LATEST NEWS ON 'The Royals'
May 2008
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  • 20th May 2008 - Coppell Stays

    • Steve Coppell has taken a pay-cut of about £500,000 after he agreed to stay as Reading manager despite his team's relegation on the last day of the Barclays Premier League season. Coppell, who earned about £1.2million last season, has followed in the footsteps of his players, whose salaries are expected to be roughly cut in half.

    Coppell, who is on holiday in Thailand, had been considering his options but decided to see out the final year of his contract because he did not want to be remembered as the manager who walked out after relegation. He was encouraged by the groundswell of support from fans and made his decision during a meeting at the house of John Madejski, the chairman, last week.

    "I really wanted the opportunity to put it right," Coppell said. "When I do finish, I want it to be on a better note than relegation, which I accept the responsibility for. I have been fairly overwhelmed by the supporters' reaction because players will tell you what you want to hear and not slag you off if you are to remain."

    Coppell said that he offered to step down when the club lost eight consecutive matches in February, a run that he said proved crucial for their final position. "Six months ago, if I knew we would be relegated, I would have said the club need someone fresh," he said.

    While Coppell is confident about the team's chances next season, Madejski said that he expects Reading to return to the top flight at the first time of asking. "Steve has had unprecedented success as a manager here so why would I want to get rid of him?" Madejski said. "I don't think sacking people is a good idea. He has in his mind's eye that he would leave but he wants to stay and put it right. He is an intellectual, a schoolmaster and so enthusiastic. You get total integrity and honesty with him."

  • 20th May 2008 - Ticket Prices Slashed

    • Reading have announced a reduction of almost 25% for most ticket prices next season following relegation from the Premier League.

    The vast majority of adult season tickets have been reduced by £120 and, of course, also includes four more games in the Championship. Season ticket renewal prices are as follows:

    Lower West, East and North Stands:
    Adult £425
    65 and over £270
    17-21 £270
    16 and under £150

    Upper West:
    Adult £475
    65 and over £300
    17-21 £300
    16 and under £170

  • 16th May 2008 - Full Tour Details

    • Details of the pre-season tour to Sweden have now been announced. The Royals will play FC Trollhattan on Thursday 24th July (7pm), Lerkils IF on Saturday 26th July (3pm) and Halmstads BK on Tuesday 29th July (7pm).

    Thursday 24th July v FC Trollhattan:

    Club details:
    Ground:- Edsborgs Idrottsplats
    Address:- Tunhemsvägen 461 39 Trollhättan
    Trollhättan is approximately 78km North of Gothenburg, 103km North of Kungsbacka.
    Telephone:- 0520-47 20 70
    Internet:- www.fct.nu
    Email:- kansli@fct.nu
    Fan Site:- http://blacksupport.blogspot.com/

    How to get there (from Gothenburg):
    Train takes just over an hour and you can get back to Gothenburg the same night. For example,
    Dep Gothenburg 15:05 Arrive Trollhattan 16:10 = 49SEK (approx £4.20)
    Dep Trollhattan 21:30 Arrive Gothenburg 22:45 = 49SEK
    There is a later return train if required, but a bit more expensive at 80SEK (approx £7)

    About FC Trollhattan:
    FC Trollhättan is located in Trollhättan and currently play in Div 1 Södra (3rd tier of Swedish Football). The club was founded in 2001, when the old rivalries Trollhättans IF and Trollhättans FK decided to go together. In their first league match ever, against Ljungskile SK away at Skarsjövallen on April 22, 2002, in Division II (Swedens third league at that moment) they won 1-0 and the historic goal scorer was Michel Berndtsson when he scored the game winner in the 79th minute. In their first ever home game, April 28, 2002, the attandence was 3,083 people against Askims IK, a game that FCT won 1-0. A locale newspaper Trollhättans tidning paid for all the spectators.

    June 6, 2002, the supporter club FCT Black Support is founded.

