Jerseybean

Player ratings: https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bristol-city-player-ratings-reading-7735593

Like us fans NP is far from happy post match: https://youtu.be/R1Ejv6MBHEA

Immediate thoughts…… Poor overall today. When you have no efforts on goal the best you can get is a draw. Max made a big save on 87 minutes to delay them doubling their lead. City are so hit and miss and today was certainly the latter. Looked a totally different team to the one that played WBA. Feel for the traveling fans who had nothing much to cheer.

Given midweek performance makes sense

Thank you

About to announce his intention to stand ?

A trip to Berkshire one of the Home Counties, even if there is some doubt about which counties are included in that term: https://yougov.co.uk/topics/entertainment/articles-reports/2019/10/23/which-counties-make-home-counties NP’s press conference: Matty James pre-match presser: Kal Naismith will miss his fifth consecutive game with a calf injury. While NW will be looking forward to the game, he was a former transfer target of the Royals and has scored seven goals against Reading in 17 meetings since 2013. They are expected to be without Hutchinson, Sarr, Dann and Moore all injured, plus captain Yiadom who is suspended. Pre-season Reading revealed they would offer all of the 23 other Championship clubs in 2022/23 the opportunity to charge their fans just £20 for a ticket at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. However, this is on the condition the team commits in advance to a reciprocal arrangement where Reading fans will be charged the same in the reverse fixture. We had an initial 2,167 ticket allocation, which were snapped up in a matter of hours, so it’s a sell our for traveling fans. To all those making the trip enjoy and make so much noise it’s actually frightening ? here’s to a great day and three points, COYR. On Tuesday they lost 3-2 against Swansea having been two up, which made it three consecutive defeats. Reading possess the third-best home record in the division, collecting 16 points from their eight home matches. We have the worst defensive aways record in the division, even with a clean sheet at The Hawthorns on Tuesday night. Referee: John Busby Assistant referee: Rob Smith Assistant referee: Mark Stevens Fourth official: David Webb After spending 102 years at Elm Park, Reading moved to the Madejski Stadium in 1998, and share the stadium with Rugby Union’s London Irish. The stadium itself is named after club Chairman Sir John Madejski. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madejski_Stadium however, currently it is known as the Select Car Leasing Stadium for sponsorship reasons! Back in May they appointed former England midfielder Paul Ince as their permanent manager. The 54-year-old had been in charge on an interim basis since February when Veljko Paunovic left the club. The former Liverpool, Manchester United and Inter Milan player led the Royals to four wins and three draws in his first 11 games as Reading avoided relegation from the second tier. Alex Rae, who had been assisting Ince, also joined permanently. For history buffs here’s their full story: https://www.readingfc.co.uk/history/our-story/ for everyone else here’s the potted version: Reading Football Club has been a member of the Football League since 1920, when the Third Division was introduced. The best result came in 2007 with an eighth place in the Premier League. They have reached the semi-finals twice in the FA Cup and quarter-finals once in the Football League Cup. The club faced a big economic struggle at the late 20th century before it was taken over by Sir John Madejski in the 1990s. They have perhaps been one of the surprise teams so far this season after finishing in 21st place last season many thought they’d struggle again this campaign, right now they are tenth with 22 points from 15 games. Our head to head record couldn’t be closer we’ve won and lost 41 times against them and drawn 20 times. Last season we did the double over them: Back in the day there were mavericks like George Best and Paul Gascoigne, and then there was Robin Friday. He was the punk rockstar of football. Robin Friday’s antics in Reading's pubs were legendary, before his move to Cardiff City, where he was equally loved by the fans. A heavy-drug user, he tragically died in 1990 aged just 38. But fans will always remember the ultimate cult hero and his incredible performances. https://www.joe.ie/sport/feature-robin-friday-the-ultimate-football-maverick-511537 and https://nation.cymru/culture/the-robin-friday-story-that-has-never-been-revealed-until-now/ Robin Friday was an exceptional footballer who should have played for England. But he never did—why? Because Robin Friday was a man who would not bow down to anyone, who refused to take life seriously, and who lived every moment as if it were his last. Loved and admired by everyone who saw him, Friday also had a dark side—troubled, strong-minded, reckless, he