Reading Revolution

So far this summer, the transfer window has remained generally dormant. Besides the re-enactment of the French Revolution being led by Paris Saint-Germain and their newly formed/forming squad of superstars, next to nothing has really made the back page of any tabloid or the scrolling yellow bar on Sky Sports News worthy of  any sincere attention in terms of transfer headlines. As always, the rumours have been rife and optimistic to say the least: 'Carroll to AC Milan!' or of course the now long-lived 'Sneijder to sign for Manchester United' story which always stirs up a comically naive response of excitement from the raft of deluded United fans.

Saviour Sir: Sir John Madejski, the man
responsible for Reading's prestige

 As much fun as the rumours may be, heres to hoping that the window itself get's into the full swing of things before too long. However, there is one team that has seemingly gone against the torrent of sealed wallets at most clubs thus far, and that team is Reading F.C. Since John Madejski became chairman of the Royals in 1990, the club has gone from strength to strength in terms of financial stability, with Madejski's influence having plucked the Berkshire club from the jaws of the receivers, and helped it to become an well-established club towards to upper realms of English Football. With Steve Coppell as manager, Reading entered the Premier League for the first time in their 135-year history in 2005, winding-up eighth at the end of an impressive campaign; this earn't the club many plaudits- including yours truly. Ultimately, Reading fell victim to the now common 'Second Season Syndrome', and dropped back down into the Championship, where they remained until their victorious 2011/12 season, setting themselves up for another shot at the big time this coming August.

Re-Build: Gaffer Brian McDermott has
re-built Reading's
Premier League aspirations

 For me, it's not the well-respected manager (Brian McDermott) or the the beautifully orchestrated style of football that Reading play that sounds them out as probable survivors come the end of this coming season. Of course they're huge contributing factors, let's not be naive and overlook them, but what Reading have over other clubs so far this summer is a scale of player-investment that should impress/worry any football fan/player/manager of the other 19 Premier League teams preparing for their own season ahead. McDermott has for example seen his defensive ranks bolstered tremendously via the arrival of the experienced Nicky Shorey, who returns for his second spell having played for West Brom and Nottingham Forest. In comparison to Shorey's experience is the signing of Adrian Mariappa, a promising young centre-back who lets not forget, was subject to serious interest from the likes of Everton and Arsenal as recently as January. Mariappa's youthful promise and expectation can be a likened to that of Chris Gunter; Gunter was Nottingham Forest's single most reliable player last year in the Championship, making his desirable Right-Back position his own in a team and league clearly beneath his own exceptional talents. Gunter's strength and  excellent crossing ability from the right has the potential to form nothing short of a dream-partnership with Reading's new target man...

On The Ball: Like Pogrebnyak, Reading were on the ball in
securing the talented strikers' services for this coming season

Pavel Pogrebnyak. The man from Russia who set the Premier League alight during his loan-spell at Fulham shortly after the festive period concluded last season. 'Pog' scored 6 goals from 12 starts during his shortly lived time at Craven Cottage, and demonstrated his more-than capable ability to adapt and succeed in the Premier League in years to come. This clearly alarmed Reading more so than others, not only because of the attacking threat he clearly poses, but the 'free transfer' label the Russian had attached to him since his time at Fulham expired. Judging by last seasons evidence, not only statistically but to the naked watchful eye, Pogrebnyak should have been a man being begged for by every club. Not doing so has seen Reading make quite possibly one of the finest transfers in years.
 Gareth McCleary and Danny Guthrie complete Reading's expenditure so far this summer, or more to the point, less of it. Yes, that's right, these two players have also been snapped up by Reading for zilch pounds. McCleary's pace and technical qualities are lethal, not only because of his own ability but with the right/left wing partnership likely to be held by McCleary (right wing) and current squad captain Jobi McAnuff (left wing) in the Royals starting XI. With the previously well-showcased attacking talents of Danny Guthrie in the centre of midfield, Reading look on paper to have all the bases covered in each third of the pitch.
Many will question whether or not McDermott has made enough signings who have proven themselves at the very top level, not to mention the compatibility of bringing so many young players into an already well-oiled team. Reading played the best football out of anyone last year, I liked to think of them as a functioning Arsenal, all-be-it at Championship level. However, like Arsenal, will Reading's 'carpet football' be destroyed by the influx of players and higher level of competitors? I hope not, I really do.
Reading's promising hopes for the coming season are all down to a matter of 'if'. IF McDermott can seamlessly place without disruption, these high-profile new signings into his already successful 'team'. IF he can carry on playing the beautiful game the way his team has previously known best. And IF an ultimate lack of Premier League experience proves to be meaningless come the conclusion of a gruelling season, amongst the hunger and shear promise of a team largely made up of youthful stars.

