Next Year!

clethbridge8 · Post by **clethbridge8** » Sun Apr 30, 2006 12:41 pm

Well, what can you saw about this season! it was rather dissappointing to saw the least, oh well, on-words and up-words!

I know we don't have much money to spend on tranfers (if any) but who do you think we could get to make us real challengers for next season? (realistically please)

This is my list of players that I would like Joe to try and sign, they should be cheap as chips and there are all great players!

Mark Jones Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Wrexham

A former Welsh Under 21 international, he has been a part of John Toshack's senior squad this season. Still only 22, he has made more than 80 senior appearances for Wrexham and this term has found his shooting boots as well, netting double figures from midfield.

Andy Robinson - Swansea City

All-action 21-year-old who is now in his third season of league football. A free kick expert, his non-stop style of play has made him a real crowd favourite and he is certainly a goal threat as he has proved by netting double figures in League One this season.

Sam Sodje Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Brentford

Excelled last season in his first year in league football having signed from Conference side Margate, and he has maintained that form this term. Strong central defender and a real crowd favourite, he also weighs in with a few goals.

Jason Koumas Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Cardiff

His career never quite took off at West Brom the way he hoped after joining the Baggies from Tranmere, but he's showed all his Welsh international qualities - scoring some spectacular, solo goals in the process - for Cardiff who would love to make his season-long loan a permanent one.

Dan Shittu - QPR

Powerfully built central defender, He soon established himself at the heart of the Rangers defence and his impressive displays earned him an international call-up in March 2002 when he made his debut for Nigeria in a friendly against Paraguay at Loftus Road. He was a member of the Nigerian squad in their build up to the 2002 World Cup but failed to make the final 23

Theres lots more players around but I feel we could get these players on the cheap! and they are great players! I would also like us to get JOhn Hartson, (well cardiff are siad to be interested in him, so why not us?) more players we should sign coming soon!

hallamblue · Post by **hallamblue** » Sun Apr 30, 2006 12:54 pm

I personally know little of a lot of the players you have listed - so it would be useless me making a "judgement" on them really.

The thing that I think JR will be guided by in the close season, is he will be looking for players that:

1) have been proven to cut it at Fizzy league level (we havent the finacial resources to "carry" players now )

2) are in that mid twenties age bracket - hence have "experience" and physical attributes to do "battle" (cos thats the only way we will get out of this div).

3) will be either accquired on a Bosman and / or, be yet more season long lones.

I noticed the other day Joe said he will act once the outcome of the playoffs was known. Initially I was thinking he meant the fizzy league P/O's but giving it more thought I suspect he's referering to div one P'o's....so which players do we think this might include ....you have already named a couple from the likes of Brentford and Swansea -mperhaps there are others .

I just hope to God he's got his eye on at least two defenders - cos until he sorts out this bloody defence we will be going nowhere except midtable obscurity IMO !

DeIpswich · Post by **DeIpswich** » Sun Apr 30, 2006 1:05 pm

I think JR should be concentrating on getting a brand new back 4 for next season. Can't think of any that are of a decent Championship class.

Fully · Post by **Fully** » Sun Apr 30, 2006 1:08 pm

Trouble with getting an whole new back 4 is that they need game time to play with each other, which more than likely will cause a leakage in more goals in the first few games of the season (we need to get off to a flyer). I think in De Vos and Naylor we have an average centre back partnership, but we need a strong pairing on either flank that can get up and back quickly and efficiently.

Rach · Post by **Rach** » Sun Apr 30, 2006 2:49 pm

Agree with all those names except John Hartson....he's agreed to stay at Celtic for another season and I think the only reason he wouldve considered a move to Cardiff is coz his kids live in Wales.....anyway, his wages would be way high and to be honest, is he even that good a player?!

Of all those players, id really like us to sign Koumas...but I cant really see it happening unfortunately

Luke · Post by **Luke** » Sun Apr 30, 2006 4:23 pm

Luke's Shopping list
Kenny Lunt (free) Crewe
Danny Shittu 275k estamated Q.P.R
Alex John-Baptiste 150k Mansfeild
Jay McEverly Season long loan Blackburn

