?
BR: Yes you are right. It would have to be someone who can play
football, it needs a balance, someone who can pass the ball.
Marek is being asked to play a more defensive role at the moment.
He can set the game up from behind. He brings a lot of creativity
on the field.

Can you tell us a secret, amusing fact about any of the other
players?
All: Jem does moon walking; Kalifa Cisse and Jimmy jabber away
to each other in French; sometimes we have to listen to French rap
music in the dressing room. Sometimes we have hip hop music.
BR: I call it music with no words!

Do you stipulate where they can or cannot live? Question to

BR
BR: No, but there has to be a commitment to your work which
there is here- a big part of performing is the preparation.
BR: Grzegorz travels up from Southampton.
AP: I’ve got a flat in Reading.
JM: Windsor.
RB: I live in Ascot.
BR: So you can see the commitment, Ryan is on loan and chooses
to live nearby.

Rooms when away, who shares with who?

JM: I’ve got Alex.
RB: I’m with Jem.

10
JT: I get shipped around! I’ve been with Glyfi and Shane amongst
others.

Can you tell us about the traditional song you have to sing
when you are new?
JM: Quite a few of us were new at around the same time. I sang a
soul number. Darren O’Dea sang a Westlife song. He was quite
good!
AP: I did Wonderwall, Oasis.
RB: I did Stand By Me.
BR: I did an Irish number, loudly!

Is it just a Reading thing?

BR: No. I remember when I was at Chelsea I was far, far more
nervous about my song than the match at Old Trafford! I was so
worried that I couldn’t sleep.

What’s happened to Darren O’Dea and Shaun Cummings?

BR: Shaun’s one for the future. Darren wasn’t available on
Saturday, he had some family issues.

How do you react to criticism? Question for BR

BR: I’m not naïve enough to know that I won’t make mistakes, and
I have, but we all learn and grow from mistakes. From my
perspective, I have always been a supporter of this club. The
supporters have been fantastic to me and very fair. At a lot of other
clubs they would have been on your back straight away when
results aren’t going your way, or during a game if we don’t keep the
ball well. Think of the Leicester game, there are not many clubs
where you get a standing ovation after losing 1-0. We are always
wanting to get more people at the stadium, we need to make it as
intimidating as we possibly can. I would also like to see more
supporters go to away matches. We do get good support away but
I’d love to see our away-end full at other grounds. It really does
make a tremendous difference.

How does criticism affect you? What about the crowd at

matches? Question to players
JM: The fans’ support really does make a difference. If there is a
lull in the match, a roar from the crowd can really give you a lift and
inspire you on. It really helps and encourages us. Then again, it is
a two-way thing. We have to give the crowd something to shout

11
 about, that’s the nature of football. When at away grounds, the
fans definitely give you a huge lift and we really appreciate them.
You can hear them. I think we get good support away.

What if there are two passes, then a missed pass and a groan,
does that affect you?
JT: Yes it can do. But really the players and the fans all want the
same thing in the end. Teams sometime sit back and frustrate you
but then the crowd can really help you and give you a boost.
RB: I think the fans here are good at recognising good football.
BR: I went to watch the Swansea-Derby match last week. It was
0-0 for a long time and the fans were still supporting and
encouraging after 60 minutes. You can’t score a goal every minute.
You have to keep pressing and moving teams. It is sometimes as
much an education for the fans. There are many different ways to
win a game of football. Our philosophy is always to play football.

The Forum was closed. The players and Brendan Rodgers were
thanked for an interesting and entertaining evening and for their
time.

Afterwards:

Brendan answers further

questions.

Ryan has his picture taken.

Jobi chats a little more.

