The Tilehurst End - Bristol City 2-0 Reading FC: Full CoverageReading FC blog run by fans, for fans.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52568/tte_fav.png2017-12-28T11:19:14+00:00http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/rss/stream/165827712017-12-28T11:19:14+00:002017-12-28T11:19:14+00:00Bristol City 2-0 Reading FC: Player Ratings
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<img alt="Bristol City v Reading - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7Bizp5BIEENcjtibskQEVOagAdg=/0x0:3018x2012/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58128279/898777736.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Becki rates the players and invites you to vote for your man of the match in the disappointing loss at Ashton Gate. </p> <h3 id="Z22VGj"><strong>Vito Mannone: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="3Cy330">Probably couldn’t have done much about either goal. The save right before the second goal was a fantastic one but it was a shame that our defence wasn’t so alert. </p>
<h3 id="kcMOQm"><strong>Chris Gunter: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="tNImH3">Managed to get forward and get a couple of crosses in but nothing was really effective. </p>
<h3 id="g3pHQd"><strong>Liam Moore: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="HeZ3m5">Realistically didn’t have that much defending to do in the first half. I loved his passion towards the Reading fans towards the end of the match.</p>
<h3 id="LrP3Vt"><strong>Paul McShane: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="rQsDdO">Did well to keep Bristol quiet in the first half but could have done better defensively leading up to the first goal.</p>
<h3 id="etQ0G7"><strong>Joey Van Den Berg: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="1IiV92">Well, he didn’t get booked… A quiet afternoon.</p>
<h3 id="4tmu46"><strong>Leandro Bacuna: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="WRlCKY">If Reading were going to create anything, it looked likely it was going to come from Bacuna. He was the only reasonably serious attacking threat.</p>
<h3 id="6gehyp"><strong>George Evans: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="I86HLU">I for one was so pleased to see him back in the team. Considering this was his first league game in three months, I thought he passed the ball well and looked like he had a desire to win that maybe some of the others were lacking.</p>
<h3 id="tYyFhF"><strong>Dave Edwards: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="ZJJutT">Didn’t really do anything wrong, but didn’t really do anything to make his performance stand out either. Just got on with it. </p>
<h3 id="wWhFrm"><strong>Modou Barrow: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="B0Tfcw">The effort he had saved right in the dying minutes of the game whilst the score was still 1-0 was easier to score than not. Had we scored I think it could have been a very interesting period of stoppage time afterwards.</p>
<h3 id="K0zWN4"><strong>Sone Aluko – 4</strong></h3>
<p id="JO6P4U">Had no interest in anything that didn’t involve Sone Aluko. Probably up there with one of the most selfish performances from a Reading player I’ve seen, and not in a good way. </p>
<h3 id="gkeyDS"><strong>Jon Dadi Bodvarsson: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="wpXEEF">You can’t knock his work rate, but he didn’t really do anything that was particularly memorable.</p>
<h2 id="62dUL4"><strong>Subs</strong></h2>
<h3 id="pWFCA6"><strong>Garath McCleary: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="n8wmen">I was worried he wasn’t going to look sharp when he came on but actually had a decent 15 minutes. Should have had an assist when he played the ball nicely for Barrow. </p>
<h3 id="Xo080M"><strong>Yann Kermorgant: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="Z2Hdc1">He always adds something when he comes on, but he’s really not the player we relied on so heavily last year. </p>
<h3 id="QBzdyp"><strong>Roy Beerens – N/A</strong></h3>
<p id="jnwnpH"><em>Who was your man of the match against Bristol City? Vote in our poll - can’t see it? </em><a href="https://goo.gl/VYyJrX"><em>Click this link</em></a><em>.</em></p>
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<p id="1CUAvy"><em> </em></p>
<p id="TY5vH9"></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/12/28/16825164/bristol-city-2-0-reading-fc-player-ratings-royals-efl-championship-jaap-stamMissBeckaEllen2017-12-27T20:02:23+00:002017-12-27T20:02:23+00:00Bristol City vs Reading FC: Match Report
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<img alt="Bristol City v Reading - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QgrWot4sFqwV33ErdTXa7zzBzx0=/119x0:3086x1978/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58122237/898778632.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A Royal mess at Ashton Gate.</p> <p id="DNS9Fg">Sadly, as I predicted in my preview for this game, Reading were beaten at Ashton Gate by inform Bristol City 2-0. What I and the rest of the fans didn’t expect was how easy it was for Bristol to carve our team apart and add to the misery of our poor form. Sadly, I was unable to travel to the game but following the game on Twitter and seeing the subsequent highlights it must have been terrible viewing! </p>