Riviera · Post by **Riviera** » Mon May 01, 2006 12:55 am

Luke wrote:Luke's Shopping list
Kenny Lunt (free) Crewe
Danny Shittu 275k estamated Q.P.R
Alex John-Baptiste 150k Mansfeild
Jay McEverly Season long loan Blackburn

hope thats a joke luke lol

ive seen him a few times this season hes been been poor at best every time

Luke · Post by **Luke** » Mon May 01, 2006 4:05 am

Riviera wrote:
Luke wrote:Luke's Shopping list
Kenny Lunt (free) Crewe
Danny Shittu 275k estamated Q.P.R
Alex John-Baptiste 150k Mansfeild
Jay McEverly Season long loan Blackburn
hope thats a joke luke lol

ive seen him a few times this season hes been been poor at best every time

When he is poor he is very poor, But he has been carrying a injury this season remeber, I personaly think he is a good solid defender, And anyone is better then Barron or Wilnis in my eyes

Post by **loudnproud** » Mon May 01, 2006 4:14 am

A fully fit and confident Mceverly can be an outstanding left back,However as this season has proved,when his confidence is taking a knock,his play is very costly to the team. It has to be said that on all bar two of his games for us in a town shirt and i include those that i have seen with him in the reserves,He has been good for only two of those games.....Not a very good return is it? I believe better,more committed players can and must be found elseware!

hallamblue · Post by **hallamblue** » Mon May 01, 2006 4:16 am

Luke wrote:
Riviera wrote:
Luke wrote:Luke's Shopping list
Kenny Lunt (free) Crewe
Danny Shittu 275k estamated Q.P.R
Alex John-Baptiste 150k Mansfeild
Jay McEverly Season long loan Blackburn
hope thats a joke luke lol

ive seen him a few times this season hes been been poor at best every time
When he is poor he is very poor, But he has been carrying a injury this season remeber, I personaly think he is a good solid defender, And anyone is better then Barron or Wilnis in my eyes

I know you dislike Barron ...not sure why ..he did a lot better at LB than McEverly has...and as for not likeing Fabs...shame on you

. He wasnt player of the season by accident !!

Out of interest I wonder how McEverkly played yesterday..over to anyone that was at the game for a "report" - i suspect he was crap as usual !

Post by **loudnproud** » Mon May 01, 2006 4:24 am

Hallamblue? Mceverly reverted back to his rather poor old self at Plymouth yesterday. He is a confidence player who made several poor attempts at "Hoofball" to no avail. His body language alone leaving the pitch said it all,Head bowed and wanted to get off asap.In his favour he did make several telling tackles in dangerous areas,but his errors were what was standing out above all else.

Luke · Post by **Luke** » Mon May 01, 2006 4:24 am

hallamblue wrote:
Luke wrote:
Riviera wrote: hope thats a joke luke lol

ive seen him a few times this season hes been been poor at best every time
When he is poor he is very poor, But he has been carrying a injury this season remeber, I personaly think he is a good solid defender, And anyone is better then Barron or Wilnis in my eyes
I know you dislike Barron ...not sure why ..he did a lot better at LB than McEverly has...and as for not likeing Fabs...shame on you . He wasnt player of the season by accident !!

Out of interest I wonder how McEverkly played yesterday..over to anyone that was at the game for a "report" - i suspect he was crap as usual !

Barron isnt good enougth, He doesnt even show signs of being good enougth. He is too lightweight and lacks any positinal sense, He played 4 games out of his skin this year at the start of his 1st team carerr and has been living on them ever since, People who had seen him look poor in the RESERVES!! would know he was no where near good enougth...
Wilnis is past it.
He got the award for "being a blue" and "hating Norwich" as the song goes
He is more then a liablity when played at anywhere except centre back where he played a few good games this season.
But like Barron he is living on past performnces like the one at Carrow road, he played a blinder. Was sh*t for the rest of the season.
BOTH need replacing, By either new blood or youth team material. If we start next season with Barron and Wilnis as our 1st choice full backs expect another season of inconsistancy.

hallamblue · Post by **hallamblue** » Mon May 01, 2006 4:27 am

loudnproud wrote:Hallamblue? Mceverly reverted back to his rather poor old self at Plymouth yesterday. He is a confidence player who made several poor attempts at "Hoofball" to no avail. His body language alone leaving the pitch said it all,Head bowed and wanted to get off asap.In his favour he did make several telling tackles in dangerous areas,but his errors were what was standing out above all else.

I know players all make mistakes Ln P ...and since he's been with with us I prayed that he would be the answer to our LB problems (as Ricahrds was the current LB at the time of McEverlys arrival)...But alas apart form his very early performances I feel McEverly has been a "Richards clone"....Barron on the other hand , whilst being very young - does give cause for encouragement, and up until the time that he (obviously) needed to be rested I felt he was assured on the ball, and albeit a little naive at times.. tends to "play" the ball out of defence" - McEverly by contrast tends to hooooof it !!

