The Tilehurst End - Reading 3-3 FulhamReading FC blog run by fans, for fans.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52568/tte_fav.png2012-10-29T09:19:13+00:00http://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/rss/stream/33165752012-10-29T09:19:13+00:002012-10-29T09:19:13+00:00It's good to be an exile
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<p class="p1">The clocks went back Sunday which means all you lucky people in the UK got an extra hour in bed but for us Exiles living in Far-East it means we have to stay up a bit later to catch a game.</p>
<p class="p1">Luckily the Premiership offers early kick-offs on Sunday so it’s not a big deal to catch the early afternoon action. The later 4pm game is on at midnight here, so is a bit tough staying up for that. Last night I watched the Everton v Liverpool cracker, but Chelsea v Man U was just a bit too late. With an early flight in the morning I crashed, hoping to catch the highlights at the airport tomorrow.</p>
<p class="p1">So at the airport this morning I checked in and headed to the lounge and to my pleasant surprise ESPN wasn’t showing action from Stamford Bridge but instead showing full action from Saturday’s game at the Mad Stad. No Torres, Mata or Van Persie but the blue hoops of Reading and goals from Robson-Kanu, McCleary and Berbatov. I joined the action at 1-2 down and witnessed the last ten crazy minutes. What was clear to see on TV, with a few minutes to go, was the energy of the Reading Fans urging the team on, especially once we went 2-3 down. Then at 3-3 our fans were still going for it, urging the boys forward. </p>
<p class="p1">Just as Everton were buoyed by their support to come back against Liverpool yesterday, there's no doubt our fans played a massive part in helping our boys get a point against Fulham. There's no substitute for being at a game but when we are on TV overseas it’s good to see our stadium and fans looking like a Premiership outfit. </p>
<p class="p1">So while reading reports of coin throwing by fans at Stamford Bridge it was good to see some of the positive side of football at the Madejski. On behalf of just a small Exile community I’d like to thank our fans who played a massive part against Fulham, the world is watching Reading FC now and you made a lonely Royal feel proud.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2012/10/29/3570304/its-good-to-be-an-readingfc-exileAidy2012-10-27T19:14:53+01:002012-10-27T19:14:53+01:00Reading 3-3 Fulham - A Winning/Losing/Drawing Draw
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<figcaption>Christopher Lee</figcaption>
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<p>Credit to Reading for twice fighting back to get a point, but even so there's something dreadfully hollow about having to feel positive about a sneaking a point from a game we could, should and needed to win. For 60 minutes Reading once again looked worthy of their place in the Premier League, but the inability of the back four to deal with the movement of Fulham's forwards ultimately led to an eighth game without a win.</p> <p><b><u><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/reading">Reading</a> Prem Watch:</u></b></p>
<p>2006/07 PLD:8 W:4 D:1 L3 PTS 13 - 8th</p>
<p>2007/08 PLD:8 W:2 D:1 L5 PTS 7 - 17th</p>
<p><b>2012/13 PLD:8 W:0 D:4 L:4 PTS: 4 - 18th</b></p>
<p><b>Reading</b>: McCarthy (6); Shorey (6), Gorkss (4), Mariappa (6), Cummings (5); McAnuff (5), Tabb (7) Leigertwood (6), Kebe (5); Roberts (6); Pogrebnyak (5) - Subs: Robson-Kanu (7), McCleary (6), Le Fondre (5)</p>
<p>Giving out player ratings such as the ones above might sound a bit harsh but really, no Reading player stood out today during a game that showcased plenty of heart but dreadfully little quality.</p>
<p>Going into the game there had been plenty of talk about 4-5-1 v 4-4-2 and from a personal perspective I was delighted to see Reading revert back to the 4-4-2. It's a formation that has brought so much success to the club recently and Brian went back to it, with <span>Jay Tabb</span> replacing the injured <span>Jem Karacan</span> and Danny Guthrie dropping out for Jason Roberts to make his first appearance of the season.</p>
<p>Reading started the game well, never pressed too much by an odd Fulham system that saw <span>Dimitar Berbatov</span> given a free role that generally saw the Bulgarian just wander about fairly aimlessly. The Royals could have been ahead in the early stages but <span>Pavel Pogrebnyak</span> couldn't quite steer his short range header past <span>Mark Schwarzer</span>.</p>