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 THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
OF DISABLED SUPPORTS

STAR is affiliated to, or is a member of, a number of other

supporters’ organisations. One of the organisations that STAR
is privileged to be a member of and support is The National
Association of Disabled Supporters (NADS).
A brief overview of NADS follows, but for more detailed
information about the organisation there is a very comprehensive
website http://www.nads.org.uk/, which contains information on its
major Level Playing Field campaign and the varied other work that
NADS undertakes, together with a variety of reports and documents
that can be downloaded. The website also contains facility details
of every football ground in the country most of which have been
provided directly by disabled supporters and a section for leaving
fans’ comments’.
NADS was established in 1998 to represent disabled supporters
of all sports together with their carers and advocates. Promoting an
inclusive agenda, ensuring that disability awareness is raised
through sport and that there is equality of experiences for all fans
are NADS key objectives.
Its aims to:
• be a voice for supporters of all disability groups;
• campaign for equality of supporter experience;
• enrich the lives of disabled people through football; and
• raise disability awareness.
It represents all disabled supporters; having trustees and
co-optees of all disability groups sitting on its Board. Whatever a
person’s disability, NADS is in a position to understand the issues
and be able to help.
With more than 30,000 disabled fans regularly attending football
matches in England and with many now choosing to travel to
games abroad, NADS represents the views, issues and concerns of
disabled football supporters to football and governmental
authorities as well as providing independent advice on disability
issues as they affect the football, cricket and rugby communities.
NADS also heads up the disabled branch of the official England
Supporters Club, englandfans.
NADS is a registered charity and as such is regulated by the
Charity Commission. It is also a member of the Fundraising
Standards Board.
Amongst its many achievements are included:
• The publication of NADS Guide to Grounds, which was the
culmination of an appraisal of facilities for disabled people at all
Premiership, Football League and Conference grounds – this is

13
 now kept up to date via the NADS website.
• The production of its own Blueprint showing the minimum
standards and treatment every disabled supporter should expect to
receive within football.
• Winning the UEFA, IOC and European Union supported
European Supporters Award in 2008.
STAR considers that its association with NADS is beneficial to
STAR members and looks to continue to support NADS in its
dealings with Reading Football Club in the future. If you would like
to join or just subscribe to its regular e-newsletter, you can contact
NADS on 0845 230 6237 / info@nads.org.uk / www.nads.org.uk.

STAR EVENTS
STAR is trying to arrange more varied events this season, so far
with mixed success. The players’ fans forum was a new format –
called the goldfish bowl where anyone in the room could sit in the
inner circle and hold a conversation with Brendan and the players
rather than just sit and listen. It worked well but with well over 100
people there it was hard to hear everyone (as with a circular layout
you are always behind someone speaking) so we intend to repeat
the format occasionally but with microphones. The other extreme
was a bowling event especially for families arranged for December
which did not happen through lack of support. So we would
appreciate feedback from members about whether we should be
trying to arrange social events, and if so what format they should
be. We know that in the current economic climate (and to be
honest given the state of football at Reading too) there may be less
enthusiasm but we really need to know if we are wasting our
energies trying to find new ways for STAR members to get
together. Drop into the STAR Base with a note or mail us on
info@star-reading,org with your thoughts

Other factors get in the way of events too, as the recent snow led to
a postponement of the January Fans’ Forum that was to be held
with ex-players and stewards – at the time of needing to publicise it
the weather was at its worst and given the distances the ex-player
guests were prepared to travel we decided to postpone it to later in
the year (possibly April).

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LADIES CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE
Here at Reading Matter we thought it would be interesting to take a
brief look behind the scenes at a not so well known side of
Reading Football Club. For this edition Shelley Strange agreed to
answer a few questions.

What is you name?

Shelley Strange

Where do you live?

Bracknell

Do you have any hobbies?

I enjoy Playing Football and Socialising.

Do you support any other teams other than Reading?

Yes. I am a Manchester United Fan.

Can you tell us more about the Girls and Ladies Centre of
Excellence?
The Reading Football Club Girls Excellence is one of the most
successful girls clubs in the south and we are getting stronger
every year. We now have many players playing and representing at
international level.
The Reading Football Club Women have now been running for four
seasons. In this period we have been promoted in the last three
consecutive seasons and are now playing in the South Premier
League. This is one league under the Premier. Over 75% of the
players in the first and reserve teams have come from the Centre of
Excellence.
The Centre of Excellence has Under10’s, Under12’s, Under14’s
and Under16’s squads with the Under16’s winning almost every
game they have played this season. The only game they have lost
is when they played Chelsea and this was a narrow defeat of 3-2.