<p id="lfLY2A">Through this report I will look back on what happened in the game and adding my thoughts of where this result leaves Reading in terms of the league going into 2018. </p>
<aside id="IKO076"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Bristol City 2-0 Reading FC: Full Coverage","url":"https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/12/26/16818730/bristol-city-vs-reading-fc-championship-2017"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="dOKYUP">
<strong>First Half</strong> </h2>
<p id="ygVE4W">Reading put a changed line-up with Bödvarsson finally earning a start and George Evans returning the side after a considerable absence. However, the big talking points were Liam Kelly & John Swift being omitted from the travelling squad after picking up illnesses and lacking match fitness. </p>
<p id="FYQy19">On the pitch, the side put out experienced defensive errors early on with Bristol City being able to have a free header on goal after a quick throw in which sailed over the bar. This would be the early warning shot to the Royals that set pieces would be their downfall. </p>
<p id="5W1jnl">Down the other end, Leandro Bacuna’s halfway line cross found Liam Moore who did so well to bring it down but the attempted volley was way off the mark. Both sides were trying to find their rhythm during this half with City having the backing of the crowd to push them on. It would end in stalemate with the second half promising to be a tense affair as neither side looked to have their shooting boots on. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Bristol City v Reading - Sky Bet Championship" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3KJ8gupseJ3hkWctArWKOn1YX-o=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9935289/898774436.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<h2 id="kJM4Ra"><strong>Second Half</strong></h2>
<p id="C1Fm9M">However, the break was what City needed as they begun to place enormous pressure on the Reading midfield who were pulled out of position on multiple occasions. This left the exposed defence who couldn’t decide whether to press or track back in no man’s land. </p>
<p id="hb6XaS">City’s goal was a result of this with the midfield being stretched to follow the long ball’s path which left a massive gap for the attackers to exploit. Jamie Paterson was able to have enough time to bend his shot unopposed leaving Vito Mannone beaten at his top left corner. </p>
<p id="I25jSI">Jaap Stam rolled the dice by throwing on Garath McCleary and Yann Kermorgant for a familiar line up but both players were significantly behind in fitness and out of form. Reading’s only real threat was a scramble in the box after a intercepted cross which left Barrow one-on-one with the keeper which was subsequently squandered. </p>
<p id="Lw6s57">Bristol City would end Reading’s misery with a Lloyd Kelly strike after Reading couldn’t significantly clear the box from the threat of City. The home side move up to second in the table while the Royal’s slump down to 17<sup>th</sup>!</p>
<h2 id="ajVd35"><strong>Where does this leave us?</strong></h2>
<p id="GC6W7H">This game leaves Reading in a perilous position in both the league and in terms of footballing philosophy. They are significantly behind in the play-off race and are slowly being dragged into a relegation scrap which we all didn’t expect would happen after our play-off final defeat in May. </p>
<p id="NuoEY6">Over my 11 seasons of supporting this club I haven’t seen such a demoralised side since the Rodgers era where both players and fans didn’t understand the system the manager wanted them to play in matches. The difference here is that Stam is into his second season and ¾ of the squad here all played for him last season. </p>
<p id="ihUTwQ">Reading need to have a tactical overhaul in the break before Birmingham as we have been found out in the league and teams know how to play against us. The wins we have picked up have been when the squad is at full fitness and has clicked. Sacking the manager has been brought up so many times on Twitter and in the stands recently that the club must be fully aware of this by now. My thoughts, however controversial they may sound, are: <strong>S</strong><strong>TICK WITH HIM TILL THE END OF THE SEASON! </strong></p>
<p id="5QoR7Q">My<strong> </strong>reasoning behind this view is that he does deserve more time to acquire players in the January window who could make a huge difference to our squad. We are currently playing one of our midfielders as a right back and our only established right back is playing left back! This shows how bad our injury crisis has been and Stam could use this poor form to force the owners to spend if they seriously want to push for the play-offs. </p>