<p>The first half was reminiscent of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/">Newcastle</a> game as Reading were first to every ball and didn't give Fulham a moments peace. Their hard work and endeavour was soon rewarded with the opening goal as Leigertwood slammed home from the edge of the area midway through the first half. Thankfully, unlike the Newcastle game, Reading were actually able to calm the game down after the goal and kept Fulham fairly quiet. There were one or two moments when the visitors were allowed to strike from range but that aside, Reading were good value for a 1-0 lead.</p>
<p>Into the second half and Reading once again started well, earning an early free-kick that caused trouble and for the most part looked well on course for those precious first three points.</p>
<p>But then... well it just went wrong.</p>
<p>Fulham boss <span>Martin Jol</span> decided to change things up on the hour, bringing on £10 million pound man <span>Bryan Ruiz</span> and moving Berbatov into a more central striking role. The changes immediately upset the Reading defence and midfield who had been comfortably dealing with lone frontman Rodallega and now had two forwards operating in the gap between the defence and the midfield. Gorkss, Mariappa, Tabb and Leigertwood were suddenly fraught with indecision, opting to just sit back rather than close the strikers down and surprise surprise Ruiz took advantage, putting a great strike into the top of the net from outside the area that McCarthy could do nothing about.</p>
<p>This is the key difference between this league and the Championship. On numerous occasions last season, Reading were happy to let the opposition have the ball 25 yards from goal, safe in the knowledge that there wasn't the talent on the pitch to make much happen when you've got 2 banks of four defending well on the edge of the box. Sadly in this league there are those special talents out there and if you give a £10 million pound man time and space on the edge of the D, he's going to hurt you.</p>
<p>Things soon went from bad to worse as Reading fell behind with about 15 minutes to go. I always tend to listen to BBC Radio Berks while I'm at the game and co-commentator Kevin Dillon was almost screaming at <span>Jimmy Kebe</span> not to leave the area he was guarding at the near post as Fulham lined up to take a corner. Sadly Jimmy just didn't hear him and wandered off, leaving a big space for Baird to attack and score.</p>
<p>Reading threw on Robson-Kanu and Le Fondre to join the recently introduced McCleary as Reading tried to get their way back into it and as they have done so often under Brian McDermott, the substitutions paid off as McCleary got the equaliser.</p>
<p>Suddenly you thought we could go out and get all three, but such optimism was snuffed out in staggering fashion as former Royal Steve Sidwell played a lovely ball through to Berbatov who had the time to get the ball onto his favoured foot and placed it past McCarthy.</p>
<p>Cue half of the Reading crowd leaving but they were premature in their despair as another late free-kick swung in by Shorey was diverted past Schwarzer to give Reading an unlikely point. Roberts then so nearly snatched all three but just couldn't get the contact he needed, 3-3 the final score.</p>
<p>Performance wise and <span>Alex McCarthy</span> couldn't do much with any of the goals. He commanded his area well and his distribution was pretty good.</p>
<p><span>Nicky Shorey</span> and <span>Shaun Cummings</span> both had fairly lacklustre games. Cummings needed to do better for the third while Shorey let himself down with several poor set pieces, his assist for the equaliser see's him just edge out Cummings.</p>
<p><span>Adrian Mariappa</span> was pretty good for most of the game but again let himself down with a bit too much indecision late in the game. His partner <span>Kaspars Gorkss</span> looked poor, woefully off the pace and <span>Alex Pearce</span> must be in with a big chance of a recall because I cannot see for the life of me what Gorkss is bringing to the team right now. That may sound harsh but when you've changed 3/4 of a defence that's leaking goals you have to change the one remaining part that's been a constant throughout all of those leaky performances.</p>
<p>Pearce is out of contract in the summer and can talk to other clubs in just over two months time and I can't imagine he's going to be overly motivated to sign on if he's not being selected for a team that's conceded 11 goals in the five games he hasn't played.</p>
<p>Midfield wise and Jay Tabb put himself about in a fashion we've become accustomed too in the last three years. He gave it all he had and didn't do much wrong, which is why his substitution after the equaliser was slightly baffling. His partner <span>Mikele Leigertwood</span> looked impressive in the first half but faded badly in the second. His goal was top quality though and it's still one of his better games this season.</p>