It's Been A While

It's safe to say that with A-Levels, university preparation, work commitments and a number of other activities/events taking place over the last few months, any input into my blog has somewhat sub-sided. Fortunately (or unfortunately if you think I tend to write a blur of rubbish), im pretty determined to start utilising this blog once again, and would appreciate any efforts in reading my entries, discussing them, providing feedback or simply helping me to build up a respectable rapport online through sharing and following TracksideOffside! Many thanks guys.
 Right, ahem,  begging over with; I'll get planning and writing...

Match Report: Ipswich Town 1-2 Leicester City

Leicester City secured only their second run of back to back victories on bank holiday Monday, after overcoming Ipwich Town 2-1 in a closely fought encounter.

Nigel Pearson continued with the same starting XI that successfully defeated Doncaster Rovers only two days earlier in a convincing 4-0 victory, despite having a now again fully fit Andy King and Paul Gallagher at his disposal. Long-term injury victim Martyn Waghorn continued to miss out on the first team, despite resuming full training over the course of the build-up to the bank holiday weekend.

Both teams started the game with an early lead in mind; Jason Scotland for Ipswich going close with a drilled 25 yard effort prior to David Nugent’s right footed effort from the edge of the box sailing harmlessly wide of the target. The Tractor Boys followed up on Scotland’s early effort by pressurising Kasper Schmeichel into making good saves from a powerful Josh Carson shot and a well worked free kick by former Sunderland man Gary Leadbitter. Despite sustained pressure from the home side throughout the first half, Leicester certainly didn’t shy away from goal, attempting to make hay by inducing the use of the wing; with the pace of in form wingers Lloyd Dyer and Ben Marshall threatening the Ipswich goalmouth. However, a calm and collective display of defensive excellence by Carlos Edwards restricted the two wing men’s influence up front, and ensured the home side had the better chances in the first half.

With the half time whistle in sight, the intensity of the game increased; initially thanks to a well deserved goal for Paul Jewell’s men with Jason Scotland scoring with a well struck effort from the edge of the penalty area to beat a powerless Schmeichel and fly into the bottom right of the goalmouth. Ipswich Town 1-0 Leicester City.

It seemed as if Ipswich had scored at what can only be described as an ideal time on the brink of half time, however, as the cliché exclaims: ‘a team is most vulnerable after they have scored’. Leicester made sure this tired old cliché still has life in it thanks to a deflected free-kick by Ben Marshall which hit the back of the net in first half injury-time; stunning fans, players and commentary teams alike. Ipswich Town 1-1 Leicester City.

Nigel Pearson played a brave hand during half time, deciding to make a double substitution which introduced Andy King and Paul Gallagher in place of Danny Drinkwater and Lloyd Dyer respectively. Pearson’s bold tactical change appeared to be a straight player swap as opposed to a change in formation. Immediately, the substitutions were seemingly a wise move by Pearson, as Leicester began to dominate the encounter. As per usual, it was the partnership of Beckford and Nugent leading the Foxes’ bombardment on goal, with Beckford in particular going close on the 50th minute mark with a close range effort being superbly saved by Arran Lee-Barrett inbetween the sticks for Ipswich. Despite being yielded a yellow card thanks to an unfair challenge on Lee-Barrett by half time substitute Andy King, Leicester dominated. Moments after a Paul Gallagher shot went unbearably close for City, the former Blackburn winger turned provider after an in-swinging cross from out wide connected with the awaiting head of David Nugent, and subsequently hit the back of the net with a powerful presence. The goal sent Leicester into a precious lead, and meant that Nugent has now scored 6 goals from his last 5 games at Portman Road. Prolific. Ipswich Town 1-2 Leicester City.