What is you role at Reading Football Club?

I am a ‘Community Trust Officer’ so I look after all the youth football
in the Wokingham, Bracknell and South Oxfordshire areas. This
includes both boys and girls at all levels of ability.
During term time I run football sessions within Infant, Junior and
Secondary Schools. As part of this we conduct talks about healthy
eating, careers and various other related subjects.
In non-term time we run football schools through out Berkshire

19
 In the school holidays we run football schools through out Berkshire
area.
Other events include team coaching within the local grassroots
teams. Mini Kickers is where we introduce 4 to 7 years olds to
football. Advanced and development centres where we coach elite
players and find our future players. Last but by no means least we
have school trips. On these trips children gain an experience of
behind the scenes action. These are both great fun and
educational.
I also take the Under14’s Centre of Excellence Girls Team.
Recently one of the girls from here has been called up to visit
Holland and represent England at Under15’s level.
In all, my role is very exciting and differs from day to day. The
Community Trust has a big role in the future of youth football and a
big impact on our fans.

HAPPY EVENTS
My name is Karmel Ann Adaway, a new Royal.
I was born on 17th November 2009. This photo
was taken when I was 20 hours old. My Mum and
Dad are Natalie and Chris. Did you know my Dad
was a mascot at the stadium opening game. My
proud grandmother is Shirley Adaway We live in
Yeovil. .

Congratulations to Nathan Wakefield who has

made it to his 18th. His Mum has told us it was
touch and go at times!

There are times when it’s not very wise to ask a

lady her age! Wendie has just celebrated a very
important birthday. And it wasn’t her 21st! Or was
it?

20
 FANS’ FORUM : BRIAN

Fans’ Forum 18 February 2010 with Brian McDermott

Paula Martin welcomed Brian and the Forum began with some
questions that had been sent in advance from STAR members.

This question has been rather pre-empted by Tim Dellor, but

why have we never seen you and Heston Blumenthal together
at the same time?
BM: I look like a number of people – Uncle Fester, the drummer on
Shooting Stars amongst others. Last Saturday I was at the gym in
Marlow and Heston Blumenthal was standing at the door. I said
‘Hello Bri’! It was like meeting myself!

Please give a brief resume of your career in the game, the

highlights and low points.
BM: I joined Arsenal as an apprentice and played seventy-odd
games for them. I was loaned out a couple of times to Fulham and
to a Swedish team. Then I moved to Oxford. I had a nightmare
there. They hated me. Then I had spells at Cardiff, Exeter and
Yeovil. I joined the set up at Slough in 1996 then went on to
manage Woking. I came to Reading as chief scout in 2000 so I
have been around here for quite a while but none of you knew me.
I have managed the under 19s and the reserve team here.

21
 You’ve worked under and alongside a number of managers in
your career. Who has had the most effect on your attitude to
the game and who do you think your management style most
closely resembles?
BM: Alan Pardew brought me here and he did a good job for
Reading. He was a bit more in your face than Steve. I have also
worked with Frank Burrows and Jim Smith. He wasn’t really my cup
of tea.

Are you in contact with any of your predecessors?

BM: Yes I speak regularly with Alan and with Steve. I spoke to
Alan last week and I spoke to Steve today. Steve wanted to get to
the game yesterday but couldn’t. I have left Brendan a phone
message but haven’t heard back from him.

Has anything struck you about the differences between your

previous roles and now being the manager, is it what you
expected?
BM: Well from taking the reserves - this is completely
different. But I am ready. I know the group and I’m loving every
minute. One thing I am learning is that during the match it can be
up to me to make a difference if necessary. I remember the match
against Swansea. For twenty minutes we couldn’t get a touch of the
ball and I had to tactically change things a couple of times there
and then.

Did you put yourself forward for the job in the summer?
BM: It was always going to be difficult for the next manager as they
were following a legend. Steve will always be remembered by this
club. I remember when the fans sang ‘we want our Coppell back’
well I was one of them! But after what happened with Brendan
leaving the chairman asked me to take over. I wouldn’t have
accepted it if I didn’t think I was ready. But I’ve been in the game
for over thirty years and I just felt it was the right time.