<p><span>Jobi McAnuff</span> helped create the opening goal but too often failed to make the right pass or find a man with a cross when in a good position. I barely remember him touching the ball once he'd moved into the middle. Jimmy Kebe had one of his poorest games for a while, struggling to beat Riise and again failing to deliver when in good positions. His positioning for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/">Fulham's</a> second was dreadful and it wasn't surprising to see him subbed.</p>
<p>The Pogrebnyak/Roberts partnership up front does have some promise but neither man had an outstanding game today. I thought Roberts was the better of the two and Pog will be gutted not to have stuck away a big chance in front of the Fulham fans early on.</p>
<p>Of the substitutes and <span>Hal Robson-Kanu</span> again played well from the bench, scoring one and setting up another. If only the Welsh international could perform as well from the start! McCleary also played well, and it was nice to see him score his first Premier League goal. Alfie didn't really have any chances to impress.</p>
<p>So what have we learned from all this? Firstly that Reading are still lacking the quality needed to make this a comfortable season of survival. They've shown in patches throughout this season that they can compete in this division but there's certainly not the quality to go and comfortably pick up three points on a regular basis.</p>
<p>With all due respect, Reading should not be having a plan A of Leigertwood/Tabb and a plan B of a tiring Leigertwood/McAnuff as their central midfield options. When Fulham can afford to leave a player of Sidwell's quality on the bench you can see what we're up against. Brian McDermott said that Guthrie was left out of the team because 'he just couldn't get in the 18' but there's more to this than meets the eye because with no other fit central player there's no way you just leave him out a week after he starts at Anfield. Maybe there's still some tension from his Twitter comments or maybe he didn't appreciate being left out of the starting lineup or perhaps he's still not getting 'The Reading Way' but the Guthrie experiment seems to be going very wrong right now. I hope whatever it is that's keeping him out gets resolved because Reading need a player like Guthrie far more than the player needs the club right now.</p>
<p>The defence is also something that still hasn't been sorted properly and as mentioned above, Pearce for Gorkss seems to be a move that should be made sooner rather than later.</p>
<p>Attacking wise and we've probably got the best options on the pitch but maybe a return to Hunt/Roberts might be an experiment worth trying. Beyond that and neither Jobi McAnuff nor Jimmy Kebe should be automatic starters given recent form.</p>
<p>So where do we go from here? Well thankfully we've got 3 games in the next 14 days to try and get into some rhythm and find the winning formula. The result against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/">Arsenal</a> won't really matter but defeat at Loftus Road next week would be a real, real blow.</p>
<p>I'm trying to be positive and I'm delighted at snatching a late point but I can't pretend to be happy when we've blown another lead and made it eight games without a win.</p>
<p>But let us know your thoughts in the comments below, each is very much welcomed and appreciated!</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2012/10/27/3563174/reading-3-3-fulham-a-draw-from-the-jaws-of-defeat-from-the-jaws-of-aWimb2012-10-27T09:14:21+01:002012-10-27T09:14:21+01:00Reading v Fulham Match Thread
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<figcaption>Jamie McDonald</figcaption>
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<p>Mmmmmm the sweet smell of game day! Reading v Fulham is a matter of hours away so if you've got any feelings on the match, please share them here in the comments below.</p> <p>Team wise, I'd expect <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/reading">Reading</a> to move back to 4-4-2 with <span>Jay Tabb</span> a more natural replacement for the injured <span>Jem Karacan</span> than Danny Guthrie. <span>Noel Hunt</span> is fit so could partner Pogrebnyak but Jason Roberts will also be pushing for a first start since April.</p>
<p>Predicted Lineup: McCarthy' Shorey, Gorkss, Mariappa, Cummings; McAnuff, Tabb, Leigertwood, Kebe; Roberts, Pogrebnyak.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2012/10/27/3562176/reading-v-fulham-match-threadWimb2012-10-26T11:47:16+01:002012-10-26T11:47:16+01:00View From The Town End - Fulham
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<p><i>As usual we've sailed the high seas of the world wide web to bring you an opposition outlook on our next game and I'm delighted to say that Kristian Balkin from fellow SB Nation site <a href="http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/" target="_blank">Cottagers Confidential</a> has given us some of his thoughts on tomorrow's game.</i></p>
<p><b><i></i>How have you viewed Fulham's season so far?</b></p>