    On September 26, 2002, FCT defeats Askims IK away with the score of 3-1, that secures the league win, and qualification against Falkenbergs FF awaits for a place in Superettan in a double-meeting. October 12, 2002, the home game against Falkenberg results in a 3-2 win. A week later on October 19, FCT was promoted to Superettan for 86 minutes when Henrik Bertilsson (former Allsvenskan and professional player) headed in the 2-1 goal that promoted Falkenberg instead of FCT.

    At the beginning of the 2004 season, Jonas Olsson takes over as coach and remains at that position until the 2006 season has ended. His successor Lars-Olof Mattsson has coached the Swedish U21 team, Degerfors IF and Ljungskile SK, when they won promotion to Allsvenskan their first, and so far, only time.

    On the Pitch:
    FC Trollhättan are currently top of Div 1 Södra with 10pts from just 4 games played.

    Squad:
    1 Tobias Wennergren
    3 Henric Svensson
    4 Per Nylander
    5 Rikard Nilsson
    6 Darko Matijevic
    7 Per Eriksson (K)
    8 Kim Roger Strand
    9 Fredrik Olsson
    10 Martin Scherdin
    11 Eric Gustafsson
    12 Rickard Johansson
    13 Bilgin Aliosman
    14 Ali Mohammadian
    15 Christian Falck
    16 Petter Digneus
    17 Karl Johansson
    18 Daniel Andersson
    19 Mathias Jansson
    21 Andreas Wiklund
    22 Kemajl Avdiu
    23 David Zeito
    24 Tom Pettersson
    25 Rickard Andersson

    Saturday 26th July v Lerkils IF:

    Club details:
    Ground:- Ledets Idrottsplats
    Address:- 43493 Vallda
    Vallda is approximately 30km South of Gothenburg, 7km West of Kungsbacka.
    Telephone:- 0300-28259
    Internet:- http://www.lerkilif.info.se
    Email:- lerkils.if@telia.com

    How to get there (from Gothenburg):
    You will need to get a train to Kungsbacka and then either a taxi or local bus from there for the 7km to Vallda. There are regular trains between Gothenburg and Kungsbacka (running late into the night) taking approx 25 minutes. Adult fare is 49SEK (approx £4.20) each way.

    About Lerkils IF:
    Lerkils IF play in Div 3 Sydvästra Götaland (5th tier of Wwedish football) and are currently 8th with 7pts from 5 games. Their most recent result was a 0:0 draw at home to IS Halmia.

    Squad:
    No information available

    Saturday 29th July v Halmstads BK:

    Club details:
    Ground:- Örjans vall
    Address:- Box 223, 30106 Halmstad
    Halmstad is approximately 136km South of Gothenburg, 113km South of Kungsbacka.
    Telephone:- 035 - 17 18 80
    Internet:- www.hbk.se
    Email:- info@hbk.se

    How to get there (from Gothenburg):
    Again train takes just over an hour. However, the last train back is 21:00 which may be a push seeing as kick-off is 19:00 so may be best to stay over the night. Plenty of trains back the following day.
    Dep Gothenburg 15:40 Arrive Halmstad 16:55 = 89SEK (approx £7.60)
    Dep Halmstad 21:00 Arrive Gothenburg 22:15 = 89SEK

    About Halmstads BK:
    Halmstads BollKlubb, also called HBK or just Halmstad, is located in Halmstad in the southwest of Sweden. The club, formed 6 March 1914, competes in the highest Swedish league, Allsvenskan, and has won 4 national championship titles and 1 national cup title. The club is known to be successful despite limited resources, being located in a relatively small town. The current manager, Janne Andersson, has been in the club's organization for many seasons as assistent manager and has been manager since 2004.

    The club gained some European recognition in 1995, when they defeated the successful Italian club Parma A.C. 3-0 at Gamla Ullevi (in Gothenburg) in the first of two matches in the in the Cup Winners' Cup. However, their second encounter, in Parma, ended with a crushing 0-4 defeat, eliminating them from the tournament.