Holding onto leads on the road has not been a strength of late for Pearson’s side, but they looked strong going into the game’s final quarter – with centre backs Sol Bamba and the excellent Wes Morgan marshalling the defence well and Nugent working tirelessly in tandem with Beckford to disrupt the Ipswich service. Gary Leadbitter let rip from distance 15 minutes before time forcing Schmeichel to wave the well taken effort past the post, in Ipswich’s only real clear cut chance on goal prior to the full time whistle. The home side’s relentless and a desperate pursuit of an equaliser nearly furthered their downfall as Jermaine Beckford’s close range dinked shot was saved again by an impressive Lee-Barrett after a clever chip from late substitute Steve Howard sent Beckford through on goal.

Despite the efforts of both teams, the game remained as it had been following Nugent’s 57th minute header as it proved to be the winner, with Leicester City winning for the second time in two days and maintaining their stuttering push for a play-off slot with just four fixtures remaining. Full time: Ipswich Town 1-2 Leicester City.

Leicester City 4-0 Doncaster Rovers

Leicester City’s inconsistent form continued to surprise, after they ran out 4-0 winners over a struggling Doncaster Rovers.

City manager Nigel Pearson made one change from last weekend’s lacklustre 1-0 loss away at Peterborough, with Shaun St.Ledger dropping to the bench and Ritchie Wellens returning from injury. With a well documented fall-out between striker Jermaine Beckford and Pearson, many were surprised to see the former Everton hit-man retain his place in attack alongside David Nugent.

Leicester started off brightly, not allowing Doncaster to get into any form of comfort with a passing game that began to tear holes through the Doncaster ranks. David Nugent was the first man to come close to breaking the deadlock, after striking a rasping effort on target, only to be saved by Rover’s keeper Carl Ikeme.

Beckford also went close moments later, after latching onto a cross from Wellens and forcing Ikeme into another good save from close range. Doncaster’s struggles were made worse on 10 minutes, after Frederic Piquionne had to leave the pitch with a suspected hamstring strain. Chris Brown was his replacement.

Leicester’s efforts to take the lead paid off just after the 30 minute mark, thanks to midfielder Danny Drinkwater. The former Manchester United loanee was supplied with the goods just inside the box by Nugent, and delivered the ball to the bottom corner of the net; albeit with a scuffed effort.

Prior to the break Doncaster had a host of chances to draw affairs level, with former Derby man Giles Barnes looking lively and supplying the ever controversial El-Hadji Diouf on a number of occasions. Unfortunately for Dean Saunders men though, such chances were squandered leaving his team 1-0 down at the interval.

Despite a half time substitution for Doncaster, with Diouf replaced by Brian Stock, Leicester managed to double their lead instantly. A harmless cross from left-back Lee Peltier found its way into the six-yard box, then found it’s way through the keeper’s hands and into the net.

Leicester’s lucky early goal set the tone for the remainder of the game, with the home side’s dominance in terms of player stature and league position becoming prevalent. Lloyd Dyer was unlucky to see his effort saved on 53 minutes by the disgraced Ikeme in the Rovers net, after a characteristic run by Dyer allowed him to let rip from a close, tight angle.

Leicester further extended their lead from out of the blue on 77 minutes, with yet another fantastic strike from January signing Ben Marshall from just outside the area finding its way into the top corner of the net.