<aside id="Fw3KKe"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"The Stats Case For Backing Jaap Stam","url":"https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/12/26/16819924/stats-case-backing-jaap-stam-reading-fc-royals"}]}'></div></aside><p id="oAoC0A">It can be argued however that the players he asked to bring in the summer have not worked significantly and bringing in the same type of players would add fuel to the fire.</p>
<p id="z8tdDm">While it may sound easy to sack him as most fans currently want to happen, there is no outstanding manager on the market to replace him at the moment as far as I am aware. All the managers with significant experience in this league or the Premier League have recently joined new teams or retired (Tony Pulis and Alan Pardew prime suspects). This would delay our recovery in the league and we don’t have a McDermott figure within the club anymore who could takeover if we don’t find anyone. </p>
<h2 id="qLYfoN"><strong>In summary</strong></h2>
<p id="cNxkYl">So, going into 2018 Reading need to use this game as a reminder of the faults of the previous tactics and acquiring new players to fill in for injuries will significantly help add more flair and force competition within the squad. </p>
<p id="TOt6jm">We always like to hear your opinions at the Tilehurst End so email the mailbag and this will be brought up on the podcast in the next episode! Happy New Year and hopefully we can toast to a change in form to Reading at the next game!</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/12/27/16823030/bristol-city-reading-fc-match-report-royals-robins-ashton-gateCJ_Ballard72017-12-27T14:41:04+00:002017-12-27T14:41:04+00:005 Things: Burton Albion (Home) and Bristol City (Away)
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<img alt="Bristol City v Reading - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/KXGY8gp_MrVkQ09V-nHr4ozg3NE=/273x0:2438x1443/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58116791/898777742.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Five talking points from Reading’s disappointing Christmas fixtures.</p> <h2 id="qnY7Cn"><strong>Terrible Christmas run continues</strong></h2>
<p id="CGyMW6">As I have said previously, Christmas and New Year is an incredibly important part of the season because of the amount of games that are played in such a short amount of time. In Reading’s last four matches, they have picked up just the solitary point from the disappointing draw against Cardiff and Jaap Stam has suffered three consecutive defeats for the first time as Reading manager. </p>
<p id="c5OqvJ">It goes without saying that the team needs to pick themselves up going into the new year if they are to get anything worthwhile out of the season. Maybe a few fresh faces in January could spark the Royals into life. </p>
<aside id="9M9F5v"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Bristol City 2-0 Reading FC: Full Coverage","url":"https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/12/26/16818730/bristol-city-vs-reading-fc-championship-2017"},{"title":"Reading FC 1-2 Burton Albion: Full Coverage","url":"https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/12/22/16809730/reading-fc-vs-burton-albion-full-coverage"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="1Q0VYt"><strong>Same old story</strong></h2>
<p id="ZTvk8P">Lots and lots of the ball but no end product. Let’s be honest, that statement could sum up far too many Reading games this season as Jaap Stam’s men had 76% of the possession against Burton but could only muster up seven shots in total. As a one-off statistic, that would be quite shocking but by now it is one that Reading fans are used to seeing. </p>
<p id="NOlDI2">The Royals always dominate the ball but they just seem to struggle to do anything with it, with just three players touching the ball more than once in Burton’s penalty area and Sone Aluko not making a single touch in the box. That’s completely unacceptable for a forward.</p>
<h2 id="UdQhu0"><strong>What on earth was that winner?</strong></h2>
<p id="xjmOma">There have been a few examples of some dire defending so far this season but none as bad as that which led to Burton’s winner on Saturday. Joey van den Berg’s botched attempt to control a pass meant Liam Moore was rushed into attempting a clearance which bounced off Tom Naylor and past Vito Mannone who was caught unawares. </p>