    The club has a reputation for bringing forth talented new players, such as Michael Svensson, Petter Hansson and Fredrik Ljungberg.

    On the Pitch:
    In 2007, the club was in the title race until shortly after midseason. Finnish international goalkeeper Magnus Bahne had a severe knee injury during the game against eventual champions IFK Göteborg. The club swiftly brought in Khazakstani keeper David Loria for the rest of the season on a short tearm contract. However, in the remaining seven games the club failed to win a single one, and the season ended in disaster as the team crashed to a staggering 9-0 defeat at the hands of Helsingborgs IF.

    This season they are currently 9th in Allsvenskan with 15pts from 11 games. They recently won 9:0 away to Nyköpings BIS in the Swedish Cup.

    Obscure Fact:
    In 2006 all Swedish clubs in Allsvenskan was given a offer from Aftonbladet to print their match programmes, aside from AIK, Djurgårdens IF and Hammarby IF, who signed a deal with newspaper competitor Expressen. Halmstads BK rejected the offer and chose to print their own match program, making them currently the only club in the top league with their own match programme.

    Squad:
    1. Conny Johansson
    2. Per Johansson
    3. Jesper Westerberg
    4. Tommy Jönsson
    5. Markus Gustafson
    6. Mikael Rosén
    7. Martin Fribrock
    8. Ajsel Kujovic
    9. Emir Kujovic
    10. Magnus Arvidsson
    11. Alexander Prent
    12. Tomas Zvirgzdauskas
    13. Andreas Johansson
    14. Anselmo
    15. Peter Larsson
    16. Tim Sparv
    17. Hjalmar Öhagen
    18. Marcus Olsson
    19. Daniel Johansson
    20. Magnus Bahne
    21. Anel Raskaj
    22. Marcus Sahlman
    23. Emil Jensen
    24. Sebastian Johansson


  • 16th May 2008 - Six Released

    • Reading have today announced that six players will be released: John Oster, Ulises De La Cruz, John Halls, Graham Stack, Adam Bygrave and Aaraon Brown.

    Meanwhile, Glen Little, Michael Duberry, Ben Hamer and Simon Davies have all been offered new deals.

  • 11th May 2008 - The Dream Is Over

    • Reading were relegated from the Barclays Premier League despite a convincing 4-0 victory over Derby at Pride Park. The Royals put in a performance to be proud of as they swept the Rams aside with relative ease. James Harper curled home to hand the Royals a deserved half-time lead before Dave Kitson, Kevin Doyle and Leroy Lita made it a second-half rout. However, their efforts were to prove in vain as Fulham's victory at Portsmouth ensured Steve Coppell's men will join Derby and Birmingham in the second tier next season by virtue of goal difference.

    It was tough on the visitors, who were a class above their opponents throughout. Skipper Graeme Murty, John Oster and Marek Matejovsky were returned for Reading, while David Jones, Emanuel Villa, Mile Sterjovski and Lewin Nyatanga were restored to the relegated Rams' starting line-up. And within five minutes the Royals had a clear chance to take the lead. Matejovsky dispossessed Hossam Ghaly in midfield and sent Lita clean through but the striker got caught in two minds and County goalkeeper Roy Carroll was out swiftly to smother.

    Coppell's side had gone six games without a goal coming into the game and were left to rue another missed opportunity three minutes later when Matejovsky's low drive flashed beyond the far post. It appeared only a matter of time until the deadlock would be broken and the goal duly arrived after 15 minutes. Kitson unselfishly laid the ball off to Harper on the right edge of the area and the Royals midfielder bent a delightful curling effort into the top-left corner.