<p>It's been pretty good by all accounts. Perhaps transfer deadline day was somewhat disappointing - leaving us tremendously short in central midfield but, in truth, we've handled things well and with Dimitar Berbatov leading the line we're certainly not short of class. I think it's still clear, after a dreadful first half at Southampton, that our away form needs to be rectified - you'll be glad to hear - but other than that, it's been a brilliant start to the season. And long may it continue.</p>
<p><b>We managed to swipe Pavel Pogrebnyak from you in the summer but he hasn't quite hit the same heights for Reading so far as he did at Craven Cottage. What were your views of him at Fulham and what's the best way for Reading to get goals from him?</b></p>
<p>It was clear that, after scoring six goals in his opening few games, he was a top footballer but, in spite of that, I personally wasn't disappointed to see him go. This isn't just sour grapes or anything, he's just not the same striker that, perhaps, his record with us suggested. We deployed him, invariably, in the same role in which Bobby Zamora flourished, so, using his physical presence to hold the ball up and deploying him as something of a target man. Perhaps you'd be better doing something like that with him but, then again, I'm not sure if it'd suit your style of play.</p>
<p><b>Fulham's original rise through the leagues was done largely through the investment of one former Harrods owner. Do you feel the club is now fully established for the long term or are there lingering concerns about the long-term future of the club?</b></p>
<p>I would say we're quite content with Mohammed Al Fayed's ownership and what seems most likely is that, after he goes, his son will take over. Obviously, like any club that has relied on investment for success, there is that worry that the money will just dry up and leave you exposed but Al Fayed is different - a foreign investor that has a genuine affection for the club and would hate to see it in the same sort of state it was in when he bought it. So, no, there are no long term worries.</p>
<p><b>What are your best memories of Reading v Fulham?</b></p>
<p>2008. I'm sorry but, there's little more to say than that. It was wonderful for us but it was probably heartbreaking for you.</p>
<p><b>And the worst?</b></p>
<p>I think you did the double over us in the 2006/07 season - though correct me if I'm wrong - and that's never a good thing. And, before that, I don't think we've met you since 1999 and, to be perfectly honest, I was too much of a wee small lad to remember that.</p>
<p><b>Anyone Reading fans should particularly worry about on Saturday?</b></p>
<p>I think you've obviously got to be aware of Berbatov but, aside from the obvious, Alex Kacaniklic is hot property right now after proving, at only 21, that he can cut it on the international stage with Sweden. On the other wing is usually Damien Duff but pressing for his place is new signing Ashkan Dejagah and, if his cameo against Aston Villa is anything to go by, he's going to be a top player for us.</p>
<p><b>Anyone Fulham fans are worried about?</b></p>
<p>Obviously we know what Pogrebnyak can do when he's on song but, aside from him, I like your lad Jimmy Kebe and I've always rated Chris Gunter. Jobi McAnuff is a good, solid midfielder too, who I think can cause us problems.</p>
<p><b>Score prediction.</b></p>
<p>Reading 1-2 Fulham.</p>
<p>Thanks again to Kristian and you can follow the CC guys on Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/CottagersC" target="_blank">@CottagersC</a></p>
<p><i></i></p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2012/10/26/3557910/view-from-the-town-end-fulham-readingfcWimb2012-10-25T07:46:41+01:002012-10-25T07:46:41+01:00Mike Jones To Referee Reading v Fulham
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<p>Chester's <span>Mike Jones</span> will be the man with the whistle on Saturday as <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/">Fulham</a> visit the Madejski Stadium.</p>
<p>His last time in charge of a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/reading">Reading</a> game was over two years ago as he oversaw a drab 0-0 draw between Steve Coppell's Royals and Preston, where no Reading player went into the book. (hardly surprising given how limply we were playing at the time....)</p>
<p>Jones has also taken charge of a Reading fixture against Fulham, officiating a third tier game at Craven Cottage in 1999 when an early Grant Brebner goal was cancelled out by two from Geoff Horsfield and one by Kit Symons.</p>
<p><b>This Season:</b></p>
<p>Games: 8 Yellows: 24 Reds: 0</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2012/10/25/3552542/mike-jones-to-referee-saturdays-gameWimb2012-10-24T14:10:10+01:002012-10-24T14:10:10+01:00Eight & out? Is Reading v Fulham a must win game?
