The Tilehurst End - Reading FC 0-2 Millwall: Full CoverageReading FC blog run by fans, for fans.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52568/tte_fav.png2018-02-05T22:39:02+00:00http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/rss/stream/167250612018-02-05T22:39:02+00:002018-02-05T22:39:02+00:00Podcast Episode 152: Hanging By A Thread
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<p>Recorded at a time when Stam was still the manager of Reading FC, with that status more than a little precarious.</p> <div id="8G2f8g"><iframe src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/hhz8v-86fe63?from=yiiadmin&skin=3&btn-skin=101&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&auto=0&download=0&rtl=0" height="100" width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player"></iframe></div>
<p id="bUKznK">A behind-the-scenes factoid for producing a Reading FC podcast: it helps when we know who the manager is.</p>
<p id="DM36GN">And while it may have been a long time coming in many fans’ minds, Jaap Stam’s position in charge of the club seems to be increasingly precarious following a 2-0 defeat to Millwall, which came in spite of a reprive away to Burton just days earlier.</p>
<p id="nwCukw">Those two games are on the menu for Marc Mayo and BucksRoyal - aka Simeon Pickup - this week as Episode 152 takes place against the backdrop of great uncertainty regarding the Mad Stad dugout.</p>
<p id="JjWp4U">As always The Tilehurst End Podcast can be taken in via <a href="https://thetilehurstend.podbean.com/"><strong>PodBean</strong></a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6aQZnCxP2bn6zlQS5zJOcA"><strong>YouTube </strong></a>or <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fgb%2Fpodcast%2Ftilehurst-end-reading-fc-podcast%2Fid683251263%3Fmt%3D2" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>iTunes</strong></a>.</p>
<p id="aYuhVi">Furthermore, thanks to all listeners who continue to pledge to our <a href="http://www.patreon.com/thetilehurstend"><strong>Patreon </strong></a>campaign and to those who answered our survey on improving the show, <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.surveymonkey.co.uk%2Fr%2FYNBBY8L&h=ATNsH3ZAu0m8Lbzb5c-e_7EtEG53OvlmL5qJpymU1OkZ3T6WMzkZ4GC2ck41zp5GRld1X9dLP7SjWXVFSyI8CubxSGWlH5QJ7ZbE9j6AfSCRAQUzO84A5Q-mjebNKBXYBEEEHU9TnfFjChIUbSZ7PFz-o-lD72tPF-pwMK0ivQFbawQykqifPBywiBGtD9DIJYNp_3JIo_-jL-RbtArQQRfJIdcRMR1f4EKNK6KXmW4v1z_j7fjHdQS3a3CoQDLmhT88g7IrFSjTM546hYq2lMMKbcY82rx55OClcNeb"><strong>which you can participate in here</strong></a>.</p>
<div id="ixj7Ty"><a href="https://thetilehurstend.podbean.com/mf/play/tagxe7/Episode_152.mp3">Download this episode (right click and save)</a></div>
<h4 id="xykGOY">Show Order:</h4>
<p id="ICxJMI"><strong>Burton & Millwall Recap</strong> - 01:20</p>
<p id="30FH4o"><strong>Newsbites</strong> - 16:14</p>
<p id="rwFE7l"><strong>Mailbag</strong> - 24:10</p>
<p id="5I2DjP"><strong>Boro Preview</strong> - 28:09</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/2/5/16976002/reading-fc-podcast-tilehurst-end-stam-152Marc MayoBucksRoyal2018-02-05T11:23:23+00:002018-02-05T11:23:23+00:005 Things: Millwall (Home)
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<img alt="Millwall v Reading - Sky Bet Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZmA29GADucGqI5lcvYM15J9qeVE=/0x0:3656x2437/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58573653/854568364.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Kieran Galvin/NurPhoto via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>5 things to take away from a terrible home display</p> <h2 id="Ab8uae">
<strong>One</strong><strong> shot on target </strong>
</h2>
<p id="JplO15">As I am sure fans will be used to seeing by now, Reading gave another measly return on their attacks in the form of just the singular shot on target in the 2-0 loss against Millwall. Stam persisted with two strikers up front after the important win over Burton Albion and while Modou Barrow looked lively in spells, the Royals only managed the one shot on the Millwall goal. A stat which summed up a lacklustre performance from a team which is dreadfully lacking in confidence and belief.</p>
<h2 id="6EKMmP"><strong>Terrible home record</strong></h2>
<p id="Njfy5o">An even more depressing statistic for Reading fans to read will be that the Royals have not won a home fixture which has taken place on the weekend since 29th April last season! With all of their home wins since coming in midweek fixtures. Now in February that makes it nearly ten months since the Madejski stadium has seen its home side earn the full three points on a weekend which is as remarkable as it is damning. When Reading were promoted to the Premier League the previous two times, the Madejski was something of a fortress for them and if they are to turn around the slump they are in then improving their home form would be an important step to take.</p>