    Two minutes later the advantage should have been doubled and, not for the first time, Lita was the guilty party. Kitson was again the creator, this time crossing from the left wing for the unmarked England under-21 international in the penalty area, but his sloppy touch enabled the Rams to recover. The Rams, now officially the worst team in Premier League history, certainly lived up to their billing. It was not until the 40th minute that they mustered an effort on the visitors' goal, Marcus Hahnemann down quickly to push Jones' 25-yard drive around the post.

    Considering the sweltering conditions it was no surprise the Royals failed to maintain the high tempo set in the early stages but they rarely looked troubled at the back against a Derby side in need of one more goal to avoid adding the tag of outright lowest scorers in Premier League history to their string of unwanted records. Rams skipper Robbie Savage and Sterjovski were replaced on the resumption by Benny Feilhaber and Marc Edworthy as Jewell attempted to swing the game in his side's favour.

    It almost had the desired impact when American midfielder Feilhaber's header looped inches over the crossbar in the 52nd minute. Yet not for the first time this season County were made to pay for defensive ill-discipline after Villa fouled Murty on the right touchline in the 60th minute. Stephen Hunt squared the resulting free-kick to Nicky Shorey on the edge of the area and Carroll could only palm the left-back's shot out to his left. Unfortunately for him Lita was lurking and he squared the ball to the unmarked Kitson at the back post to leave his strike partner with the simplest of finishes.

    He was swiftly replaced by Doyle and soon the Republic of Ireland international had a goal of his own when he prodded into the bottom-left corner from close range - earning a booking for his celebrations. With the game now well and truly won the visitors were quite happy to hold onto possession as their fans began to dream of a fairytale survival story. However, the celebrations were soon silenced when news filtered through of Fulham taking a late lead at Portsmouth.

    As for County, they have now become only the second team in the history of English football to win just once in an entire league season - the first was Loughborough College 108 seasons ago. They almost gave their supporters a rare reason for cheer when Jones fired narrowly over the crossbar in the closing stages. But it was the Royals who had the final say. Lita grabbed the goal his efforts had deserved in the stoppage time with a diving header at the near post but it was not enough to prevent his side joining County in the Coca-Cola Championship next season.

    Steve Coppell admitted he needed time to consider his future following Reading's relegation from the Barclays Premier League. Fulham's 1-0 win at Portsmouth rendered the Royals' 4-0 success at Derby insignificant as they were condemned to the Coca-Cola Championship along with County and Birmingham. The Cottagers' superior goal difference proved to be the decisive factor after both sides finished the season with 36 points - 25 clear of the rock-bottom Rams.

    And Coppell, who has been in charge at the Madejski Stadium since 2003, failed to confirm he would still be at the helm come the start of next season. "I have got to look at things," he said. "It's too close (after the game) now. I have a huge affection for this club and I want to do what I think is right for this club."

    Despite just two places separating the sides in the final league table, the gulf in class today was marked. Coppell conceded he expected the three points to be enough to keep his side afloat but paid tribute to the recent form of Fulham, who won four of their last five games to complete an unlikely survival bid. "I thought if we had got three points here today it would be enough," he said. "At the end of it all, you have to give huge respect to Roy (Hodgson) and Fulham. We wouldn't have been looking forward to going to Portsmouth today. I don't know how they have played but, whatever, Fulham had to go there and get a result and that was to their credit. The run they have had has been brilliant. Obviously, to say we are bitterly disappointed is a huge understatement. The dressing room is a very sad place at the moment and it's difficult to know what to say to ease their pain. I'm lost for words, there is no comfort in words at the moment. It is a bit of a numb feeling. We have brought some good stuff to the Premier League so it is a shame for it to end that way."

    While Reading at least went down with their heads held high, the same could not be said for dismal Derby, who were second best from the off. Manager Paul Jewell said: "I think it sums up the season, the players are not good enough for the club. The supporters are quite right to say they are not fit to wear the shirt because collectively and individually this season, we haven't been. I'm the manager so I'm part of that group but I know I've got the desire, the fire in my belly and the passion to have a good go at turning it around. Too many of those players haven't, it's as simple as that."