Shed on tour · Post by **Shed on tour** » Mon May 01, 2006 4:28 am

Luke wrote:
hallamblue wrote:
Luke wrote: When he is poor he is very poor, But he has been carrying a injury this season remeber, I personaly think he is a good solid defender, And anyone is better then Barron or Wilnis in my eyes
I know you dislike Barron ...not sure why ..he did a lot better at LB than McEverly has...and as for not likeing Fabs...shame on you . He wasnt player of the season by accident !!

Out of interest I wonder how McEverkly played yesterday..over to anyone that was at the game for a "report" - i suspect he was crap as usual !
Barron isnt good enougth, He doesnt even show signs of being good enougth. He is too lightweight and lacks any positinal sense, He played 4 games out of his skin this year at the start of his 1st team carerr and has been living on them ever since, People who had seen him look poor in the RESERVES!! would know he was no where near good enougth...
Wilnis is past it.
He got the award for "being a blue" and "hating Norwich" as the song goes
He is more then a liablity when played at anywhere except centre back where he played a few good games this season.
But like Barron he is living on past performnces like the one at Carrow road, he played a blinder. Was sh*t for the rest of the season.
BOTH need replacing, By either new blood or youth team material. If we start next season with Barron and Wilnis as our 1st choice full backs expect another season of inconsistancy.

Luke
According to JR Wilnis is ou best full back at stopping crosses coming in.
I think that says it all really! Then some people think the defence has improved.

Luke · Post by **Luke** » Mon May 01, 2006 4:30 am

hallamblue wrote:
loudnproud wrote:Hallamblue? Mceverly reverted back to his rather poor old self at Plymouth yesterday. He is a confidence player who made several poor attempts at "Hoofball" to no avail. His body language alone leaving the pitch said it all,Head bowed and wanted to get off asap.In his favour he did make several telling tackles in dangerous areas,but his errors were what was standing out above all else.
I know players all make mistakes Ln P ...and since he's been with with us I prayed that he would be the answer to our LB problems (as Ricahrds was the current LB at the time of McEverlys arrival)...But alas apart form his very early performances I feel McEverly has been a "Richards clone"....Barron on the other hand , whilst being very young - does give cause for encouragement, and up until the time that he (obviously) needed to be rested I felt he was assured on the ball, and albeit a little naive at times.. tends to "play" the ball out of defence" - McEverly by contrast tends to hooooof it !!

We NEED defenders who will hoof it! There are too many primmadonnas who think they can dribble there way out of defence at this club! The only defender who i considr a proper defender on our books currently is DeVos, With Casement coming a close 2nd!!

Luke · Post by **Luke** » Mon May 01, 2006 4:31 am

Shed on tour wrote:
Luke wrote:
hallamblue wrote: I know you dislike Barron ...not sure why ..he did a lot better at LB than McEverly has...and as for not likeing Fabs...shame on you . He wasnt player of the season by accident !!

Out of interest I wonder how McEverkly played yesterday..over to anyone that was at the game for a "report" - i suspect he was crap as usual !
Barron isnt good enougth, He doesnt even show signs of being good enougth. He is too lightweight and lacks any positinal sense, He played 4 games out of his skin this year at the start of his 1st team carerr and has been living on them ever since, People who had seen him look poor in the RESERVES!! would know he was no where near good enougth...
Wilnis is past it.
He got the award for "being a blue" and "hating Norwich" as the song goes
He is more then a liablity when played at anywhere except centre back where he played a few good games this season.
But like Barron he is living on past performnces like the one at Carrow road, he played a blinder. Was sh*t for the rest of the season.
BOTH need replacing, By either new blood or youth team material. If we start next season with Barron and Wilnis as our 1st choice full backs expect another season of inconsistancy.
Luke
According to JR Wilnis is ou best full back at stopping crosses coming in.
I think that says it all really! Then some people think the defence has improved.

According to JR he has been demanding more passion for the last 8 games!

