Sent Off From The Bench

Paul Clement's first game in charge saw Reading's first win in 10 games. However the performance still left something to be desired.  Sone Aluko finally seems to be showing why Reading shelled out for him. He was instrumental in the last home game against Leeds, and he can add a terrific long range strike to his haul. Leeds doubled up on Aluko, but QPR had no such worries which seems like an error. He managed to turn Bidwell easily before cutting inside and hitting The Top Corner ™. At the other end there were real problems - and it was luck more than skill that QPR didn't manage to capitalise. Mannone - who was obviously the hero at the end - looked poor for the majority. Weak punches and flapping at the ball made the decision to drop Jaakkola seem harsh. He also managed to slip up and almost present a goal to QPR - although he can hardly be blamed for the surface. Ilori and Blackett also had heart-in-mouth moments. Ilori basically passed a cross straight to Wszolek,...

The decision to sack Stam seems obvious, in many ways. Our terrible run is well documented, and you only have to look at the table to understand that we haven't been good enough this season. There is, however, a lingering doubt in my mind about whether it was the correct decision. You only have to look at the players to know that the Dutchman was almost universally loved and admired. As I mentioned back in September - Stam was the heart of this team. Players who wouldn't have had a second look at Reading suddenly found themselves donning blue and white hoops. I'm certain that defensive additions wanted to learn from a world class centre-back, and the motivations for the Dutch contingent seem obvious. I would love to be wrong, but I can see this causing a further dip in form where the players have lost morale. Yes they 'should be professional', but sometimes life isn't that simple. A change of management can be tumultuous in any occupation. The style wasn...