<div id="y9rLSu">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lovely gift for Burton. <a href="https://twitter.com/tomnaylor2?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tomnaylor2</a> gets fortunate with charging down a kick for <a href="https://twitter.com/burtonalbionfc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@burtonalbionfc</a> against <a href="https://twitter.com/ReadingFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ReadingFC</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BAFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BAFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Reading?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Reading</a><br><br>➡️ <a href="https://twitter.com/EFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EFL</a> highlights from 9pm on Spike <a href="https://twitter.com/channel5_tv?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@channel5_tv</a>. <a href="https://t.co/QfQnXfea4D">pic.twitter.com/QfQnXfea4D</a></p>— Channel 5 Sport (@Channel5Sport) <a href="https://twitter.com/Channel5Sport/status/944619135706660864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2017</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="3UYbWu">Whilst van den Berg had showed some decent form prior during Reading’s recent run, it seems impossible to shake the feeling that he is always mere moments away from his next mistake and the Dutchman sure lived up to his ‘liability’ tag with his performance against Burton. </p>
<h2 id="VO7LEt"><strong>Returns from injury</strong></h2>
<p id="aO0Fat">One small positive to come out of the games was the return of three players to the matchday squad: Garath McCleary, John Swift and George Evans. McCleary had not played for the Royals since the 1-0 win over Leeds in October and while it is now expected that the 30-year-old will have plenty of spells on the sidelines each season, when playing at his best the winger is as good as any in the league. The 16 minutes he played against Bristol City will be a welcome sight to Royals fans.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Reading v Norwich City - Sky Bet Championship" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mc0dnBDHB0bcC0IQ6l7o-KCre-Y=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9933155/855965594.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="xGwk8o">John Swift played nearly half an hour after coming off the bench against Burton and he will also be a big addition for Jaap Stam. Before his injury against Bolton last month, Swift had just begun to find some form with two goals against Nottingham Forest and an assist against Derby and Stam is definitely in need of the midfielder picking up where he left off. </p>
<p id="sMdfWj">George Evans had not made a Championship appearance for Reading since August before he played 83 minutes on Boxing Day and, with Liam Kelly unwell and Swift being rested after his return against Burton, the 23-year-old had a significant role to play alongside Dave Edwards in the centre of the park. Evans did pretty well considering it was his first game for three months and is an important option to have going forward.</p>
<h2 id="cvm96h"><strong>Stam Out?</strong></h2>
<p id="kCEMnU">As mentioned earlier, this is the first time in Stam’s managerial reign at Reading that he has lost three games in a row and with the Royals sitting in a lowly 17<sup>th</sup> place, there will be the inevitable questioning of his future. Has his system and style been found out or are the players not doing him justice? </p>
<aside id="arXdj8"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"The Stats Case For Backing Jaap Stam","url":"https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/12/26/16819924/stats-case-backing-jaap-stam-reading-fc-royals"}]}'></div></aside><p id="8A6gdK">While it may seem harsh to sack the manager who guided Reading to a surprise third place and play-off final last year just halfway through the season, football is very much an immediate results business and, quite simply, Reading’s immediate results just aren’t good enough. </p>
<p id="PewFJE">However, when given time to build a team, plenty of managers have found great success and Reading have not got anywhere in recent times with their quick managerial turnover. Still, the question remains. Stam in or Stam out?</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/12/27/16821268/5-things-burton-albion-home-bristol-city-away-reading-fc-efl-championship-royalsMatthew Cooper2017-12-27T14:21:49+00:002017-12-27T14:21:49+00:00Jaap Stam On A Tight Loss At Bristol City
<figure>
<img alt="Bristol City v Reading - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XzLowMDTEHPh4B-IRPhNQtBt8yE=/0x97:4103x2832/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58116597/898778740.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The under-fire manager’s assessment of the 2-0 defeat. </p> <p id="Kqnrar">After an incredibly disappointing performance on Saturday against Burton, the Royals needed to improve with a visit to high flying Bristol City. There was a minor improvement, but as we have heard all season, we missed good opportunities to pick up some points. </p>
<p id="rgnSq6">Instead we left pointless and with City finishing the day in second with a 2-0 win.</p>
<p id="CQgGIg">The two second half strikes by City leaves the Royals in 17th, but Stam felt that it was a close game - he told the <a href="http://www.readingfc.co.uk">Official Club website</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="v7zImN">“It was a tight game - not a lot of chances for either side. They scored the first one - and it was a good goal to be honest, a top corner finish. Not much more I can say about that.</p>