<h2 id="5ryQdI"><strong>Tommy Elphick</strong></h2>
<p id="C476Ix">Recent loan signing from <a href="https://7500toholte.sbnation.com/">Aston Villa</a> Tommy Elphick made his Royals debut as a second-half substitute in the previous fixture and the former Bournemouth captain made his first start against Millwall. The centre-back once again impressed as part of a back three alongside Liam Moore but saw his day unfortunately cut short by what looked like a knee injury. Him going off marked the beginning of the end for Reading in the match.</p>
<h2 id="AQg6PQ"><strong>Tyler Blackett</strong></h2>
<p id="J8TGoZ">With captain Paul McShane also sidelined by yet another injury, Stam opted to call upon the services of Tyler Blackett to replace Elphick in order to keep the three centre-back formation rather than switching to a traditional back four. This turned out to be a terrible decision as Blackett made a number of errors including one leading to the second Millwall goal. Despite having come on as a substitute, Blackett was himself substituted off in the 75th minute in a move which prompted loud boos from the Reading fans who were clearly unhappy with the former Manchester United mans performance.</p>
<h2 id="zLCN9N">
<strong>Relegation </strong><strong>battle</strong> </h2>
<p id="GTc4R5">It was well known that the previous fixture against bottom side Burton Albion was must-win for Reading but so was this fixture. As much as many fans like to think that there are three worse teams than Reading (and hopefully there will be come the end of the season) but at the moment the list of teams that are playing worse than Reading is getting shorter and shorter. </p>
<p id="Q72Qyl">Millwall are four places and six points above Reading and may still be dragged into a relegation scrap and it is teams like them, teams around Reading that the Royals cannot afford to lose to or they may well end up as one of the three worst teams in the league. Three of Reading’s next four fixtures are against promotion contenders and so will only naturally be more difficult which makes picking up points against teams like Millwall all the more important. Relegation becomes a more real prospect each week it seems.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/2/5/16971702/5-things-millwall-home-reading-fc-royalsMatthew Cooper2018-02-04T12:40:27+00:002018-02-04T12:40:27+00:00Stam On Millwall Defeat And His Future
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<img alt="2018 FA Cup Football 3rd Round Replay Reading v Stevenage Jan 16th" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YW5vy7ZG-CFEU7nTcSBZWnmCWBc=/0x128:4749x3294/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58565997/905755886.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Simon West /Action Plus via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The manager discussed a fourth successive home loss, Tyler Blackett’s performance and his own position as manager. </p> <p id="IBthUo">Our run of not winning at the Madejski Stadium on a Saturday this season has continued after a 2-0 defeat against Millwall.</p>
<p id="q4DUX7">It was another extremely disappointing performance from the Royals, who had just one shot on target. Leandro Bacuna deflected in a Mahion Romeo cross for Millwall to score their first, and then three minutes later they made it two through Lee Gregory. This was our fourth home defeat in a row. </p>
<p id="3irYLo">Jaap Stam definitely had some tough questions to answer after the game, firstly telling the <a href="https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2018/february/stam-post-millwall/">official club website</a>: </p>
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<p id="apufw5">“It wasn’t the easiest of first halves - they can play well in possession and also with the presence they have up front, winning balls in the air.</p>
<p id="uHzU8L">“We asked for the same commitment as they showed at Burton on Tuesday night and we knew Millwall would want to press a bit higher up so we wanted to use the space in behind a bit more than on Tuesday.</p>
<p id="pbKyuR">“But we also played a lot more direct than we have in previous games - with Yann and Jon Dadi close together up front and Mo around them. But then you have to win your headers, compete for the second balls and play from those second balls to go forward. And, as you saw, it’s still difficult for us to play in that way.</p>