The mans opinion means bobbins to me im afraid!

hallamblue · Post by **hallamblue** » Mon May 01, 2006 4:36 am

Luke wrote:
hallamblue wrote:
loudnproud wrote:Hallamblue? Mceverly reverted back to his rather poor old self at Plymouth yesterday. He is a confidence player who made several poor attempts at "Hoofball" to no avail. His body language alone leaving the pitch said it all,Head bowed and wanted to get off asap.In his favour he did make several telling tackles in dangerous areas,but his errors were what was standing out above all else.
I know players all make mistakes Ln P ...and since he's been with with us I prayed that he would be the answer to our LB problems (as Ricahrds was the current LB at the time of McEverlys arrival)...But alas apart form his very early performances I feel McEverly has been a "Richards clone"....Barron on the other hand , whilst being very young - does give cause for encouragement, and up until the time that he (obviously) needed to be rested I felt he was assured on the ball, and albeit a little naive at times.. tends to "play" the ball out of defence" - McEverly by contrast tends to hooooof it !!
We NEED defenders who will hoof it! There are too many primmadonnas who think they can dribble there way out of defence at this club! The only defender who i considr a proper defender on our books currently is DeVos, With Casement coming a close 2nd!!

in times of emergency maybe ..but otherwise NO ! we need palyers that can play the accurate long pass out ! thats not hoof ing it IMHO !!

Our defence is put under more pressure with the hoof it mentality - since the ball invariably comes staright back into the box from the oppositions midfielders - generally quicker than the likes of De Vos (who needs a two mile turning circle ) - can adjust too, to meet the ball !

Luke · Post by **Luke** » Mon May 01, 2006 4:38 am

hallamblue wrote:
Luke wrote:
hallamblue wrote: I know players all make mistakes Ln P ...and since he's been with with us I prayed that he would be the answer to our LB problems (as Ricahrds was the current LB at the time of McEverlys arrival)...But alas apart form his very early performances I feel McEverly has been a "Richards clone"....Barron on the other hand , whilst being very young - does give cause for encouragement, and up until the time that he (obviously) needed to be rested I felt he was assured on the ball, and albeit a little naive at times.. tends to "play" the ball out of defence" - McEverly by contrast tends to hooooof it !!
We NEED defenders who will hoof it! There are too many primmadonnas who think they can dribble there way out of defence at this club! The only defender who i considr a proper defender on our books currently is DeVos, With Casement coming a close 2nd!!
in times of emergency maybe ..but otherwise NO ! we need palyers that can play the accurate long pass out ! thats not hoof ing it IMHO !!

Our defence is put under more pressure with the hoof it mentality - since the ball invariably comes staright back into the box from the oppositions midfielders - generally quicker than the likes of De Vos (who needs a two mile turning circle ) - can adjust too, to meet the ball !

Just look at the top teams in this divison Hallam and there backlines.

hallamblue · Post by **hallamblue** » Mon May 01, 2006 4:41 am

...? what are you saying then Luke ?
Do Reading hoof the ball ?

Im sure you would agree that to play an accurate long ball y=up to the midfield players is better than to hoof it way over their heads, therfore by passing the midfield altogether ?

Look at Rivs comments on the game !

Luke · Post by **Luke** » Mon May 01, 2006 4:42 am

hallamblue wrote:...? what are you saying then Luke ?
Do Reading hoof the ball ?

Im sure you would agree that to play an accurate long ball y=up to the midfield players is better than to hoof it way over their heads, therfore by passing the midfield altogether ?

Look at Rivs comments on the game !

The back line certainly do! Im afraid there are no Franz Beckenbaurs at this level! All the decent defenders in this leauge are strong no nonsense players who take no prisoners!

hallamblue · Post by **hallamblue** » Mon May 01, 2006 4:46 am

Luke wrote:
hallamblue wrote:...? what are you saying then Luke ?
Do Reading hoof the ball ?

Im sure you would agree that to play an accurate long ball y=up to the midfield players is better than to hoof it way over their heads, therfore by passing the midfield altogether ?

Look at Rivs comments on the game !
The back line certainly do! Im afraid there are no Franz Beckenbaurs at this level! All the decent defenders in this leauge are strong no nonsense players who take no prisoners!

Fine !...but are they accurate with their passing out of defence ? ours are not ...and certainly not McEverely or De Vos !

Luke · Post by **Luke** » Mon May 01, 2006 4:49 am

hallamblue wrote:
Luke wrote:
hallamblue wrote:...? what are you saying then Luke ?
Do Reading hoof the ball ?

Im sure you would agree that to play an accurate long ball y=up to the midfield players is better than to hoof it way over their heads, therfore by passing the midfield altogether ?

Look at Rivs comments on the game !
The back line certainly do! Im afraid there are no Franz Beckenbaurs at this level! All the decent defenders in this leauge are strong no nonsense players who take no prisoners!
Fine !...but are they accurate with their passing out of defence ? ours are not ...and certainly not McEverely or De Vos !