<p id="IiVOOE">“But we had the opportunities to score the equaliser and get back into the game. But we don’t do that, don’t finish it off in two good moments for Mo Barrow.</p>
<p id="RYlANE">“And you know, because you’re pressing, they are going to get away once or twice on the counter - and you need to defend that. But it’s done when they score the second one in injury time.</p>
<p id="AkAhph">“But you couldn’t say that one team played better than the other today. The finishing needed to be a bit better from us, but we need to have that bit of luck too.</p>
<p id="OO8S6O">“The players worked very hard to get a result. And they did everything they could. But football is about not conceding and scoring goals yourself.</p>
<p id="cyOlDo">“And although the ball went up and down the pitch and both teams had to fight for the ball throughout - it looked like whoever scored that first goal was going to win. We didn’t score and we didn’t get any points.</p>
<p id="l0mEX0">“It’s very frustrating. We need to deal with this little run and take our opportunities to get out of the run.</p>
<p id="8ybKWN">“The players are very disappointed at not getting results - especially when you’re very close; you are getting opportunities but not scoring them, or you’re conceding silly goals.</p>
<p id="JvIToG">“But the confidence is there. And sometimes you have to have that bit of luck too.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="g6sDMn">Next up for the Royals is a trip to Barnsley on Saturday. </p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/12/27/16821214/jaap-stam-tight-loss-bristol-city-reading-fc-royals-robins-efl-championshipsophierfc102017-12-26T20:32:10+00:002017-12-26T20:32:10+00:00The Stats Case For Backing Jaap Stam
<figure>
<img alt="Bristol City v Reading - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5twTDJN0vzHJ93SSKXavFbLwzac=/0x0:3375x2250/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58111889/898750614.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The numbers show that sacking the manager would be a bad idea for Reading. </p> <p id="07yIBM"><em>In his debut piece for TTE, Matthew Lees points out that the stats for managerial changes mid-season show Reading should stand by their Stam. New appointments rarely push the team higher up the table, and don’t tend to last long in the job.</em></p>
<p id="N5W4xf">Following the defeat to Bristol City many people are calling for Jaap Stam to be sacked. I personally do not agree with this view as I believe that currently there are no better options out there and any change in manager will not have too much effect on the rest of the season, as well as the fact that many of the players seem to like Stam. </p>
<p id="l2ucLD">I also believe in the idea of giving a manager a long period of time to build a side - to back this up, I’ve looked at how sackings at this point of the season have worked in the last few years. </p>
<aside id="sq8j0J"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Bristol City vs Reading FC: Full Coverage","url":"https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/12/26/16818730/bristol-city-vs-reading-fc-championship-2017"}]}'></div></aside><p id="2y9qvs">Since the 2010/11 season, 20 clubs in the Championship have sacked their manager in either December or January. Two of these times were Reading, and on neither occasion was the replacement able to improve on their starting league position - with both Steve Clark and Brian McDermott guiding us to places slightly above the relegation zone. </p>
<p id="T3t8ql">Half of the clubs that sacked their manager were able to improve their standing in the table by the end of the season, however on average there is no change in position. This is partially due to the fact that both Birmingham last season moved 12 places down in the league, and Reading moved down 10 places in 2015-16. </p>
<p id="EKGC6q">The largest climb up the table was Wigan in 2013-14 when they climbed nine places, reaching the play-offs by the end of the season. However, this swing happened when they changed manager very early in December and so this would not be good enough for Reading to get in the play-offs this season based on the table currently. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Wigan Athletic v Reading - Sky Bet Championship" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nfZum1Pq9HXJqpvMQcnbsW7a36U=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9930695/485481883.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>The appointment of Uwe Rosler was initially a boost for Wigan, but was ultimately unsuccessful</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="0juIu9">Additionally, none of the managers that were appointed were able to get their clubs promoted before leaving their clubs, which demonstrates that this was not a viable way to get promoted. The managers were on average sacked after only 11 months which would lead to Reading being forced to search for a new manager again at this time next season most probably, which is not in my view an enjoyable or viable way of moving forward. </p>