<p id="ZSOUZA">“So at the back you need to get stuck in there to keep that clean sheet. And, at half-time, we went in at 0-0 and we talked about what we could do, what we could change. </p>
<p id="UIDyiP">“In the second half we started well and created more opportunities by playing the ball.</p>
<p id="SikAiv">“We spoke about getting Mo on the ball and into one v one situations and we were a threat going forward through Mo, making a couple of opportunities in front of goal through Mo where we could have scored.</p>
<p id="d81exg">“But then you need to find a player in the box to finish it, which in a crowd is not easy. And we couldn’t do that well enough.</p>
<p id="Y6wwJw">“And we didn’t score the goal we needed and instead concede a goal from a deflection... and you’re 1-0 down.</p>
<p id="I82KeU">“At that stage you have to try to get back into the game, but we lost the ball for the second goal and then it’s practically over.</p>
<p id="Mkdwmn">“You’re doing well, getting forward, hoping to score the first goal, but they score that first goal. And it’s a big disappointment.</p>
<p id="oJcqxK">“As coaching staff, you’re showing the players what you want them to do and have to hope the players can translate it on the pitch. But sometimes the players have to make their own decisions out there too.</p>
<p id="WQAMFF">“And we’ll keep working hard, believing in what we can do, we’ll change things during a clear week in training, as we have done all season in trying to find a way to get into that winning streak.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="3nNEK9">Tyler Blackett had his most difficult afternoon in a Reading shirt after he came on in the first half when Tommy Elphick came off injured. There was plenty of frustration around the stadium, but he definitely did not deserve the reception that he got. He was substituted late in the second half Stam told <a href="https://www.inyourarea.co.uk/news/stam-on-losing-to-millwall-taking-blackett-off-and-elphick-injury/">GetReading</a>: </p>
<blockquote>
<p id="CZ6YkB">“It was because of a tactical reason because normally we play with three at the back against the two strikers.</p>
<p id="UYujZq">“Then we wanted to bring Jon Dadi Bodvarsson up front with Chris Martin and have Garath McCleary and Mo Barrow on the wings.</p>
<p id="PqDKYB">“That meant we had to play one v one at the back and we had to take somebody off.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="enPNzU">Stam also had lots to say on his future on <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p05v9mqq">BBC Radio Berkshire</a> after the game: </p>
<blockquote>
<p id="AC089r">“It is how it is. We all know how it goes. If you want to have an answer you have to ask upstairs.. </p>
<p id="NEwevo">“You’re always looking at yourself and what you’re trying to do and the players and how they respond to you and what they need to do. We talk to the team, they talk between themselves. The confidence is still there. From what I've heard, the board and the owners, they want to play football from the back. They want to play in a certain way.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="Gm1qWC">Next up for the Royals is Middlesbrough on Saturday afternoon at the Riverside. </p>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/2/4/16969914/jaap-stam-on-defeat-and-his-future-reading-fc-0-2-millwall-efl-championshipsophierfc102018-02-04T12:15:55+00:002018-02-04T12:15:55+00:00Reading FC 0-2 Millwall: Player Ratings
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<img alt="2017 EFL Championship Reading v Bristol City Sep 9th" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9zsRhgBrou92g5YkY4uS6FKnJZo=/0x0:3500x2333/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58565969/844892150.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Simon West/Action Plus via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>How did the players do on Saturday?</p> <h3 id="hz4N5Z"><strong>Vito Mannone: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="gML11d">Not helped by some suspect back-passes and sloppy defending, Mannone occasionally had to bail his own defence out of trouble a few times. Helpless for the first goal and stranded for the second, I won’t blame him for either. </p>
<h3 id="TYokJm">
<span><strong>Chris Gunter</strong></span><strong>: 5</strong>
</h3>
<p id="8lgvC8">Steady but nothing spectacular, got forward down the right better than Bacuna did down the left. </p>
<h3 id="G12ULC"><strong>Liam Moore: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="2qSydg">Seemed quieter and less physically imposing than usual, but mostly steady enough. </p>