would end up destroying himself. Tragically, after years of alcohol and drug abuse, he died at the age of 38 without ever having fulfilled his potential. The book ‘The Greatest Footballer You Never Saw: The Robin Friday Story’ by Paul McGuigan (Author), Paolo Hewitt (Author) tells his story. Well known fans include Damian Green (politician), Chris Tarrant, Kate Winslet, Ricky Gervais is also a well-known Royals supporter. Reading ramblings A homonym is a word with multiple meanings and, unsurprisingly, Reading is a place that falls victim to this. This is something residents of other towns will never understand: How hard it is to Google anything about your home town of Reading without getting lots of results about books and reading courses! People in Reading are well catered for in the extremely unlikely event of nuclear war. The university's Whiteknights campus is home to the Region 6 War Room, which was built during the Cold War. It has room for 50 people and was built to protect the Regional Commissioner and around 50 of his staff during a nuclear attack. The commissioner would be in charge of the operation if they lost contact with Central Government. It includes a central map room, control rooms, satellite cabins, offices and communications room, dormitories and even a canteen. What it doesn't have is any windows. It was completed in 1953 and, at the time, the people who made it were confident it would protect from nuclear weapons. What is not known is whether that's the case now, and we'd guess there isn't much desire to carry out a test. The reason it was built was because, unfortunately, the Reading area is probably quite high on the list of places to attack, due to its two Atomic Weapons Establishments in Aldermaston and Burghfield. The first UK restaurant of the iconic Little Chef brand was in Oxford Road in Reading. It was in the car park of the former Rex Cinema. The brand was inspired by American style roadside diner caravans and there were 12 restaurants located around England by 1965. Reading's opened in 1958 - the same year Britain's first motorway was opened - and had 11 seats.Reading was chosen as it was, apparently, "the gateway to the West Country." Guess that means a point between London and the west. Tilehurst is a pleasant suburb of Reading with a strong community but quite how Brazilian racing driver Ayrton Senna found himself living there is another story. The prodigiously talented Brazilian did find himself living in a rented detached house in Chelsea Close in the 1980s. It was in the early stages of his career and he lived with friends in the road. Neighbours believed he lived in Reading because it was equidistant between Williams' HQ in Didcot and McLaren's headquarters in Woking. Senna was tragically killed in 1994 in a horrific crash in the San Marino Gran Prix, Tilehurst is now the home of Ayrton Senna Road, which must baffle visitors, and there is even a playground named after the great man. Reading is home to the world's biggest lion statue. The Maiwand Lion in Forbury Gardens is (probably) the biggest of all. It's 31 feet from mane to tail. It commemorates the deaths of 329 men from the 66th (Berkshire) Regiment of Foot, who lost their lives during the Second Anglo-Afghan War between 1878 and 1880. The reason it is in Reading is probably that its creator, sculptor George Blackall Simmonds, was from a prominent Reading family. Pubs There aren't an abundance of friendly pubs and bars - nevertheless Reading FC have recommended some that away fans can go and enjoy before a game. When you exit the railway station, just walk a minute or two and you will find yourself at the Three Guineas Pub. Good pub, with good beers and atmosphere. There is also the 'World Turned Upside Down' which is more of a spit and sawdust pub! World Turned Upside Down, 387 Basingstoke Road, Reading, RG2 0JE, https://www.stonehouserestaurants.co.uk/nationalsearch/southeast/theworldturnedupsidedownreading#/ Nag's Head, 5 Russell Street, Reading, RG1 7XD, https://www.thenagsheadreading.co.uk The Nag's Head is a CAMRA award-winning pub situated near Reading town centre. Specialising in Keg and Craft Cask, they have 12 hand pumps featuring a constantly changing variety of Craft Casks from predominantly local breweries as well as a selection of delicious ciders and continental lagers. Walkabout, Wiston Terrace, Reading, RG1 1DG, https://www.walkaboutbars.co.uk/reading?utm_source=google&utm_medium=local_seo_gmb&utm_content=website The Three Guineas, Station Approach, Reading, RG1 1LY. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel himself, The Three Guineas was built to serve… and whether you fancy cask ales, commuter coffees or cracking cuisine, they certainly live up to that. Right by Reading Station. If you want to splash out on a first class steak make for the Buenasado Argentine Steakhouse, Unit 28 Lower Mall, The Oracle Shopping Centre, RG1 2AQ https://www.buenasado.com/restaurants/reading/

