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Clarke: Cutting edge needed - Reading Official Site
After the 0-0 draw with Millwall, Steve Clarke says the team need more cutting edge. We dominated possession but couldn't find a break through. Clarke believes the red card just before half time "focused the minds of Millwall" as they knew they had to just defend, but we weren't "clinical enough" and "didn't create enough". The boss stresses that Jordan Obita's chance was our best, and he should have put his foot through it instead of going for a side foot.
Kelly: Millwall was an opportunity missed - Reading Official site
In similar sentiment to his manager, Stephen Kelly reflected upon a lot of possession against 10 men who were behind the ball. He adds that we put balls into the box well, but there was no one getting on the end of them. Without the red card and Millwall's change to a defensive style of play, Kelly believes we would have had more success, as as we were just starting to get in behind them when the dismissal happened. However, Kelly also feels there were many positives to take from the game - a solid back line even though the defence was pushing forward to support attacks, and another clean sheet - which were hard to come by earlier in the season.
"I don't have to justify every time I make a change on the pitch" says Steve Clarke - Reading Post
Steve Clarke chose to leave Garath McCleary, so impressive against Fulham, on the bench against Millwall. The media were keen to question Clarke on this, and he responded by saying he doesn't have to explain every single change he makes. He is the manager and works with the players everyday, knowing "who can give us their best in any particular game."
Info on FA Cup tie away at Derby -Reading Official Site
Tickets for the FA cup match against Derby on 14th February are priced as follows:
Adults £15, 65 and Over £10, Under 18s £10, Under 12s £5.
The on sale date will be released soon.
Wigan at home rearranged - Reading Official Site
Due to FA Cup match at Derby on 14th February, our home game with Wigan has been moved to Tuesday 17th February with an 8pm kick-off.
Clarke searching for a striker - Reading Post
Steve Clarke says he is "light up front" and needs another striker. Himself and Nicky Hammond are looking at videos of various targets and remain interested in signing Glenn Murray.
We need some signings to save our season - Reading Post
Charles Watts covers how Pavel Pogrebnyak runs around a lot in the wrong places - he drops too deep, and "rarely finds himself in a position to cause trouble inside the penalty area". He says Garath McCleary is excellent at drilling balls across the box, but Pog is never there to get on the end of them, so we need a new striker. Watts also believes that signing a playmaker to play behind the striker is essential as our midfield is lacking this type of player. He says we need someone who "can get supporters off their feet". Steve Clarke has done well so far to sure up our defence, but some excitement in attack is what Watts believes the fans now deserve.
Dom Samuel joins Coventry - Reading Official Site
Young striker Dominic Samuel has joined Coventry on an emergency loan until 28th April. He is one of the top scorers in the Barclays u21 Premier League this season and has scored 2 goals in 3 England u19 appearances. He is a prospect that Steve Clarke thinks highly of and says needs "competitive action".
Gunter out for 2 weeks - Reading Official Site
Chris Gunter will be injured for 2-3 weeks after picking up a knock against Cardiff. Danny Guthrie and Anton Ferdinand are also out for Saturday's game, but Guthrie should be fit again midway through next week.