<div class="c-float-right"><aside id="uTgtGq"><q>Fancy making the opposite argument to Matthew? Get in touch on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTilehurstEnd">@TheTilehurstEnd</a> or via email <em>thetilehurstend@gmail.com</em></q></aside></div>
<p id="G8NNad">In conclusion, I believe that this demonstrates that sacking Stam now is not a good way of moving forward. Currently we are well clear of the relegation zone and even if we did sack him it would be almost impossible for any new manager to come in and get us into the play-offs which means that this season we will almost certainly be finishing in mid-table. </p>
<p id="vGIj2v">Stam proved last season that he is a very capable manager and can get this side playing well. He is our biggest hope at the moment and with him we probably stand the best chance of getting back up their again next season. </p>
<p id="mSoRHv"></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/12/26/16819924/stats-case-backing-jaap-stam-reading-fc-royalsThe Tilehurst End Guest Writer2017-12-26T11:11:52+00:002017-12-26T11:11:52+00:00The Tilehurst End Prediction League 17/18: Matchday 24
<figure>
<img alt="Bristol City v Hull City - EFL Cup Fourth Round" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OGKwgFQFLWZ862s7UAnA-WGOZIA=/0x0:2991x1994/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58108445/617962364.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Do you think Reading can take points off the in-form Robins? Yeah, probably not. </p> <p id="7WCz12">I think it’s fair to say that we were all expecting Reading to beat Burton Albion at the weekend, indeed just the one punter went for an away win in the Prediction League. <strong>MickeyTaker</strong> was rewarded for his pessimism as of course the Brewers did come out on top as the Royals put in a performance to forget. There were no correct predictions of the 2-1 scoreline or of Tom Flanagan to score the first goal. In fairness, the Burton midfielder hadn’t scored in five years. The updated leaderboard is below. </p>
<p id="qC6RF6">Boxing Day sees Reading make the tough trip to Bristol City, who are fourth in the Championship and unbeaten in five league games. <strong>All you have to do is guess the score of the game and say who you think will score the first goal in the comments below. </strong>A correct score earns two points, a correct result earns one point as does a correct first goalscorer.</p>
<p id="KjSDuI">To get the ball rolling, I’m going for a 2-0 Bristol City win, with Aden Flint being the first goalscorer.</p>
<p id="gHlptN">Good luck!</p>
<h4 id="M66oit">The current leaderboard:</h4>
<h2 id="6Xtojq">16 points</h2>
<p id="vsaTLx">ShiplakeAl</p>
<h2 id="OjGPmI">13 points</h2>
<p id="1OSTwA">EthanRFC_</p>
<h3 id="bB2yhr">12 points</h3>
<p id="urJm2c">JackRonan<br>Fylde coast royal</p>
<h3 id="oAEKXF">11 points</h3>
<p id="UUGgI9">Olly</p>
<h3 id="wDriHs">9 points</h3>
<p id="aGdoTa">Risk_Taker</p>
<h3 id="BvJhYl">8 points</h3>
<p id="9FLYKf">Glorygerbil</p>
<h3 id="syUxmj">7 points</h3>
<p id="CFMnIo">1.fcl<br>Will Jones<br>Illinois_royal<br>MickeyTaker</p>
<h3 id="CoUVB2">6 points</h3>
<p id="J0yyFU">Bacuzzi's Boys<br>KildareRoyal<br>RiskAverse<br>Brum Royal<br>The inspector</p>
<h2 id="bJu23Z">5 points</h2>
<p id="AHoT9Z">Osborns scoop<br>Pete1964</p>
<h3 id="oyzrsK">4 points</h3>
<p id="BB3NjL">TheRoyalViking</p>
<h2 id="0BnVm0">3 points</h2>
<p id="ic9pMd">CharlieRFC<br>James - ReadingAwayDays<br>Blaa1980</p>
<h2 id="R8XBAT">2 points</h2>
<p id="7QfU0x">The RFC Vlogger<br>Jake RFC<br>Luke Rogers<br>Christian Taylor<br>Robjs54</p>
<h2 id="rg3FeH">1 point</h2>
<p id="3CmO4u">X210<br>Will Symons<br>Jamie Westcar<br>Football Fan<br>Billal Benassar<br>Ben Hayward<br>Ram Pandariram<br>Harry Crawford<br>ITZ HAZZ<br>Sky Bet Championship<br>Rich Gallagher</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/12/26/16818766/prediction-league-17-18-matchday-24-bristol-city-vs-reading-fc-efl-championshipOlly_Allen2017-12-26T09:03:17+00:002017-12-26T09:03:17+00:00Three To Watch: Bristol City (A)
<figure>
<img alt="Bristol City v Nottingham Forest - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6jMSkBB1wmW3YksWtXvK6T7ShuE=/0x0:1653x1102/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58108301/893839656.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>He’s already scored past Man United...</p> <h1 id="srDIKL">Joe Bryan </h1>
<p id="ygGPkF">The 24-year-old has been at the Robins for the duration of his playing career, having come through the Bristol City academy. Since breaking through into the first team squad, Bryan has become a key man having made over 205 appearances, demonstrating the experience that he brings to the side. </p>