<h3 id="to4imu"><strong>Tommy Elphick: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="tfgRRo">After an awful first pass in his home debut, he settled quickly, looking composed on the ball and strong in the tackle. Desperately unfortunate to go off injured after half an hour, but those 30 minutes were very encouraging. </p>
<h3 id="R1xcSk"><strong>Tiago Ilori: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="Wz1EOF">Inconsistent in his distribution, Ilori was both guilty of some naive passes that put his own team under pressure and some impressive Hollywood-esque ball control. Too indecisive for Millwall’s second. </p>
<h3 id="x78PTk"><strong>Leandro Bacuna: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="yKaKTB">Unlucky to see Romeo’s shot deflect off him past Mannone, which would go down as an own goal. Started at left wing back where he was ok, but struggled to get into the game. Needed to offer Reading energy and width going forwards, but didn’t. </p>
<p id="ow9d31">A few sloppy passes, including one that put Mannone under a lot of pressure in the first half. For me, he looks more comfortable when playing in the middle. </p>
<h3 id="Eulrvy"><strong>Dave Edwards and Joey van den Berg: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="xaysFq">Both were so uninvolved in the game that I might aswell grade them as one. Nothing catastrophically bad, but Reading needed presence in the midfield, movement and creativity. Granted, Edwards and van den Berg aren’t best-suited for some of those things, but in a tough game I expected more from two of our more experienced players. </p>
<h3 id="VWCcbL"><strong>Modou Barrow: 7</strong></h3>
<p id="45zyAT">The only Reading player who looked likely to create anything. Looked particularly sharp at the start of the second half, and got in behind Millwall a few times with some dazzling runs. Lacked end product though. </p>
<h3 id="AlT3Bu"><strong>Yann Kermorgant: 5</strong></h3>
<p id="fpx4bH">Looked so off the pace on Saturday, lacking his usual physical presence and composure. </p>
<h3 id="0LBaol"><strong>Jon Dadi Bodvarsson: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="WbM8Ei">Not influential enough in the final third, but gave Reading a good option with his strong runs down the channels. Let down by a lack of creativity coming his way.</p>
<h2 id="Az3GF0"><strong>Subs:</strong></h2>
<h3 id="BykVug"><strong>Tyler Blackett: 4</strong></h3>
<p id="eOvKUD">One of those when a player is so unconfident that everything seems to go wrong. Gave the ball away unnecessarily a few times, including in the build-up to Millwall’s second. In terms of pure ability, I don’t think he’s that bad, but his confidence problems are so much worse than others that he sometimes just goes to pieces. </p>
<h3 id="I4RjOR"><strong>Chris Martin: 6</strong></h3>
<p id="vNFd22">Not hugely involved, but clearly looked a level above the rest of the team in terms of both confidence and ability. Clever link-up play on the edge of the area to bring Edwards/Joey into action, and a delightful dummy both stood out. </p>
<p id="C6ghWB"><em>Who was your man of the match? Vote in our poll - can’t see it? </em><a href="http://www.poll-maker.com/poll3677x73ef45bB-53"><em>Here’s the link</em></a><em>.</em><em><strong> </strong></em></p>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/2/4/16968300/reading-fc-0-2-millwall-player-ratings-royals-lions-madejski-stadiumBucksRoyal2018-02-03T09:36:01+00:002018-02-03T09:36:01+00:00The Tilehurst End Prediction League 17/18: Matchday 30
<figure>
<img alt="Millwall v Wolverhampton Wanderers - Sky Bet Championship - The New Den" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/swM9xltxlDoIeKOZ_gqI4lJsuOg=/0x51:2407x1656/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58551231/898746464.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Chris Radburn/PA Images via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Do you think Tuesday night’s win can inspire Reading to pick up victory against Millwall?</p> <p id="xkEZPL">After nearly two months, Reading finally registered a league win on Tuesday night by beating Burton Albion 3-1. It was good to see that not the whole fanbase had lost hope, with six correct predictions for the Royals to take all three points home from the Pirelli Stadium. Although no one got the scoreline spot on, there were also two right guesses of Jon Dadi Bodvarsson to score the game’s first goal. The updated leaderboard is below.</p>
<p id="qC6RF6">This weekend, Jaap Stam’s side host Millwall, who have lost just once in their last six matches. <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 1-0 win to Reading, with Chris Martin being the first goalscorer.</p>
<p id="gHlptN">Good luck!</p>
<h4 id="M66oit">The current leaderboard:</h4>