Post match reaction from NP and our goal scorers

Well played everyone showed great determination and character throughout. Thought Atkinson was MoM. Big well done to the 1,300 traveling fans. You Reds!

Now sent packing with a red

Pack booked

Supporters will be able to purchase match tickets on the night at the Hawthorns on Tuesday, October 18th. More than 1,200 tickets have already been sold and tickets will be available for cash only from the away ticket office where reprints and collections will also be available. Supporters can purchase in advance until 1pm on Tuesday, October 18th. ? PRICES Adults: £25 Senior 65+: £15 Aged 20-25: £15 Aged 17-19s: £10 Under 17: £5 *Prices are exclusive of fees

Bond gone: https://www.bristolrovers.co.uk/news/2022/october/bond-departs-club/

After a frustrating and very poor team performance against Millwall on Saturday we again need a positive reaction. The match (8pm kick off) has been selected for live coverage by Sky Sports and will be shown in full via the red button on Sky Sports Football. West Brom were one of the pre-season promotion favourites in the Championship, but they currently sit in 20th place. The Hawthorns has been home to West Bromwich Albion since 1900, and at an altitude of 551 feet, is the highest ground in England. All of Albion's previous grounds had been close to the centre of West Bromwich, when they relocated they took up an "out of town" site on the borders of Handsworth. The area was covered in hawthorn bushes, which were cleared to make way for the new ground, hence its name, the Hawthorns. The last time we won at their place was December 1993. Albion have scored at least two goals in all of their last seven games against us at The Hawthorns (W5, D2). The Baggies have hit four on four occasions during that sequence, three goals once and two goals twice. For the traveling supporters here’s the guide to the ground: https://www.awaygames.co.uk/away-day-guides/west-brom-away/ and with thanks to Jack Phillips Journalism: https://jackphillipssport.wordpress.com/2022/10/15/away-guide-west-bromwich-albion/ Last season we picked up a point against them. https://youtu.be/7WCuY5n-Nao Over the years we have won 15, lost 23 and drawn 16 times. We’ve only won twice in our last 14 encounters with them. They lost England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone who joined Crystal Palace on a Bosman. They finished 10th last season after Steve Bruce was appointed in February. On October 7 Bruce said this, "Ultimately, I'm to blame. I get it.” Three days later Bruce was sacked after eight months in charge. The 61-year-old ex-Manchester United defender left following the Baggies' home draw with Luton Town. That result kept them in the Championship relegation zone, in 22nd, their lowest league position in more than 20 years. The backroom staff of Steve Agnew, Stephen Clemence and Alex Bruce have also left West Brom, with under-21 coach Richard Beale named interim boss. Former Huddersfield Town head coach Carlos Corberan is one of the leading candidates to replace Steve Bruce. WBA have vowed to conduct an exhaustive recruitment process as they look to reverse their fortunes. They are keen to speak to 39-year-old Spaniard Corberan, who resigned as Terriers boss after guiding them to the Championship play-off final in May. Having failed to win any of their past eight league games they won away 2-0 to Reading on Saturday to register their first away win of the season and currently have 14 points. They kept their second clean sheet in succession against Reading. Despite their struggles this campaign, They still have the joint sixth-best attack in the Championship this season. Interim Baggies boss Richard Beale could not have asked for a better start to his spell in charge. Beale is being assisted by club legends James Morrison, who is first-team coach, and Chris Brunt, who has undertaken a new responsibility as loans manager. Goalkeeper coach Gary Walsh is also part of the caretaker team. Referee is Robert Manley along with Jonathan Hunt and George Byrne, the fourth official is Geoff Eltringham. Matty James is set to return but Kal Naismith is likely to remain sidelined. The game will be the 80th match with NP in charge, he has won 24, drawn 17 and lost 38 of his 79 fixtures. While they remain in search of a permanent manager. Pubs and pies The Royal Oak,171 Holyhead Road, Birmingham, B21 0BD, https://www.theroyaloakbham.co.uk The Vine, 152 Roebuck Street, West Bromwich, B70 6RD, https://www.thevine.co.uk their food is particularly recommended Park Inn by Radisson, Birmingham Road, West Bromwich, B70 6RS The Cook House and pub, Congregation Way, West Bromwich B70 7PU, https://www.cookhouseandpub.co.uk/en-gb/locations/west-bromwich?cid=GLBC_40537840 about a five minute drive from the ground Back in 2017 West Brom boasted the Premier League’s finest match-day pie experience. The study was conducted by Coral, who enlisted the help of ‘Life of Pies’ author Martin Tarbuck and the Pierate pie review system to ascertain which club served the finest pie in the top flight. Can anyone list the seven C’s used in the Pierate pie review system? Try one of these for a good pie: Robinson's Bakery, 117 Hill Top, West Bromwich B70 0RU, https://robinsonsbakery.com Greggs, Birmingham Rd, West Bromwich B71 4JZ, https://www.greggs.co.uk/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=local Poundbakery, 196 High St, Sandwell Centre, West Bromwich B70 7QS, https://www.poundbakery.co.uk For the answer to the pie review question look here: http://www.pierate.co.uk/p/the-seven-cs.html WBA warblings There are various explanations for why they are called the Baggies. One theory is that, after settling at The Hawthorns in 1900, their stadium initially only had two entrances – one behind each goal – so gatekeepers would collect spectators' money in large bags. The crowd would shout 'here comes the bag man', which later spawned the 'Baggies title'. Another suggestion is that the name was bestowed on Albion supporters by their rivals at Aston Villa, because of the large baggy trousers that many Albion fans wore at work to protect themselves from molten iron in the factories and foundries of the Black Country. Other possible explanations include that supporters took large bags round to pubs to help save the club from extinction in 1905, and that the club almost going bankrupt at this time saw many of their large players replaced by smaller players, who made the same kits look far more baggy in their skins than in the predecessors! The highest number of points that West Brom have garnered during a single season is 91, a total which they achieved in 2009 under the guidance of Tony Mowbray. Remarkably, this haul was only good enough for second in the Championship as Newcastle United stormed to the title. Their total of five FA Cup triumphs is only bettered by nine teams in English football. The Baggies most recent title in the world’s oldest cup competition occurred in 1968 as Jeff Astle scored the winning goal at Wembley Stadium against Everton. Albion boast a significant number of famous fans among their ranks of supporters including: Adrian Chiles, Frank Skinner, Lenny Henry and Liam Payne of One Direction. Continuing the music theme, rock legend Eric Clapton sported an Albion scarf on the cover of his album 'Backless' to show his love for the club. Clapton also sponsored Albion's UEFA Cup tie against Galatasaray in 1978. The most goals West Brom have scored in a season is 105 (in the 1929/30 season.) To the traveling Cider Army keep safe, be loud and proud and come back with three points, COYR.