<p id="9IDX3f">In terms of his playing style, Bryan is the type of defender that likes to get forward and support his side whenever the Robins get forward. For example, Bryan has averaged 1.5 dribbles per game- only Jonathan Leko has averaged more (1.8). </p>
<p id="6O1FZX">He also contributes well when he gets into the 18-yard box. So far this season, Bryan has scored four goals and has two assists to his name in all competitions. </p>
<p id="QcB5V1">The left-back, who changed his nationality to Scottish, demonstrated his confidence by producing a fantastic performance in front of the Sky cameras at Ashton Gate when his team beat Manchester United 2-1 in the Carabao Cup quarter-final. A game in which he scored the opening goal.</p>
<div id="LDsCol"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4d8yzGudKGQ?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="XEibNU">At the other end of pitch, Bryan loves to get a tackle in. For example, the defender has averaged 3.1 tackles per game- the fifth best in the Championship. </p>
<p id="DUAWOu">Furthermore this is some way ahead of Tyler Blackett and Chris Gunter who have each averaged 1.3 and 0.9 tackles per match, meaning it could be a tough day for the likes of Sone Aluko on the right side of the pitch. </p>
<div id="0mGNf5"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/D5B2A6-Hn9M?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<h1 id="tE29OW">Jamie Paterson </h1>
<p id="0eIKF2">Jamie Paterson completed a transfer from Nottingham Forest in July 2016 and has gone on to be a key man for Lee Johnson’s team with appearances for the Robins this season. </p>
<p id="AWbQDD">With Bristol City flying high in the league this season, Paterson has played his part in their remarkable rise with four goals and six assists. It is also worth noting that whilst on loan at Huddersfield in the 2015/16 season, Paterson scored against the Royals in both the home and away games.</p>
<p id="mH4E6S">In terms of his playing style, Paterson loves to get shots away rather than put crosses into the box. In fact, his 1.3 such deliveries per game is interestingly the best of anyone in the Bristol City squad. </p>
<p id="QXBACb">However, with an average of 1.9 shots per game, this is second best behind Bobby Reid (2.2), suggesting that shooting in his real strength. </p>
<p id="BZoAcu">Additionally, with an average of 2.2 key passes per game, Paterson is likely to be tasked at being Bristol City’s go-to man in terms of providing creativity for the likes of Reid. This means that when Paterson is on the ball, Chris Gunter will need to make sure that the former Walsall man does not cut inside and get shots away on Vito Mannone’s goal. </p>
<p id="9xfH9j">Lastly Paterson has managed to average 1.4 tackles per game, as well as winning 44% of his duels. So expect him to track back when Reading are on the attack. </p>
<div id="XPuZsM"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jONdRPGyFCE?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<h1 id="ApocwX">Bobby Reid </h1>
<p id="B1qfbH">The final player that Reading fans should keep an eye on is Bobby Reid. </p>
<p id="DOMH1M">Playing in a No. 10 role behind the striker, Reid has become a real fan favourite at Ashton Gate having also come through the Robins’ academy. </p>
<p id="09ueNC">Reid has had a fantastic season for with 11 goals and two assists in all competitions making him Robins’ leading goalscorer and the fifth best in the league. Only Lewis Grabban (12), Leo Bonatini (12) Matej Vydra (13) and Leon Clarke (14) have scored more. </p>
<p id="eltfXA">Additionally, according to WhoScored, Reid has contributed to 39% of the 37 goals that Bristol City have scored this season. That is clearly the most of anyone in the Robins’ squad, and further demonstrates his importance for Lee Johnson’s side. </p>
<p id="02maF7">All efforts from the Reading defence should be made at containing this talented player from being able to cause problems and finding the back of the net once again. </p>
<div id="NdJIlb"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uFincigX5JU?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/12/26/16816902/three-to-watch-bristol-city-reading-fcjacks19962017-12-26T08:47:41+00:002017-12-26T08:47:41+00:00Preview: Bristol City vs Reading
<figure>
<img alt="Bristol City v Reading - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/eKvWZorXQSgIuRY63GG0gKg6_lU=/0x65:3668x2510/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58108269/630800260.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Christmas cheer or holiday hangover? </p> <p id="5S2vAA">Merry Christmas to all Tilehurst End Readers & Reading Fans! Hope you all had a great day yesterday celebrating with family or still drinking to forget that shambolic performance against Burton on Saturday! </p>
<p id="3ic6cc">2017 has been an eventful year for Reading which has seen us some exciting football which got us to Wembley in May, but has equally been weighed down by some shocking performances! It actually all started against our opponents Bristol City in a thrilling 3-2 win at Ashton Gate. Can Reading get their New Year’s resolution done early by winning away from home or will City’s recent giant killing skills continue to inspire them?</p>