I think its a case of the grass is always greener on the otherside! I dare say many a club complain about there defenders whacking it out into touch or into the channels everytime. But the sad thing is in this leauge it is what is needed.
Any defender capable of playing the ball 30yards accuratly is snapped up by a premiership club!
Gaardsoe... Curtis Davies... etc etc

Post by **loudnproud** » Mon May 01, 2006 5:00 am

very true Luke!!!sums it up entirely!

Lewis · Post by **Lewis** » Mon May 01, 2006 5:28 am

Totally disagree with you on this one Luke. Ipswich Town have always been primed on being a decent passing, footballing outfit. Currently our backline couldn't pass water, we definitely need someone who is confident on the ball if we are to get any success next year.

The best sides I think you'll find DO have players capable of bringing the ball out from the back and spraying the ball about i.e. Ingimarsson for Reading and dare I say it Unsworth for Sheff Utd.

The biggest culprit in our backline for distribution is Naylor IMO. He always makes it look so difficult to pass a ball, and I can't help thinking a fairly nippy middle-aged defender comfortable with the ball at their feet would help De Vos enormously.

The fact that our midfield have been so anonymous recently is because our backline are missing out the midfield and therefore players like Garvan and Juan have become ineffective. Therefore we NEED players comfortable with the ball at their feet to accomodate the style of play to suit our players.

To say you NEED to hoof the ball from the back is wrong. Reading's backline rarely hoof it, and if we go back to our more successful days under Burley, with the backline of McGreal, Venus, Clapham, Wilnis etc they were all capable of starting moves from the back and bringing the midfield into play. Currently we don't have that option available, and I'm just hoping Joe looks carefully at this over the Summer.

Luke · Post by **Luke** » Mon May 01, 2006 5:31 am

Lewis wrote:Totally disagree with you on this one Luke. Ipswich Town have always been primed on being a decent passing, footballing outfit. Currently our backline couldn't pass water, we definitely need someone who is confident on the ball if we are to get any success next year.

The best sides I think you'll find DO have players capable of bringing the ball out from the back and spraying the ball about i.e. Ingimarsson for Reading and dare I say it Unsworth for Sheff Utd.

The biggest culprit in our backline for distribution is Naylor IMO. He always makes it look so difficult to pass a ball, and I can't help thinking a fairly nippy middle-aged defender comfortable with the ball at their feet would help De Vos enormously.

The fact that our midfield have been so anonymous recently is because our backline are missing out the midfield and therefore players like Garvan and Juan have become ineffective. Therefore we NEED players comfortable with the ball at their feet to accomodate the style of play to suit our players.

To say you NEED to hoof the ball from the back is wrong. Reading's backline rarely hoof it, and if we go back to our more successful days under Burley, with the backline of McGreal, Venus, Clapham, Wilnis etc they were all capable of starting moves from the back and bringing the midfield into play. Currently we don't have that option available, and I'm just hoping Joe looks carefully at this over the Summer.

Point taken mate, Definatly agree about Ingarmarsson, But Unsworth !?! He is a older version of McEverly

Whatever happens IMO we need to sort out this backline! thats something i think we will ALL agree on!

Mork · Post by **Mork** » Mon May 01, 2006 5:33 am

Luke wrote:
Lewis wrote:Totally disagree with you on this one Luke. Ipswich Town have always been primed on being a decent passing, footballing outfit. Currently our backline couldn't pass water, we definitely need someone who is confident on the ball if we are to get any success next year.

The best sides I think you'll find DO have players capable of bringing the ball out from the back and spraying the ball about i.e. Ingimarsson for Reading and dare I say it Unsworth for Sheff Utd.

The biggest culprit in our backline for distribution is Naylor IMO. He always makes it look so difficult to pass a ball, and I can't help thinking a fairly nippy middle-aged defender comfortable with the ball at their feet would help De Vos enormously.

The fact that our midfield have been so anonymous recently is because our backline are missing out the midfield and therefore players like Garvan and Juan have become ineffective. Therefore we NEED players comfortable with the ball at their feet to accomodate the style of play to suit our players.

To say you NEED to hoof the ball from the back is wrong. Reading's backline rarely hoof it, and if we go back to our more successful days under Burley, with the backline of McGreal, Venus, Clapham, Wilnis etc they were all capable of starting moves from the back and bringing the midfield into play. Currently we don't have that option available, and I'm just hoping Joe looks carefully at this over the Summer.
Point taken mate, Definatly agree about Ingarmarsson, But Unsworth !?! He is a older version of McEverly
Whatever happens IMO we need to sort out this backline! thats something i think we will ALL agree on!