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<figcaption>Ben Hoskins</figcaption>
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<p>Reading skipper Jobi McAnuff has rubbished claims that Saturday's game with Fulham is a must win game saying it's ludicrous to attach such significance to the eighth game of the season. While mathematically he's obviously correct, how have other Premier League teams fared after going winless in their first eight?</p> <p>Since the Premier League switched to 20 teams in 1995 (and denied Reading a promotion place...) there have been eight teams to have gone winless in their first eight games.</p>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="483" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 363pt;">
<colgroup>
<col width="106" style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 3876; width: 80pt;">
<col width="64" style="width: 48pt;">
<col width="51" style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1865; width: 38pt;">
<col width="40" style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1462; width: 30pt;">
<col width="56" style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 2048; width: 42pt;">
<col width="37" style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1353; width: 28pt;">
<col width="53" style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1938; width: 40pt;">
<col width="76" style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 2779; width: 57pt;">
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" class="xl63" width="106" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 80pt;"><b>TEAM</b></td>
<td class="xl63" width="64" style="border-left: none; width: 48pt;"><b>YEAR</b></td>
<td class="xl63" width="51" style="border-left: none; width: 38pt;"><b>GAMES</b></td>
<td class="xl63" width="40" style="border-left: none; width: 30pt;"><b>WON</b></td>
<td class="xl63" width="56" style="border-left: none; width: 42pt;"><b>DRAWN</b></td>
<td class="xl63" width="37" style="border-left: none; width: 28pt;"><b>LOST</b></td>
<td class="xl63" width="53" style="border-left: none; width: 40pt;"><b>POINTS</b></td>
<td class="xl63" width="76" style="border-left: none; width: 57pt;"><b>SURVIVED?</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" class="xl63" style="height: 15.0pt; border-top: none;">TOTTENHAM</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">2008/09</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">8</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">0</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">2</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">6</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">2</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">YES</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" class="xl63" style="height: 15.0pt; border-top: none;">WATFORD</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">2006/07</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">8</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">0</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">4</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">4</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">4</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">NO</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td height="21" class="xl65" style="height: 15.75pt; border-top: none;">NORWICH</td>
<td class="xl65" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">2004/05</td>
<td class="xl65" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">8</td>
<td class="xl65" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">0</td>
<td class="xl65" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">5</td>
<td class="xl65" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">3</td>
<td class="xl65" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">5</td>
<td class="xl65" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">NO</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td height="21" class="xl64" style="height: 15.75pt;">DERBY</td>
<td class="xl64" style="border-left: none;">2000/01</td>
<td class="xl64" style="border-left: none;">8</td>
<td class="xl64" style="border-left: none;">0</td>
<td class="xl64" style="border-left: none;">5</td>
<td class="xl64" style="border-left: none;">3</td>
<td class="xl64" style="border-left: none;">5</td>
<td class="xl64" style="border-left: none;">YES</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" class="xl63" style="height: 15.0pt; border-top: none;">SHEFF WEDS</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">1999/00</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">8</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">0</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">1</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">7</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">1</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">NO</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" class="xl63" style="height: 15.0pt; border-top: none;">SOUTHAMPTON</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">1998/99</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">8</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">0</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">1</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">7</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">1</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">YES</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" class="xl63" style="height: 15.0pt; border-top: none;">BLACKBURN</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">1996/97</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">8</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">0</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">3</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">5</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">3</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">YES</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" class="xl63" style="height: 15.0pt; border-top: none;">MAN CITY</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">1995/96</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">8</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">0</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">1</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">7</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">1</td>