    County have now become only the second team in the history of English football to win just once in an entire league season - the first was Loughborough College 108 seasons ago. They can also add the unwanted record of lowest goals tally to earliest relegation and smallest points total in Premier League history. A furious Jewell added: "You can't believe it really that a team that's fighting for their lives, who are nervous and edgy would come and dominate a game here like they have. But they have, it's a complete embarrassment." Jewell also confirmed the club had accepted a bid for Rob Earnshaw, who was left out of the 16-man squad. He added: "We have had an offer from a club that we have accepted. Whether it happens or not, I don't know but that was the reason Rob was left out of the squad today."



  • 3rd May 2008 - Out Of Our Hands Now

    • Tottenham striker Robbie Keane stepped into the limelight in the absence of Dimitar Berbatov to deepen Reading's fears of relegation from the Barclays Premier League with the only goal of the game at the Madejski Stadium. It is Berbatov who normally enjoys playing Steve Coppell's men, having scored six times against them this season, and the hosts were given a lift when the striker was ruled out of the clash with a groin injury.

    Coppell himself highlighted the threat that Keane also provides, and so it proved as he gave a masterclass in being the roaming striker, his goal in the 16th minute drawing him level with Berbatov on 23 for the season. Reading can take heart from the fact they are playing Derby on the final of the season, although a win at Pride Park cannot be guaranteed given this performance.

    They headed into the weekend a point above the relegation zone and with Emerse Fae and Ibrahima Sonko suspended after they refused to play in a reserve game on Monday. The headline on Coppell's programme notes stated there was a 'need for unity', but they may need more than that heading into the final week of the campaign. It was one-way traffic from kick-off, with Darren Bent getting a couple of early chances to get on the scoresheet, firstly when he headed over from Steed Malbranque's cross from the left flank. Malbranque had an effort himself from the edge of the penalty area after Howard Webb had played an intelligent advantage when Jermaine Jenas' powerful run was halted. Bent was played in on goal in the 10th minute by Malbranque, getting behind Ivar Ingimarsson but seeing his finish saved by Marcus Hahnemann's legs.

    Malbranque made a mess of a backheel from close range as Spurs applied pressure, but they were not made to wait long for their opener. Webb played his part again, instructing advantage when Keane was tripped by Michael Duberry. The Irishman got to his feet and ran towards goal, picking up the ball on the edge of the area and leaving Kevin Doyle and Liam Rosenior on the floor with a dummy. With Hahnemann to beat, he flicked his finish into the far corner.

    Leroy Lita fired wide from a tight angle just after the opener, before Keane took centre stage again. Hahnemann was forced to save a 25-yard free-kick from him, then he weaved his way through the Reading defence before setting up Malbranque to finish, a neat strike incorrectly ruled offside by the assistant referee. Better awareness from Bent when he was sent through would have also presented Keane with a straightforward finish to add to his opener. Just before the break Keane played a sharp one-two on the edge of the area and was beyond the Reading defence again, only for Rosenior to get back just in time to block the finish.

    Malbranque should have wrapped up the points two minutes into the second half. Keane's cross to the far post presented his team-mate with an open goal, but the Frenchman poked into the side-netting. Three minutes later Malbranque scooped the ball over the Reading defence, but Bent looked short on confidence when he was on the end of the move.

    Lita kept working the flanks and Reading started to threaten just before the hour mark. Andre Bikey was found free on the edge of the area, but his shot was deflected over by Didier Zokora. Marek Matejovsky was brought on by Coppell and shot narrowly wide from the edge of the penalty area. Bent also struck a post for the visitors, while Webb turned down a penalty appeal when the ball struck Alan Hutton. In the end only Keane's goal was needed. He was taken off with 13 minutes remaining to a standing ovation. Reading could have snatched a point, but Radek Cerny saved from Dave Kitson and Rosenior.