Who is now responsible for scouting and providing reports on

opponents?
BM: We’ve got Geoff Taylor who has been in football forever and
knows this division inside out. And we’ve got Steve Shorey who
works with the other scouts. We don’t look at foreign clubs so
much anymore, although they go to Ireland sometimes. It is well
covered.

22
How are the coaching duties split? Do you and Nigel work with
everyone as a whole or do you have a team of coaches work-
ing with the defence as a unit, midfield as a unit, etc.?
BM: Nigel is a good guy and a very good coach. I do a lot of the
stuff on the opposition, I watch videos and set up the team and we
go from there. Nigel does general stuff on the training ground. I
love working with the players. They are a good group, not world
beaters, but they train hard and they want to win games. When
Steve was here and I was managing the reserve team I would say
to Steve ‘can I have him?’ about such and such a player and he
would say ‘no’ so I said ‘I’ll have him then’! Right now we just want
to win games and we take one game at a time and just concentrate
on the next one. Results can have a huge effect – that goal we let
in near the end against West Brom – it spoilt my weekend and
yours as well I’m sure. They’ve written us off by the way, just like
Liverpool. It was funny, at Anfield I went into the ref’s room with
Ivar, and Sammy Lee and Steven Gerrard were there. I was look-
ing at Gerrard and thinking “what a good player you are” and he
said “shall we toss for penalties now”. I thought yes please, I’ll take
that any day!

Have you changed anything in the training regime, for example

are players doing more fitness routines than previously?
BM: I do what I have to do. Karl does most of the fitness.
Everything we do is geared to the next Saturday or Tuesday game
and winning that game.

What do you see as strengths and weaknesses with the

current squad?
BM: They are a good bunch and decent people with tremendous
spirit. You can see the spirit on the pitch and there is great
camaraderie.

Can you encourage the players to applaud the fans more at

home, for example the east stand or a lap of honour? It seems
to happen more at away games.
BM: Who do you want me to wave to? I haven’t yet lost at home. If
it’s a draw, should I just stand there? If we win, I don’t want to milk
it. But I will give it some thought. I do remember being at the
Millennium Stadium when we played Walsall and our players went
round applauding before the game. I thought it was a mistake. You
don’t applaud before a game, only afterwards.

23
 What’s your preferred style of play? 4-4-2?
BM: I set up the team to win the game, whether that be 4-4-2,
4-3-3, 4-5-1 or whatever. It’s best not to overly concern about the
system and just set up to win. Think of the game last night. Palace
have got a lot of strength. I knew we needed Churchy’s movement
and we needed pace out wide and we needed Brian Howard to be
clever. And I think we did it really well. A lot of it is confidence
based. I tell Shane and Churchy to keep getting in the right places,
missing chances isn’t a negative, keep getting the shots in. We
can’t leave it just to the strikers, we need to score from all over.
Matt Mills is doing really well at the moment, he has good ability.
He didn’t play at first, for numerous reasons and he’d had an injury
and wasn’t match fit. He is 23 and still learning. He has moved to
the area now and is enjoying his football.

What have you done to Shane’s game, he looks a different

player since the turn of the year?
BM: Shane lived with me for eight weeks so I can say what I like
about him! He is fit now and we have been working with him a lot.
He has a natural eye for a goal and a natural ability. We have to let
him do his stuff and make it simple. He was at the Palace game
yesterday giving support. He and Churchy are good friends and he
was chuffed for him.

And Jimmy Kebe?

BM: Jimmy needs love! You’ve got to remember he’s French. I
first saw him in Boulogne on a Friday when he murdered the right
back. I said to Steve that we needed him. So we watched him
again and he was useless! Jimmy’s a winger, like I was, he needs
to feel he’s got the crowd and players on board, just like all wingers.
It’s all about encouragement. Don’t have a go at him. He had a
great game at Palace and scored a goal, he could have had three.

Can you get Reading back up to the premier league?