<h2 id="6Xtojq">23 points</h2>
<p id="vsaTLx">ShiplakeAl</p>
<h2 id="UMgFya">19 points</h2>
<p id="56jXsj">Olly</p>
<h2 id="EGrekG">18 points</h2>
<p id="jNfvOd">Fylde coast royal</p>
<h2 id="bB2yhr">14 points</h2>
<p id="oYAgGF">JackRonan<br>EthanRFC_</p>
<h2 id="uBnJ2R">11 points</h2>
<p id="CALppB">Illinois_royal<br>Glorygerbil</p>
<h2 id="oAEKXF">10 points</h2>
<p id="WHieFF">RiskAverse<br>Brum Royal</p>
<h2 id="8ebTTf">9 points</h2>
<p id="aTUbCv">Risk_Taker<br>MickeyTaker<br>KildareRoyal</p>
<h2 id="BvJhYl">8 points</h2>
<p id="69mirI">Osborns scoop<br>Pete1964</p>
<h2 id="syUxmj">7 points</h2>
<p id="CFMnIo">1.fcl<br>Will Jones<br>The inspector</p>
<h2 id="CoUVB2">6 points</h2>
<p id="J0yyFU">Bacuzzi’s Boys</p>
<h2 id="oyzrsK">4 points</h2>
<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/2018/2/3/16965296/prediction-league-17-18-matchday-30-reading-fc-vs-millwall-efl-championshipOlly_Allen2018-02-03T09:00:01+00:002018-02-03T09:00:01+00:00Scouting Report: Millwall (H)
<figure>
<img alt="Millwall v Rochdale AFC - The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Wu5M1OPgq0c1ixg7SbOH18bGFIo=/0x0:3500x2333/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58552415/911144938.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Kieran Galvin/NurPhoto via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Can Reading make it two wins from two? Jack Simpson gives the lowdown on the Lions. </p> <h2 id="6mK8t9"><strong>The manager </strong></h2>
<p id="jBkRhN">Millwall’s current boss is Neil Harris. The 40 year-old has been at the helm since being appointed the clubs’manager in April 2015 following the sacking of Ian Holloway. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Millwall v Middlesbrough - Sky Bet Championship" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cCEzLUNdC6Phr1CDO6_bPyvuX5s=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/10139967/893926598.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="qXPJtP">Harris has a big connection with the Millwall fans having had two spells as a player between 1998-2005 and then from 2007-2011. He scored 138 goals in 432 appearances for Millwall during his time in South East London, overturning a goal-scoring record that was previously held by Teddy Sheringham (111). </p>
<h2 id="BZatBq"><strong>Managerial history</strong></h2>
<p id="LeNC7g">Like Jaap Stam, Harris is in his first job as a football manager. He has so far managed 139 games for the Lions winning 67, drawing 32 and losing 40 giving him a win rate of 48 per cent.</p>
<p id="Av4oTa">His biggest achievement to date as Millwall manager came at the end of last season, when the Lions defeated Bradford 1-0 to win the League One play-off final at Wembley and earn promotion to the Championship for the first time in three years. </p>
<h2 id="v0oPJQ"><strong>Style of play/formation </strong></h2>
<p id="H15ydx">In terms of his style of play, Harris likes to play attacking football whilst being solid at the back. The former <a href="https://www.inthetopone.com/">Nottingham Forest</a> player likes to line up using a 4-4-2 formation with two banks of four. </p>
<p id="qLpHTb">This then allows the ball to be shifted up to the strikers with a quick tempo in an attempt to catch the opposition out.</p>
<h2 id="I6QjDh"><strong>Top goalscorer</strong></h2>
<p id="4UV6lh">Millwall’s current leading goalscorer is George Saville who has scored seven goals in 29 appearances, which for a central midfielder is quite impressive. By comparison the only central midfielder for Reading who gets close to that is Dave Edwards who has three goals in 20 Championship appearances. </p>
<p id="iI1JMj">Furthermore, the former Brentford man has an average of 2.1 shots per game, only Jed Wallace (2.4) has averaged more. This means the likes of Liam Moore and Tommy Elphick will need to be at their best in order to stop Saville from getting shots away on goal. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Millwall v Sheffield Uinted - Sky Bet Championship" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6CKAOIEbNKJ4UAdUJqAPZ2yTSUs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/10140045/884546202.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Kieran Galvin/NurPhoto via Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<h2 id="wcPmEa"><strong>Club captain and current longest serving player</strong></h2>
<p id="ESAnSi">The Lions’ current captain is Shaun Hutchinson who has been at the club since joining from <a href="https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/">Fulham</a> on a free transfer in July 2016. Following the departure of former captain Tony Craig to Bristol Rovers in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/transfer-rumors">January transfer window</a>, Hutchinson was appointed club captain. </p>
