Reading FC Player Of The Month: October Vote

In alphabetical order here's the four Reading FC players with the highest average rating taken from our player ratings, with a minimum of three appearances.

Nick Blackman

Appearances: 5  Goals: 3  Average Rating: 6.6

MOTM Ratings: Charlton (1st), Rotherham (2nd), Brighton (1st)

Nick Blackman may not have scored in the past two games but he's still been an influential force in October, scoring goals against Middlesbrough, Charlton and Rotherham, the last of which could well end up goal of the season. Also put in a spirited and determined performance against Brighton to help get us back into the game.

*****

Garath McCleary

Appearances: 3  Goals: 0  Average Rating 6.6

MOTM Ratings: None

McCleary has found himself a bit more in the team as of late, with Handbags Harris giving him an impressive 8/10 at Rotherham as Reading earned a point at the New York Stadium. Tried hard against Brighton and looked bright on his introduction against Charlton as well. Hopefully he'll only get better with more starts.

*****

Orlando Sa

Appearances: 4  Goals: 1  Average Rating: 6.5

MOTM Ratings: Fulham (1st)

ORLANDO SA, SA Always believe in you're soul, you've got the power to know, you're indestructable, always believe in ORLANDO SA, SA.

If there was a song of the month content I'd have to go for Sa's but in terms of on pitch performance it's been a solid if not amazing month for Reading's number 10. A goal against old team Fulham was impressive but he failed to really stamp his mark on the Charlton game nor Saturday's draw with Brighton. In saying that, he's still done his job as the main central striker well and he looks capable of going on another run of goals.

******

Matej Vydra

Appearances: 3  Goals: 1  Average Rating: 6.6

MOTM Ratings: Fulham (2nd), Brighton (3rd)

The Watford loanee made a welcome return from injury at Rotherham before earning a start at Fulham where he played a part in a sublime first goal from Lucas Piazon. Vydra then notched his first goal in blue and white hoops to earn us a point against Brighton to ensure a place in our MOTM top three for the second time in as many games.

*****

The best of the non-nominated rest

It's sometimes a sad twist of fate that means playing in one bad game can keep you off our Tilehurst End ballot but we have to be fair and play the numbers game. Oliver Norwood, Michael Hector and Paul McShane were all in MOTM contention twice during October but sloppy performances that saw them earn 5/10 marks in games sunk them just below the others. Likewise Danny Williams and Ali Al-Habsi were both awarded an MOTM award but didn't make the top four.

It was an exceptionally tight month, with the vast majority of the usual starters gaining an average of between 6.2 and 6.7 so this is a vote that had few outstanding candidates. Still if you'd like to put the case forward for someone else then that's just what the comments section is for!

Season's Ratings (click for a larger version):