BM: We are just focussing on winning the next game. Can we
have a go against Blackpool on Saturday? Yes we can. When I
was a player I used to try and forecast scores and results (I found
myself on my own a lot!) But it is pointless. You just have to take
each game at a time and try to win it. You mustn’t get anxious. The
players need to stay confident. By the way, you lot sang that song
again at Palace about winning away and I thought we were doing
Ok Away!

24
I think we just remember when Fulham sang it to us and that
game more or less relegated us.
BM: I still blame Portsmouth. I hope we get them in the cup.

What has the chairman told you about budgets for next
season?
BM: He has told me nothing. We haven’t spoken about budgets.

Questions from the floor

I can tell your man management skills are different from your
predecessor? You seem to invest time and care with the play-
ers, we could see that with Jimmy Kebe at the end of the
Palace match.
BM: I did that because it felt right. I wanted him to remember that
night. It was just a gut feeling. No one can touch Jimmy for pace.
We work on him trying to beat other players. Sometimes he cuts
inside. Last night I said to him to cross if he got in good areas or go
straight towards goal. We’re trying to get him going towards goal.
He is a work in progress.

Please can we keep Andy Griffin?

BM: He is such a lovely chap, a low key bloke. He’s only 30
although he looks about 40 with his hair – I know you all thought
what on earth I was doing when he first came! Yes I would like to
keep him but I can’t say that we will. He is very solid. He doesn’t
say a lot, but what he does say people listen to. He is very down to
earth not like some footballers who arrive with their designer gear.
It’s funny, he turned up here on his first day with his boots in a bin
bag and a rucksack on his back! Can you imagine, it was terrific! I
like that and I loved him even more! And he has got them all
playing casino chip games together on the coach. It’s great. The
younger players look up to him.

Crystal Palace played Clyne at left back. Do you think they

saw Jobi as the danger man?
BM: He has been fantastic. He could have left in January. I said
to him that he must do his best for his family but that he’s not going
anywhere! Against Liverpool when he played at right back, his
performance was scarily good.

Slightly on a downside, in Zurab’s couple of games he seems

25
 to turn his back on headers?
BM: Zurab hasn’t played games for a while. He has just come in. I
thought he did very well against Plymouth especially in the first half.
Then they started playing long balls and it got quite physical. It was
tough but he came through it. I haven’t seen him turn his back on
headers, but no, it wouldn’t be good.

Regarding the defence, we seem to have a habit of conceding

soft goals. We don’t have many clean sheets.
BM: Nigel, who was a good fullback himself, is working with the
back five. We need to get clean sheets. Incidentally, that goal Pal-
ace scored last night, the foul on Fedders was GBH. That’s when
Neil and I had a little chat! I quite like him by the way.

There seem to be some regenerated players now. We could

see what Brendan was trying to do but the chances just
weren’t going in. How have you managed with some of the
players?
BM: That’s difficult. I suppose one thing is that I make the team
the most important thing. I recently took a player off who was
clearly not happy about it so I spoke to him and made it clear that
he is part of a squad. No player is bigger than the team and when
players react like that it is as if the player is bigger than the team.
We are all fighting the same cause and I don’t promise them
anything. I come to work with a smile on my face and I think every
single player and member of staff is getting that. Are we world
beaters? No. But we must get a level of performance. Plymouth
away – I get nightmares about that. We were embarrassing, I was
embarrassed and so were the players. But that was then and this
is now. Getting the crowd into the game is also important, they
drove us on against Plymouth, Burnley and West Brom. All these
little things make a difference.

It feels amazing to even be in the quarter final draw for the FA

cup. The West Brom match was a cracking cup tie and it is
great to be taking it seriously.
BM: We will try to win at West Brom. It galvanises your league
form. We are looking forward to it but let’s not get carried away.

At the moment we have pretty much two games a week. Do we

have enough quality in the squad to cope?
BM: Yes. We’ve got good players who aren’t playing who are

26
chomping at the bit. Gunnar played against Sheffield Utd but
Morgan was kicking him a lot. I want him to play in a good game. I
said to Brynjar ‘I’ll look after you and take you out every now and
then’ but he just keeps going and going.