<p id="5GAFD1">On the other hand the Millwall’s current longest serving player is Shaun Williams who has been at New Den since January 2014. The defensive midfielder has played 178 times for the Lions and was part of the side that won the League One play-off final last season. </p>
<h2 id="904iPA"><strong>Played for both </strong></h2>
<p id="fEWfkS">Jake Cooper played 54 times for the Royals having successfully graduated from the club’s academy. On his full league debut for the Royals, Cooper scored twice as Reading beat Norwich 2-1 at Carrow Road. </p>
<p id="J5JSy6">However, following the appointment of Jaap Stam as manager in June 2016 the Dutchman deemed the centre back surplus to requirements. In January 2017 Cooper was sent out on loan to Millwall, a move which would become permanent in July 2017 following the Lions’ promotion to the Championship </p>
<div id="6lcdtN"><div data-anthem-component="imageslider:875972"></div></div>
<h2 id="R6uSKB">
<strong>Key man to watch</strong> </h2>
<p id="8erLZh">The one player that Reading fans should keep an eye out the most is Jed Wallace. Playing on the right side of midfield, Wallace has an average of 2.4 shots per game, which means that the Reading defence will need to make sure they don't let Wallace cut inside and stop the 24 year-old from unleashing efforts on Vito Mannone’s goal. </p>
<p id="vaZKqA">Furthermore, Wallace is also the type of player that tends to track back and help his team out. The Lions man gets in an average 1.8 tackles per game which is the fourth best in the Millwall team, suggesting that he isn’t afraid to stick his foot out when needed.</p>
<p id="Sp5DVL">With the five goals and six assists this season, expect the 24-year-old to be a threat in both halves of the pitch. </p>
<div id="hHiydW"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/v22MsdRoTWo?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="j38WJb"><strong>Likely line-up </strong></h2>
<p id="q9Vdo4">Neil Harris may opt to stick with the same side that drew 0-0 with Derby last time out. However, the Lions boss may alternatively choose to give debuts to new signings Jason Shackell and <span>Ben Marshall</span>. </p>
<p id="fQ2sfz">Here’s how Millwall could line up (4-4-2). </p>
<p id="ynMM3P"><em>Jordan Archer; Conor McLaughlin, Shaun Hutchinson, Jason Shackell, James Meredith; Jed Wallace, George Williams, Shaun Williams, Ben Marshal</em><em>l</em><em>; Lee Gregory, Tom Elliott </em></p>
<div id="bz6Yjv"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/z2HDFtB4yDY?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
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https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/2/3/16961590/scouting-report-reading-millwall-lions-madejski-stadium-sky-bet-championship-neil-harris-jaap-stamjacks19962018-02-02T08:00:02+00:002018-02-02T08:00:02+00:00View From The Town End: Millwall
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<img alt="Millwall v Derby County - Sky Bet Championship - The Den" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fIEHz5KB15KPisFZ6UkhQ99LjcU=/0x0:3618x2412/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58538649/912370050.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by John Walton/PA Images via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>What does Saturday’s game hold in store for Reading?</p> <p id="f5UQKM"><em>Thanks to Millwall fan Mark Dillon for taking the time out to answer our questions about Neil Harris’ side. </em></p>
<h2 id="2Gw4fJ"><strong>How’s the season gone for Millwall so far? </strong></h2>
<p id="pdvbxu">Overall our season has been very positive. We started well even if that wasn’t reflected in results and haven’t look out of our depth against too many sides. Strangely enough the game against you was the worst we’d played up until that point but we managed to get a result and have gone from there. </p>
<h2 id="Z3COPp"><strong>Tim Cahill returned to the club this week - how do the fans feel about that, and what will he bring to the team?</strong></h2>
<p id="e30i8N">Cahill returning is obviously a huge boost for the fans and the excitement amongst supporters is clear. He got a huge ovation when presented on Tuesday. From a playing side I just hope people remember he’s 38 and hasn’t played regular first team football for months. </p>