The Foxes continued to hold possession and their nerve in a performance that will please a previously disgruntled Pearson, after his teams’ defensive frailties have been exposed in previous matches. However, such frailties were well forgotten just moments from the game’s conclusion, with Paul Gallagher showing fans and management alike his case for a starting XI place. Gallagher finished with a calmly taken effort from just inside the area to slot home to the bottom corner of the net to complete the rout.

If Gallagher’s late goal didn’t seal Doncaster’s impending doom, then the forthcoming full-time whistle sure did. With the play-offs still in sight for City, the feelings between the two sets of fans couldn’t have been any more diverse as the players left the field of play.

Match Report: Peterborough 1-0 Leicester City

Leicester failed to close the gap to the play-off positions away at Peterborough, as the travelling Foxes’ went down a disappointing 1-0 at London Road.

Nigel Pearson had no new injury concerns entering the fixture, but was blessed with Richie Wellens being available once again after recovering from a hamstring injury. Andy King also continued his injury recovery process by being named on the bench.

Leicester began the game brightly, with Ben Marshall’s direct free-kick rattling the crossbar and the resultant inswinging corner threatening the Peterborough goalmouth, only for Posh keeper Paul Jones to prevail.

City continued to push, with David Nugent and the relentless Marshall continued to threaten Jones with an array of efforts on goal and inswinging crosses from both wings. Leicester made good use of the wide-play which they have seemingly worked on throughout the season in terms of creating chances, yet the Posh continued to ensure that the spoils remained shared.

Towards the end of the first half, it was the home side who began to take control. Efforts from Garry McCann and Paul Taylor put pressure on Kasper Schmeichel, but the latter was able to hold off the efforts of Peterborough’s attack before the end of the first half.

The second half started very much like the first half ended, with Peterborough being the driving force in the game, dominating possession and creating many chances to test Kasper Schmeichel and the Leicester defence. George Boyd became the most potent threat for the home side, and on 52 minutes it was only a superb save from Schmeichel that kept the score level.

But the keeper’s efforts were rendered fruitless just 6 minutes later, as Taylor latched onto a pass from McCann and scored a great goal from long distance to the bottom right corner of the goal.

It wasn’t long before Pearson decided to switch his underfire defence around, by bringing Wellens on in-place of Shaun St Ledger, in a move that allowed Sol Bamba to drop back to his preferred position in the middle of defence. But Leicester’s perils got even deeper just two minutes later, as Peterborough were awarded a penalty. Referee Michel Oliver deemed Kasper Schmeichel to have fouled Tommy Rowe in the box, and in doing so received a yellow card. Luckily for Leicester, Schmeichel is somewhat of a penalty-saving specialist, and made it three saves from three penalties this season by preventing McCann’s placed penalty from entering the net.

Shortly after the penalty, Leicester began to heap the pressure on Peterborough in desperate search of an equaliser. Jeffrey Schlupp was brought on in place of Lloyd Dyer as the game geared up for a frantic remaining 20 minutes. Nugent was at the centre of Leicester’s attack, but could easily have been sent packing after he reacted to comments made by Peterborough’s Craig Alcock. Both were eventually presented with yellow cards on 78 minutes.

The remaining ten minutes consisted of heavily reinforced onslaughts on goal by Leicester, with a vast array of crosses from by Danny Drinkwater, Wellens and Marshall not providing the successful assist that we longed for. Peterborough could have easily made it 2-0 had their counter-attacks been more potent, but Emile Sinclair’s effort that crashed into the side-netting on 91 minutes was as close as The Posh came to extending their lead.

However, one goal was enough for Peterborough as Leicester’s roller-coaster season of form continued it’s unstable, unpredictable journey.

Leicester City: Schemeichel, Peltier, St.Ledger (Wellens 64′), Morgan, Konchesky, Marshall, Drinkwater, Bamba, Dyer (Schlupp 69′), Beckford, Nugent

Peterborough: Jones, Little, Alcock, Brisley, McCann, Rowe, Frecklington, Tomlin, Boyd (Kearns 86′), Barnett (Sinclair 29′), Taylor