Unsworth was pretty fantastic for Sheff Utd all season. Played a major part in them going in up, not that I was surprised, I rated him highly when he was here. In some ways as a player, he's got everything we havn't - great physical strength, a decent (if not astounding pace) for a defender with such a size, and a gritty hard-man attitude that takes no sh*t and knocks people flying when needed. Sums up how you succeed in this crappy division.

Lewis · Post by **Lewis** » Mon May 01, 2006 5:34 am

Luke wrote:
Lewis wrote:Totally disagree with you on this one Luke. Ipswich Town have always been primed on being a decent passing, footballing outfit. Currently our backline couldn't pass water, we definitely need someone who is confident on the ball if we are to get any success next year.

The best sides I think you'll find DO have players capable of bringing the ball out from the back and spraying the ball about i.e. Ingimarsson for Reading and dare I say it Unsworth for Sheff Utd.

The biggest culprit in our backline for distribution is Naylor IMO. He always makes it look so difficult to pass a ball, and I can't help thinking a fairly nippy middle-aged defender comfortable with the ball at their feet would help De Vos enormously.

The fact that our midfield have been so anonymous recently is because our backline are missing out the midfield and therefore players like Garvan and Juan have become ineffective. Therefore we NEED players comfortable with the ball at their feet to accomodate the style of play to suit our players.

To say you NEED to hoof the ball from the back is wrong. Reading's backline rarely hoof it, and if we go back to our more successful days under Burley, with the backline of McGreal, Venus, Clapham, Wilnis etc they were all capable of starting moves from the back and bringing the midfield into play. Currently we don't have that option available, and I'm just hoping Joe looks carefully at this over the Summer.
Point taken mate, Definatly agree about Ingarmarsson, But Unsworth !?! He is a older version of McEverly
Whatever happens IMO we need to sort out this backline! thats something i think we will ALL agree on!

Unsworth was always capable of bringing the ball down and giving himself time to look up and pick out an accurate long pass. He did it to good effect for us, and when he played for Sheff Utd down here in January I remember him being effective at it then.

Post by **loudnproud** » Mon May 01, 2006 5:34 am

"Lewis! Lewis! Lewis!" echoed by thousands of others.....good reply and points well directed and excicuted!!

Riviera · Post by **Riviera** » Mon May 01, 2006 5:34 am

one thing that really puzzled me yesterday was the way every town defender decided to hoof the ball in the direction of jamie peters, the smallest player on the pitch, if we're going to hoof the ball all game at least send it up towards parkin and forster

Luke · Post by **Luke** » Mon May 01, 2006 5:34 am

Mork wrote:
Luke wrote:
Lewis wrote:Totally disagree with you on this one Luke. Ipswich Town have always been primed on being a decent passing, footballing outfit. Currently our backline couldn't pass water, we definitely need someone who is confident on the ball if we are to get any success next year.

The best sides I think you'll find DO have players capable of bringing the ball out from the back and spraying the ball about i.e. Ingimarsson for Reading and dare I say it Unsworth for Sheff Utd.

The biggest culprit in our backline for distribution is Naylor IMO. He always makes it look so difficult to pass a ball, and I can't help thinking a fairly nippy middle-aged defender comfortable with the ball at their feet would help De Vos enormously.

The fact that our midfield have been so anonymous recently is because our backline are missing out the midfield and therefore players like Garvan and Juan have become ineffective. Therefore we NEED players comfortable with the ball at their feet to accomodate the style of play to suit our players.

To say you NEED to hoof the ball from the back is wrong. Reading's backline rarely hoof it, and if we go back to our more successful days under Burley, with the backline of McGreal, Venus, Clapham, Wilnis etc they were all capable of starting moves from the back and bringing the midfield into play. Currently we don't have that option available, and I'm just hoping Joe looks carefully at this over the Summer.
Point taken mate, Definatly agree about Ingarmarsson, But Unsworth !?! He is a older version of McEverly
Whatever happens IMO we need to sort out this backline! thats something i think we will ALL agree on!
Unsworth was pretty fantastic for Sheff Utd all season. Played a major part in them going in up, not that I was surprised, I rated him highly when he was here.

Oh yes! dont get me wrong id love him here! Im just saying he is VERY simlar in style to Jay