<p id="oKVAtO">I’m not sure we’ll see too many 90 minute performances of a level from the first time he was here but as an option off the bench and around the club with that much experience and talent he should be excellent to have. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Manchester United v Millwall" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PDVsLAHYhDVTd88EqNfSS8TbgAg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/10138651/50886527.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<h2 id="Pncb5P"><strong>How has former Royal Jake Cooper looked for you so far this season?</strong></h2>
<p id="QEjhkU">Jake has been slightly up and down, which you’d expect from a young centre back, but there’s clearly a player in there. In recent weeks he’s built a good solid partnership with Hutchinson since Byron Webster’s injury and he progresses with each match. Again, at this stage we can’t ask for much more and he looked particularly assured on Tuesday night against one of the best sides in the division.</p>
<h2 id="OSTDvB"><strong>Who the dangerman that Reading fans should be wary of on Saturday?</strong></h2>
<p id="I1LrIr">We’ve spread the goals around this season which is either due to no need for a focal point or because we don’t have a forward capable of the finishing required at this level depending on who you ask. Morison and Gregory have both found it hard going, but Wallace and especially Saville have chipped in with goals from midfield to help cover that deficiency. </p>
<h2 id="S5EJ5P"><strong>How do you see the game going, and what will the score be? </strong></h2>
<p id="vCGVhH">Our poor form away from home certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed this season, with the thriller at Leeds a couple of weeks ago being our first win on the road, even during that we managed to let a two goal lead slip against 10 men. </p>
<p id="6vSGJ3">We’re building a good solid unit though and we’ve sold pretty much all our allocation having requested a second batch so should be in good voice. Another draw to keep putting points on the table would do, especially as we likely have one eye on the Rochdale replay next Tuesday potentially lining up a home draw v Spurs and then the visit of Cardiff for the Friday night Sky game. </p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/2/2/16960964/view-from-the-town-end-millwall-reading-fc-royals-lions-efl-championshipThe Tilehurst End Guest Writer2018-02-01T12:57:39+00:002018-02-01T12:57:39+00:00The Tilehurst End Podcast Extra With The Wokingham Paper - February 1
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xvbQ0E4N1xWxsp4k6_0HeZUNmEI=/0x180:1080x900/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58531997/Tilehurst_End___PE___17_18.0.jpg" />
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<p>It’s a bumper Podcast Extra this week, with Reading’s transfer dealings, the win at Burton and the upcoming game with Millwall all on the agenda. </p> <p id="N2RMCd">There was plenty for Olly and Tom to discuss on this week’s Podcast Extra, with much of the chat focused on a busy last few days in the transfer window for Reading. The pair recap the window as a whole, praise a long awaited league win for the Royals and also look ahead to this weekend’s clash with Millwall. </p>
<div id="nojqSp"><iframe src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/k5qga-8632d0?from=yiiadmin&skin=3&btn-skin=101&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&auto=0&download=0&rtl=0" height="100" width="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player"></iframe></div>
<p id="ORoCo6">You can follow Tom on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/TomJCrocker"><strong>@TomJCrocker</strong></a> and catch up with his views over at <a href="https://www.wokinghampaper.com/"><strong>The Wokingham Paper</strong></a></p>
<p id="Mnx0AI">If you’d like to help support the show financially please visit <a href="http://www.patreon.com/thetilehurstend"><strong>http://www.patreon.com/thetilehurstend </strong></a>for more information. Or if you’d like to make a one-off donation, drop us an email to thetilehurstend@gmail.com.</p>
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<p id="cU2E4L">Our logo comes via the same very talented bloke who put together the Jaap Stam Batman video, and appears on this show! Mr Ben Greenwood, you can check him out on twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/benjaminGfilms"><strong>@benjamingfilms</strong></a>If you’d like to help support the show financially please visit <a href="http://www.patreon.com/thetilehurstend"><strong>http://www.patreon.com/thetilehurstend </strong></a>for more information. Or if you’d like to make a one-off donation, drop us an email to thetilehurstend@gmail.com.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2018/2/1/16959092/the-tilehurst-end-podcast-extra-with-the-wokingham-paper-february-1-reading-fc-jaap-stam-newsOlly_Allen