<td class="xl63" style="border-top: none; border-left: none;">NO</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>On the surface Jobi's right because of the eight to start winless in eight, only half have actually gone on to be relegated.</p>
<p>However there's a few factors that have made a big difference for some of those teams, options that either we can't use now, or would represent a dramatic change of direction for the football club.</p>
<p><b><u>A Change Of Manager?</u></b></p>
<p>Of the four survivors, two sacked their manager after those poor starts. In Tottenham's case, Juande Ramos was replaced by Harry Redknapp and the club immediately began to shoot up the table. In Blackburn's case, Ray Harford resigned at the end of October, leaving caretaker Tony Parkes to guide the team to safety.</p>
<p>Southampton kept faith with Dave Jones and survived despite winning just TWO of their first 17 games in the 1998/99 season. That year the Saints would go on to earn 41 points, five clear of the relegation places. Jim Smith also kept Derby up despite one win in the first 15 games of the 2000/01 season.</p>
<p>In the case of the four teams that did drop out of the top division, three kept faith with their manager throughout the season. Two of them kept their jobs after leading their teams up the previous season. Nigel Worthington kept his job after leading Norwich to the title the previous season, as did Aidy Boothroyd who had led his side up through the play-offs in Reading's championship winning season of 2006.</p>
<p>Manchester City boss Alan Ball kept his job at City in 1996 but couldn't save them, while Sheffield Wednesday sacked Danny Wilson and installed Ron Atkinson with just weeks left in the season and went down anyway.</p>
<p>Again there's no clear pattern. Three sackings yielded two survivals, though interestingly both 'positive' sackings occurred early on in the season. Of the remaining five to keep faith throughout a season, three were rewarded with survival but the two to stick and go down were both newly promoted clubs... not such a good sign for Brian McDermott.</p>
<p><b><u>The Transfer Window</u></b></p>
<p>Of those four that have stayed up, just one has managed it since the transfer window system was implemented back in the 2003/04 season and that team was a Tottenham outfit containing the likes of Bale, Modric, Lennon, Bent, Woodgate etc, so I think it's safe to say they had a far stronger squad than Reading posses right now.</p>
<p>The two to go down were both newly promoted sides in Norwich and Watford, again something that's slightly concerning.</p>
<p>Before 2003/04, teams could constantly reinforce their sides, something that we just can't do until at least January, limited our flexibility and placing a greater emphasis on our in-house options right now.</p>
<p>However we can strengthen in January and that window has given plenty of teams the survival boosts they've needed. Look back to our last relegation when Roy Hodgson strengthened with players that got key goals, or the boost Bolton got that same year by adding Matty Taylor and Gary Cahill. The following season Stoke also made a big improvement by adding James Beattie and Mathew Etherington. Further back and Harry Redknapp masterminded a run to safety for Pompey by adding the likes of Pedro Mendes and Benjani. So January could play a very important role.</p>
<p><b><u>At What Point Does It Become Too Late?</u></b></p>
<p>As mentioned we won't cross the point of no return for a long, long while yet. As we've seen, both Southampton and Derby survived despite horrendous starts to the season. In Southampton's case they had just one win from their first 13 games and managed to accumulate 41 points to survive. In Fact Southampton had earned just 3 wins in 22 matches and still stayed up.</p>
<p>Likewise Derby endured a miserable start in the 2000/01 season, not winning any of their first THIRTEEN games and still staying up with 42 points.</p>
<p>On the doom front, Watford had to wait until game 11 and were relegated, as were Norwich who went winless until game 14. Manchester City were doomed with no wins from 11 as were Sheffield Wednesday despite winning their 10th.</p>
<p><b><u>So am I panicking or not?!</u></b></p>
<p>I'd say the evidence suggests you can hold off on the panic front for a little while but the omens certainly aren't overly promising either. No newly promoted side has ever survived after going winless from their first eight games but similarly weak sides such as Southampton and Derby have both proven it's possible to recover from a far worse start.</p>
<p>Sacking the manager won't ensure survival but if you do decide to part with the man in charge, you certainly have more success when you do it early.</p>
<p>To be honest, our chances of survival are going to depend on how we do in games such as Saturday, and then the following games with QPR and Fulham. As analysed in the survival road map, it's how you do against teams in your own mini league that matter more than any one sequence of games.</p>
<p>So while a failure to win on Saturday would be another dent in our survival prospects, it's far from fatal.</p>
https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2012/10/24/3546962/is-fulham-a-must-win-game-for-readingfcWimb