https://talksport.com/football/1221155/hull-city-goalposts-birmingham-game-delayed-championship/

Yep, I thought the same and wondered how they spotted it today, apparently two inches bigger than allowed.

The Hull v Birmingham City game today kicked off 20 minutes late because the goals were too big! The posts had to be sawn down to size.

For me it’s Wells and Conway starting with Semenyo as in impact sub. There is enough evidence that NW and TC form a clever and complimentary partnership. The more cut and thrust, raw strength and power of Semenyo is a great asset, however, for me he too often has a ‘rush of blood’ and lacks vision and finesse when well placed. Yesterday was a prime example, although he played a well weighted ball to Pring, which led to our equalizer, there were numerous other occasions when he blasted it wide or powered it across the face of goal.

Strong start to the season nine played won seven, drawn two. Premier Division South HOME AWAY OVERALL POS P W D L F A W D L F A W D L F A GD PPG PTS 1 Colliers Wood United 13 8 0 0 22 9 1 1 3 6 11 9 1 3 28 20 8 2.15 28 2 Badshot Lea 9 3 1 0 10 4 5 0 0 19 3 8 1 0 29 7 22 2.78 25 3 Abbey Rangers 13 4 0 1 14 7 4 0 4 13 14 8 0 5 27 21 6 1.85 24 4 Jersey Bulls 9 2 1 0 4 1 5 1 0 22 3 7 2 0 26 4 22 2.56 23 5 Knaphill 11 5 2 0 9 3 2 0 2 5 8 7 2 2 14 11 3 2.09 23 6 Raynes Park Vale 10 4 0 2 16 8 3 1 0 11 1 7 1 2 27 9 18 2.20 22 7 Redhill 10 4 0 1 10 7 3 1 1 7 5 7 1 2 17 12 5 2.20 22 8 Tadley Calleva 9 5 0 0 15 5 1 1 2 6 10 6 1 2 21 15 6 2.11 19 9 Farnham Town 11 2 1 1 4 4 3 1 3 21 13 5 2 4 25 17 8 1.55 17 10 Cobham 12 4 0 4 9 9 1 1 2 4 4 5 1 6 13 13 0 1.33 16 11 AFC Croydon Athletic 10 2 1 1 6 7 2 0 4 7 16 4 1 5 13 23 -10 1.30 13 12 Camberley Town 9 3 0 1 8 5 0 0 5 5 12 3 0 6 13 17 -4 1.00 9 13 Balham 11 1 1 3 7 11 1 2 3 8 11 2 3 6 15 22 -7 0.82 9 14 Guildford City 11 1 0 3 9 13 2 0 5 9 13 3 0 8 18 26 -8 0.82 9 15 Fleet Town 10 0 2 3 4 13 2 1 2 8 7 2 3 5 12 20 -8 0.90 9 16 Frimley Green 12 1 3 3 8 14 1 0 4 7 12 2 3 7 15 26 -11 0.75 9 17 Alton 9 2 0 4 10 14 0 2 1 4 5 2 2 5 14 19 -5 0.89 8 18 Horley Town 10 1 0 4 6 9 1 0 4 6 11 2 0 8 12 20 -8 0.60 6 19 Sheerwater 8 0 1 3 1 18 1 1 2 4 4 1 2 5 5 22 -17 0.62 5 20 Banstead Athletic 11 0 1 4 3 15 0 1 5 4 12 0 2 9 7 27 -20 0.18 2 League | Table