Reading FC vs Ipswich Town Preview & Matchday Thread

[marko69]

Paul Clement caption:

His assistant: Boss. It's looking grim. What about some changes? Formation? Subs? BOSS?
Clement: Wait. I'm doing what everyone does these days.
Assistant: Eh? And what's that?
Clement: I'm checking myself out on the big screen, FFS! Go away.

Opposition caption:

Nestlé Xmas warning:
Do not eat an entire large tube of the orange only smarties. There are consequences.

[rossi]

Caption. PL on his phone, "Skusey I want to try something else this Saturday......Can you possibly pass it to your own team mates?"

Classic

[charlton837]

As others have said, it's an absolute must win game for us.

I think that we'll not only win it, but the goal drought will end too.
Still no prominent striker, but I'm confident that goals can come from any 9 of our outfield players (Skuse does not figure in that 9, his half-volley attempt last week from the edge of the penalty area just into the second half absolutely sums him up, I cannot believe that a so-called professional footballer can have so much time to hit the ball when directly facing the goal and not at least hit the target).

Reading 0 - Ipswich 5

Guess you missed the work Skuse did do then including some important tackles and interceptions?

But I am loving the optimism heading into this weekend. 5-0 would be a dream!

No, I saw him make some interceptions (at least I saw him block some passes when he was in the way of the ball).
But my point was about his goal-scoring potential, I think I made that perfectly clear

Fair point, that's me not reading the comment properly! Sorry!

Based on his scoring record I cant really make a case to argue with you on that one

[Bluemike]

Same with Sears, Ward, Jackson, Harrison, Bishop, Downes, Dozzell etc etc, how many goals to appearances between that lot.

[Tangfastic]

More than happy that Skuse stays in our half of the pitch. He does his best work between the half way line and our box. Don’t rate him in any sort of attacking scenario. Hurst seemed to want CHalobah to be the deepest lying midfielder to link play better. Can understand that, but Skuse, for me, needs to play in his role just in front of defence or cover for our fullbacks. CHalobah has much more to offer up the pitch.
Skuse actually seems to have pace going backwards trying to nick a ball, but going forward it seems like he’s got a ball and chain attached to his ankle.

[Bluemike]

Agree that is where he is an asset to the team, odd as it may seem he isnt there to score goals really, yes the odd one here and there would help but primarily there are a good six or seven players in the team who should be expected to score our goals, none of them are doing a very good job either. It is no coincidence that Lambert is what the Fourth manager who appears to rate Skuses value to the team? I guess none of them know what they are talking about

Sorry my bloody eyes won't keep still.

[marko69]

It’s only half 5! Shouldn’t have uncontrollable eyes until at least half 9 on a Friday!

[ipswichtownNo1]

Reading 1 - 1 Ipswich.
Caption.
" when i said id give my right arm to manage again, i didnt realise it would be with this lot"

[Ando]

I think Reading will win, I really hope I am wrong. Lambert has made a difference but I think we will see more after the international break. If we do win we need to call for about 16 extra international breaks before the end of the season.

Caption: some hands free phone this has turned out to be

[marko69]

......we need to call for about 16 extra international breaks before the end of the season.

What...... 16 more embarrassing defeats for Scotland? Na man! Please. No!

[Tangfastic]

......we need to call for about 16 extra international breaks before the end of the season.

What...... 16 more embarrassing defeats for Scotland? Na man! Please. No!

Or 16 more Rooney appearances

[BLUEBLOOD]

Caption Comp : Total shock 2 Shots at goal in 1st 5mins leaves Paul Lambert Gobsmacked.

[Ricco]

How long has this Cole Skuse debate gone on He's not great enough to have his name sung and he's not bad enough to be constantly bashed, can't we move on?!

On one hand managers have picked him, but we are bottom of the championship, I'd probably get a run out if I had popped down Playford Road this week!!

[ipswichtownNo1]

Caption Comp : Total shock 2 Shots at goal in 1st 5mins leaves Paul Lambert Gobsmacked.

What only two shots against ipswich in the first five minutes, even i would be shocked!!!

[Bluemike]

How long has this Cole Skuse debate gone on He's not great enough to have his name sung and he's not bad enough to be constantly bashed, can't we move on?!

On one hand managers have picked him, but we are bottom of the championship, I'd probably get a run out if I had popped down Playford Road this week!!

Yes it keeps getting dragged up after virtually every game.

[Charnwood]

I’m not Cole Skuse’s greatest fan much because I find the way he plays quite boring, but without him in the team I have a feeling some of the games we’ve earned a point from may well have been defeats. He’s definitely not a lazy player and puts in some huge shifts especially when we’re under pressure in a game. With our current squad I think we’re better with him in than out.

[JohnnyB]

Reading 0 Town 2 - two goals from midfield Downes and Chalobah

Caption - Kirk to Enterprise, Kirk to Enterprise, send urgent reinforcements please, beam down one 25 goal a season striker and one box to box midfield general.

[Bluemike]

Nearly 2000 Tractor Boy's & Girls's making the trip today, should be another great atmosphere.

[derick_ipsw]

Great away support again.

[marko69]

Just leaving Fort William and heading further north to even more non reception areas....., so I’ll say, FKN COME ON, YOU ITFC!!

By the way, excellent bacon and egg doublers at the wee burger van heading out of FT William...., recommend it.

[rossi]

Agree that is where he is an asset to the team, odd as it may seem he isnt there to score goals really, yes the odd one here and there would help but primarily there are a good six or seven players in the team who should be expected to score our goals, none of them are doing a very good job either. It is no coincidence that Lambert is what the Fourth manager who appears to rate Skuses value to the team? I guess none of them know what they are talking about

Sorry my bloody eyes won't keep still.

It doesn't mean anything of the sort Mike - all it means is that there are no better options. If we were to get a defensive midfielder with more of an attacking mind than Skuse, do you really think he would still be first choice in the team?

[Bluemike]

Exactly, no better options so he should play every week. The thing is we do have options in Midfield, Downes and Chalobah can both play DM, we also have Ward, Dozzell, Nolan and when fit Huws and Bishop but Skuse has always been preferred.

Are you expecting Lambert to make this one of the areas he strengthens then to get rid of Skuse ?

[barmy billy]

People love a scapegoat and to many it is Skuse.

I think he is inegral to the team in the position he plays and I don't see anyone challenging at the moment. It is hardly surprising that Lambert has faith in Skuse given the service he has given to the club.

[charlton837]

Now on bus to the stadium and must admit I'm really looking forward to it even if it is pissing it down with rain. Hearing that we may be unchanged front last week which is no great surprise

[derick_ipsw]

Same 11 as last week. That's a first this season.

[JohnnyB]

Even the bench is unchanged!

[TODD66]

Get in!!

Wooooohooo - 1-0

[TODD66]

Arse

Oh well 1-1

[TODD66]

Oh my.................... 2-1 Town.

Keep this up and it is going to be 10-10 by halftime!!!

[JohnnyB]

1-2 what the hell is going on?