<h2 id="WcsTrj">
<strong>Reading</strong> </h2>
<h3 id="Fv1cN1"><strong>Form (all competitions): WWDLL</strong></h3>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Bristol City v Reading - Sky Bet Championship" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0A3o0JnafbIC7mKMgLul_Oi1T30=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9929011/630799510.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="5SDwV6">Jaap Stam could look to change the side after his recent performances with the same eleven have not provided results. Bodvarsson will be pushing for a start due to the fact Kermorgant has yet to score since his injury. The Frenchman was an influential figure against City last season so there is hope that if he is selected then the goals will return. </p>
<p id="UNOuW7">Garath McClearly was named on the bench for Saturdays game after a considerable absence of 12 games and could make his return in the second half. Roy Beerens and John Swift also seem to be returning back to the side after travelling with the squad last night, with the latter coming on late in the game against Burton. </p>
<p id="wM6qpT"><strong>Top Goal Scorer: Modou Barrow, 7 </strong></p>
<h2 id="DHNUHE">
<strong>Bristol City</strong> </h2>
<h3 id="WJcE63"><strong>Form (all competitions): WWWWD</strong></h3>
<p id="6zEKt9">City have completely changed since the last meeting between the sides at Aston Gate with them holding a fourth position and experiencing a mad run of form. Despite losing influential Chelsea Loanee Tammy Abraham, they have found a new goal machine in Bobby Reid who has 11 to his name already. However, City are experiencing a striker injury crisis so could be forced to play Aden Flint up front. </p>
<aside id="5r9UJn"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Three To Watch: Bristol City (A)","url":"https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/12/26/16816902/three-to-watch-bristol-city-reading-fc"}]}'></div></aside><p id="1ZU3cR">Lee Johnson’s side are playing with confidence so will be a considerable opponent for Reading this afternoon. Look out on Twiiter for their famous (or infamous) video goal celebrations which is becoming quite the trend onf social media.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Bristol City v Manchester United - Carabao Cup Quarter-Final" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/azwotnfr9vdK5kCrUaGUyhMc_kY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9929013/896283566.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="BnmUMh"><strong>Top Goal Scorer: Bobby Reid, 11</strong> </p>
<h2 id="drrvoF"><strong>What do the stats say?</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li id="Ppqvwd"> Bristol City have ended on the losing side in each of their past three league matches at Ashton Gate against Reading.</li>
<li id="3CiFIz">Reading have won seven of their past eight league matches against Bristol City.</li>
<li id="OTHHdN">Yann Kermorgant has been involved in five goals in two league starts against Bristol City (four goals, one assist).</li>
</ul>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Ipswich Town v Reading - Sky Bet Championship" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/lrP2U2mOPRh7lwz9ee1G1UdURMo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9929009/893857928.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<h2 id="bwlHea"><strong>How can I follow the game?</strong></h2>
<p id="tosNj9">Audio coverage is on BBC Radio Berkshire at 104.4FM, but not available online. Coverage is also available on the EFL iFollow service but no video coverage for streaming the game. Full match highlights will be available on the app and Sky Sports after the game.</p>
<p id="iYE76X">Reading Football Club will post highlights of the game on their respected social media pages and YouTube channel.</p>
<h2 id="css7NX"><strong>Prediction</strong></h2>
<p id="adsik7">This will be a tough task for Reading, facing this in form Bristol side whose home fans will provide a roaring atmosphere. The Royals’ away form of late has been shocking and the team looks devoid off all confidence at the moment. While City may have an injury crisis, their fit players are taking on the scoring burden whereas Reading seem to pin their hopes on a few individuals. </p>
<p id="CQNNn4">As a Reading fan, this season has been a mixed bag to watch and I hope in 2018 the team will significantly improve. But this game will either kick on our season or further echo the thoughts of many that something new has to change.</p>
<p id="gupAkk"><strong>Bristol City win (Would love to be proved wrong! All I want for Christmas is a Yann Kermorgant Hat-trick!)</strong></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/12/26/16818590/championship-preview-bristol-city-vs-reading-fcCJ_Ballard7