    Reading boss Steve Coppell has described next weekend's clash against Derby as all-or-nothing in his club's battle against relegation from the Barclays Premier League. Defeat to Tottenham at the Madejski Stadium dropped the hosts in the bottom three with one match left. The game is against Derby but three points are not guaranteed as Reading have not scored in six matches.

    Coppell said: "People remind you all the time that you haven't scored for so long and there is the confidence factor. Now it's win or bust next week, we have to get a result to give ourselves a chance. It doesn't matter who we play we have to win, we've lost the habit of winning football matches."

    Coppell admits he could have done things differently, including investing more in his squad. He explained: "Since the chairman has come here he's built a self-financing club. That ultimately might be our downfall. I didn't spend so much last summer and in January, if it doesn't work it's my fault. The manager always gets the blame, when the team do well the players take the credit, my shoulders are broad enough and I'll take it."

    Spurs head coach Juande Ramos paid tribute to Keane, who took his tally to 23 for the season, level with Dimitar Berbatov. Berbatov was absent with a groin strain and Keane took centre-stage. "He is a magnificent player and we rely on him a lot," said the Spaniard. "His performance today was tremendous. He got the goal and was in a position that made it difficult for Reading. We played a good game, there were a lot of chances and we dominated play and should have finished the game off."



  • 1st May 2008 - Superman In Trouble

    • Reading duo Emerse Fae and Ibrahima Sonko have been fined and suspended by the club after refusing to play for the reserves.

    Club record signing Fae and defender Sonko were selected to play against Tottenham Hotspur reserves on Monday evening. However, the pair informed coaching staff on Sunday that they did not want to play a part in the match, with reports suggesting the duo were reluctant to run the risk of sustaining injuries ahead of games for their respective countries in the summer.

    Manager Coppell has confirmed that Fae and Sonko have been fined - reportedly two weeks' wages - and suspended them from going to the training ground or stadium until further notice. The sanctions are subject to appeal.

    "They have been fined and been suspended, but they have a right to appeal," Coppell told the Evening Post. "As far as I'm concerned it's an internal measure and it will stay with in the club. I want people here who are committed to the club not themselves. I don't care about the long-term as it's all about what happens now. We have two massive games and that is all we're concentrating on. I will re-assess the situation in the summer."

    Ivory Coast midfielder Fae joined in a £2.5million deal from Nantes last summer, while Senegal international Sonko arrived on a free transfer in 2004. But it means that the duo’s season is over and their long-term future at Madejski Stadium is in serious doubt. Both are still under contract at the club, but Coppell may decide he no longer wants them around.

  • 1st May 2008 - Royals Return To Sweden

    • When I emailed the club last week, they told me that they wouldn't be deciding pre-season tour plans until we know which division we will be playing in next season. However, I have just heard that the Royals will be returning to Sweden this year.

    I am informed that we will be playing FC Trollhattans on 24th July. A search of the internet confirms this on their official website at www.fct.nu
    "Det är nu klart med årets stor-match. Premier League-laget Reading kommer till Edsborg i sommar. De möter vårt FCT på Edsborg och vi förväntar oss en rafflande kamp. Boka upp den 24:e Juli redan nu..."

    This roughly translates as the following (using crappy internet translation site):
    The is now clearly with årets grand - game. Award a prize to League - layer Reading shall Edsborg in summer. They am meeting wart FCT on Edsborg and wes expects ourselves a thrilling combat. Reserve up the 24e: A hiding already now.

    Other games rumoured are GAIS and Falkenbergs FF. It seems that they will be based in Kungsbacka again.

    GAIS (based in Gothenberg) play in Allsvenskan (equivalent of Premier League)
    Falkenbergs (about 90km South of Gothenberg) play in Superetten (equivalent of Championship)
    Trollhattans (about 70km North of Gothenberg) play in Div 1 Sodra (equivalent of League One)