All the players put a shift in which I'm pleased with, we also created a few chances but YET AGAIN we defended far too deep, particularly in the last half hour, I suppose it's the Stubbs mindset or the glaringly obvious lack of quality.
Is it me, or was Camp badly at fault for the goal, waving at the ball straight to McShane instead of putting it out for a corner?
It seemed to me they ran out of steam towards the end of both halves which allowed them in. A common problem all season starting with the Wolves game. Jackett will have learned a great deal from what he saw today and will do what he needs to to shore up the squad until January were I expect some positive moves. Disappointed with the result today a draw would have been a fair result but I went home feeling that it was so much of an improvement, but fitness seems a continuing problem.
It seemed to me they ran out of steam towards the end of both halves which allowed them in. A common problem all season starting with the Wolves game. Jackett will have learned a great deal from what he saw today and will do what he needs to to shore up the squad until January were I expect some positive moves. Disappointed with the result today a draw would have been a fair result but I went home feeling that it was so much of an improvement, but fitness seems a continuing problem.
Im really afraid January could be too late Towd. Different manager same shabby defending on the edge of our box for last 30 mins. Same goal kick by Camp from min 1 - 90, same throw by Halford min 1 - 90. Neither achieved F all !!
Well yes, I cant disagree with you there gaz. But Jackett has only had 24hrs or less to assess his squad and I dont think we could ever have expected too much, if anything, today. The malaise that seems to have infected the squad under Stubbs is going to take some time to purge and yeah, it already may be too late; but I felt more positive after today. They put a shift in which is more than we've seen of late.
Well yes, I cant disagree with you there gaz. But Jackett has only had 24hrs or less to assess his squad and I dont think we could ever have expected too much, if anything, today. The malaise that seems to have infected the squad under Stubbs is going to take some time to purge and yeah, it already may be too late; but I felt more positive after today. They put a shift in which is more than we've seen of late.
Unfortunate thing for Jacket is, he is stuck pretty much with what we have until Jan (unless he can uncover a few out of contract diamonds) and what he's got im afraid are mostly not good enough for the championship
Agree about the lack of fitness, but some on here think Warnie does a great job as fitness coach.
Nonsense, our fitness is fine.
We do twice as much running as the opposition because we only have 25% possession and that is why we appear unfit. If we could keep the ball better and make sensible decisions when to close down or not those "fitness" problems would evaporate.
Let's drop this petty criticism of a great club servant like Warne.
-- Edited by The_Third_ Burglar on Saturday 22nd of October 2016 07:58:59 PM
Spot on Towdlad. Particularly in the second half and I reckon the more tired the players get, the deeper they sit hence the enormous pressure we came under late on. The goal was disappointing because we had eleven men in the box but the corner found a Reading player at the back of the area totally unmarked.
KJ seemed reasonably content in his post match interview which, in comparison to recent efforts, was a pleasure to listen to!
Positives from today were the work rates of players particularly Taylor, Wood at CB winning most balls in the air and giving some stability and confidence to Fry, the chances we created which in many other games without Al Habsi in goal would have lead to goals and the Fisher/Taylor partnership on the right which looked solid.
Negatives included the other flank where Mattock and Newell gave far too much room to their pacy winger. Blackstock's pace and strength are not very impressive and Halford tired early leaving lots of space for their midfield to move into late in each half. Brown had an off day - probably young and trying too hard to impress the new boss. Fitness/stamina seems to be an issue with many - maybe it's age or just the amount of effort they have to put in to compete at this level?
KJ had obviously put his stamp on the formation and tactics which were far better than we have seen so far this season. I liked the way he was constantly engaged, outside the technical area, and made his number with the crowd. He also seems to have three new faces around him who I imagine he has brought in as his support team?
Two other observations - can we remove the drum from Miller Bear please - too QPRish (for those who remember) and inappropriate and, if only Tony Towner could have slipped a shirt on for a day!!
Overall, not surprised and quite content although wished we could have slotted one of our chances away early on. More confident than this time last week.
I say the bear can keep the drum as long as he learns a different tune - he's only got one. He should pop to Hudders and listen theirs! Agree on the fitness, we seem to lose all our impetus on 30-35 mins.
Camp had a good game. wasnt at fault for the goal. he had to have a go at the ball and he was too far in front of it to palm it out for a corner. Id be more critical of the defence that didnt get in front of the man.
Overall deserved a draw. The team understandable tired in the last 20 as they were chasing all over the park and Reading managed the game and defended very well in the first half.
Agree , Mattock, Brown and Newall poor.
Good return from woods. Fry and a few others have to learn not to give the ball away so cheaply and when we are easily exposed.
Blackstock improved second half but needs to get much fitter-I hope its match fitness he is lacking.
Shape was a little better and no doubt KJ will make us stronger but I cant see an escape this year.
I think someone commented after the Norwich game that football is a game of opinions so, I left my comments until today to think on things as I respect the other opinions of posters on here and, maybe it was me who saw a different game yesterday?
No..............., I still have the same thoughts as yesterday, we lost the game in the 64th minute by making a substitution that at the time, was not needed. Again, I thought Newell was having a decent game, it was when he was substituted that we went from being in total control and looking like we would score any minute to being totally overrun down our left. And for what its worth, I do not think he looked tired at all and could have easily carried on.
IMO, that decision cost us three points but, we'll never know!