Question from Twitter tweeted in from a loyal royal in Sweden:

what are the chances of another pre-season tour in Sweden?
BM: We are looking at three options and Sweden is one of them -
so possibly.

Back to sent in questions:

We have four good goalkeepers on our books, how do you see

this area developing?
BM: We are blessed. We have Alex McCarthy who’s at Yeovil.
They love him there and there are people looking at him. Mikkel
Andersen is at Bristol Rovers. He is massive and had a fabulous
match against Charlton. Fedders is growing, it was always going to
be a tall order to take over from Marcus. Ben Hamer was player of
season last year at Brentford. And Sal Bibbo – our best looking
member of staff!

Have you given any thoughts to those who will be released in

the summer, how much are you dreading those conversations
when they arise?
BM: I don’t dread it. They are professionals – they can move on to
other clubs. It is much harder when they are young. It’s telling the
15/16 year olds that’s horrible, it’s tough breaking their dreams.

We seem a little blessed with midfielders at the moment, would

you agree that we need to considerably reduce the number of
options and improve the quality further?
BM: It’s all about getting the right blend. Marek has terrific
qualities. And so does Gylfi. It is not always the team with the best
individual players who go up.

I understand Khizanishvili has a really nice car that is making

all the other players envious. What is it?
BM: It’s true. Zurab came round to my house the other day as he
is trying to find a place to live. He drove up in this white Bentley. It
is very nice, a lovely car. A lot of them have their eye on it. He is a
really nice fellow.

27
 Are you concerned that you may get manager of the month for
February and then, as always happens, things go pear shaped
from there?
BM: Let’s take the award and then move on from there.

Questions from the floor:

We now know a bit about the manager but we know little about
the man – family, hobbies?
BM: I haven’t really got any hobbies. I’ve got a wife and two girls,
21 and 19. And we are getting a dog. There is a lot of music in my
house – Oasis, Green Day, The Furies. In fact I’ve just been
invited to meet The Furies at Wycombe in April. One of the perks of
the job. They are an Irish band – terrific.

What about the state of the pitch at the Madejski?

BM: I’m not happy about it. Nor is Bruce, the groundsman. It is
not in a good state. But we just have to do what we do. Hopefully
we can solve it next season. It’s not just our pitch, last night’s was
difficult and Blackpool’s is also very poor – you have to play a
certain way.

Can you fill us in on the background staff?

BM: I’m lucky, I haven’t had to move anybody. Emanon Dolan is
working with the academy and bringing the kids through. I might,
possibly, at some point, bring in another one. But at the moment I
am happy, there is a good spirit. I am very lucky, they do a lot for
me.

What about referees, do you despair of the standard in the

championship?
BM: I made a pact with myself that I wouldn’t whinge on about
referees after games. They get talked about too much.

Referees’ assistants? Do they really assist?

BM: They only flag for small decisions, not big decisions and it is
the fourth official’s job to keep the managers apart.

What about the academy lads? The new one, Jordan Obita, is
quite a coup.
BM: I can’t comment on specific boys. But yes it is encouraging.
Jordan has trained with the first team but he is for the long term, we

28
don’t want to put too much pressure on him.

We just get a sense that John Madejski wants to get out.

BM: Our club has been unbelievably successful over the years. We
are now fighting and we have got to fight to make sure we remain a
championship club. We are all in this together which is why I make
a big deal about supporters.

Do you have a rotation policy or does it depend on injuries/

suspensions?
BM: I treat cup games the same as league games, FA Cup,
Carling, league, I don’t discriminate. Steve played guys in the Cup
who weren’t playing in the league and this brought great spirit so
there’s something to be said for that as well.

How do you think fitness and skills levels are now compared
with some years ago?
BM: They are fitter now. They used not to be as fit but everyone
was the same then. The drinking after a game has gone now and
players look after themselves. You don’t have to worry about the
players.

Is there anything you’d like to ask us?

BM: When I was asked to take over by the chairman were you
100% in favour or not?!

A general response of “yes”

BM: You liars!!

Paula then presented Brian with a large ‘We’re Backing Brian’ card
signed by the fans and thanked him for being so open and funny.
Brian was most appreciative of the card and said he would put it on
his wall next to a picture of him and Benitez

29
 GAMES ON THE NET

As the euphoria settled down the day after Reading’s famous 2-1
victory over Liverpool at Anfield, attention turned to our 4th Round
clash with Burnley at the MadStad on the 23rd January. The instant
thoughts of wanting revenge after the Playoffs last season were
soon at the back of my mind as it occurred to me that if I wanted to
watch this game live, then the only alternative to travelling down to
Reading from Leeds was to watch the game legally and free of
charge via the FA’s website for British and Irish based fans.
The issue of the internet and the streaming of live football has
been one debated over the years with illegal 3pm streams finding
their way into the eyes of fans and pub owners across the country,
but never in depth such as it has this season. It was first bought to
our attention back in October last year when it was revealed that
England’s meaningless World Cup qualifier with Ukraine was to be
sold and streamed legally via the internet as none of the TV
companies had wanted to match the valuation set by Kentaro, who
assigned the task of streaming the game to the media group,
Perform. Fans were to be asked to pay £4.99 to watch the match,
with the price rising closer to the game. Both the BBC and ITV
declined the opportunity to enter bids claiming it wasn’t viable,
though a cynic would argue they wouldn’t have wanted to upset
their Saturday night audience with both companies going head to
head in the Strictly Come Dancing Vs X-Factor ratings war. The
media group, Perform, were assigned the task of finding the highest
bidder following the collapse of Setanta, who had previously agreed
a £425million four-year deal between 2008-2012 to cover TV rights
for the FA Cup and England matches. The FA had a shortfall of
£125million of that TV money outstanding from the Setanta deal;
although only last month did they agree a new deal with ESPN to
show FA Cup matches from the 2010/2011 season.
To ease the burden for this season, the FA agreed to stream the
first-round clash between Oldham Athletic and Leeds United after
an experiment previously with an England U21 match against
Macedonia proved a success. Since then, they have shown a game
every round and now our clash was deemed worth of selection.
For me, the experience adds a slightly different dimension to the
day. No longer will it be the case of wondering which pub I’ll watch
the match in but whether I connect my laptop up to the TV and try
and enjoy it from there or if I should watch it live on my lap or even
the lazier option of staying in bed! And what happens if we take the
lead in the game, will I have to ensure my laptop is safe and secure
before celebrating?

30
 A SUPPORTER’S INTERVIEW

Name and If I am allowed to ask this question. What is your

age?
Lesley Stokes and I’m young at heart

Where do you live?

Woodley.

How long have you been supporting Reading?

41 years.

Can you remember your first match?

Yes. Southampton away, FA Cup.

What was your most memorable moment?

Elm Park, League Cup against Watford.

Do you support any other team?

I like Liverpool.

In your opinion how has the season been so far and where do
you think we will finish?
The start was very disappointing, but since Brian McDermott took
over things are looking much better. Hopefully we will finish in the
top half of the League.

Who has been your favourite Reading Manager and Club

Captain?
I think it has to be Steve Coppell. And as for Club Captain, that has
to be Graeme Murty.

Present favourite player?

Siggi

Over the years you must have visited quite a few grounds.
Which has been your favourite to visit?
That has to be Anfield. The place just oozed success.
What were your thoughts about leaving Elm Park?
It was very sad to leave. Elm Park had great character, but when
you look at what we have achieved to date a lot of thanks must go
to Sir John Madjeski. Without his help who knows what would have
happened!

31
 THE VIEW FROM STAR BASE
STAR BASE IS LOCATED BEHIND EAST STAND

Appeal For Programmes

We would like to put out an appeal for people who have any
knowledge of Reading teamsheets or programmes produced.
We are especially looking for matches that may have been
postponed or not played.
Colin Bishop is hoping to put together a log of all of them.
If you can help, please contact Colin either at STAR Base
on any match day or by phone on 07919931716

As usual our friendly coaches will be running

to all the remaining away games.
Let Andy and Trevor do the driving.
WHY NOT JOIN US?