Expect this sooner rather than later. Match report for Doncaster to come, but for now…

Hayden Mullins appears to be the next of cash-strapped Portsmouth’s player to leave in an attempt to save the club from disappearing. The 32 year old midfielder looks set to return to his hometown for the rest of the season, with the option of a free permanent transfer at the end of the season. I’m all for reinforcements to the side at this time of the season, and from the way that Leigertwood and Karacan are playing, it’s unlikely that he’ll push his way into the starting lineup. It does appear to spell the end of Tabb’s time here though.

Brian was coy when asked about the deal, but Pompey boss Michael Appleton confirmed he expected the deal to be completed before the end of the week. He was left out of the team in midweek so it looks like the stage is set. Mullins provides lots of experience and looks like he has some years left in him. Pull one of these out the bag and you’ll be a sure hit, son.

Sorry it’s a bit vague, I don’t know enough about this guy and it’s late. More if (when) it gets confirmed.

URZ.

That, my friends, makes it eight wins on the trot. Eight. 8. So our last eight game form table would like what, I hear you ask? WWWWWWWW. Unbelievable. Oh, and West Ham dropped points again so we’re behind them on goal difference. I don’t want to jinx it, but psssttt – automatic promotion looks hella’ realistic.

I approached Saturday’s game with some cynicism, as I imagine many others did, especially when your team are so precariously teetering on an unbeaten run and face a team with the resources and strength of Leicester. There’s still that little slice of you with that excitement though, and it was that slice that was satisfied with the match.

We stormed out of the blocks and were barely troubled. It was an open game, end to end and the crowd were absolutely pumping for good reason. Leicester were lucky to stay in the game within 10 minutes after Hunt’s parried shot fell to McAnuff, who lobbed it to Leigertwood, whose volley was blocked on the line, before Hunt’s goalbound effort was also off the line. Ridiculous scenes, and it had only just began. After just a quarter of an hour, another Royals attack fell to McAnuff, who laid it back to Leigertwood for an absolute belter into the top corner. It was fucking sweet, and a real contender for goal of the season.

Leicester took the game by the scruff of the neck for the remaining half hour but were relatively harmless. For a team worth £15m it was a pretty limp performance. Beckford and Kennedy were withdrawn for Bamba and Howard at the break which says it all really.

The Foxes turned up the heat early on in the second half, and Nugent, Drinkwater and Peltier all spurned chances. Federici, fresh off winning Player of the Month was rarely tested. Our forte was on the counter, and once Karacan set Roberts free through the middle you’d have bet your house on him scoring. Instead, he was incredulously hauled back by Bamba with no penalty given. It could’ve spoilt the game but Roberts made Leicester pay moments later when he turned in Noel Hunt’s cross. Roberts was then withdrawn to a standing ovation by Simon Church, and it only took Churchie one touch to score, again from great work by Hunt down the wing. A late blip saw Danns grab a consolation but it was an assured performance all round.

Ratings
Federici: 7 – Not a lot to do
Cummings: 7 – A decent showing from our right back in his second game back from injury
Gorkss: 8 – Great performance as usual from our Latvian monster
Pearce: 7 – Caught out a few times but could’ve had a pair of goals at the other end
Harte: 6 – Defensively sound, set pieces were a bit of a flop
Robson-Kanu: 6 – Had an indifferent game. Had one mazy run past 3 defenders but made the wrong final decision
Karacan: 9 – One of Jem’s best games. He’s an engine full of fuel, and made one fantastic through ball. He’s integral
Leigertwood: 8 – Peach of a goal, assured in possession. Shouldn’t have been booked for a decent tackle
McAnuff: 7 – The captain was flitting around all over the pitch and had a hand in two of the goals
Roberts: 8 – Took his goal well, holds up the play, and at 34 still has the pace to prove a genuine threat
Hunt: 7 – His best game for what seems like an age. Two great crosses for the goals, and his partnership with Roberts is excellent.

What
What a week it’s been. Consecutive wins against Millwall last week and Portsmouth midweek have taken us to seven victories on the trot, and just two points behind West Ham in the automatic spot. Oh my word. It’s not going to be an easy weekend though, with Leicester City next on the agenda. They’ve got the squad that should be pushing for promotion. They’re not, but they’ve still got the talent to cause some problems.

Stats
As mentioned above, we’re on a blinding run of 7 matches won, conceding only once. Could that be set to continue against the Foxes? They’ve had an indifferent season, beating Coventry and losing to Bristol City in their last two games. They’ve got the players to make a difference, but have only beaten a team above them once.

Royals Team News
Matt Connolly is out after picking up a knock against Millwall, and with Andy Griffin also sidelined it’s likely Shaun Cummings will come in at right back. Kebe could be back fit, but with Robson-Kanu and McAnuff both impressing on the flanks he could be limited to a bench role for tomorrow. Noel Hunt and Le Fondre will go head to head for the second striking role with Roberts.

Predicted XI
GK: Federici
LB: Harte
CB: Pearce
CB: Gorkss
RB: Cummings
LM: Robson-Kanu
CM: Karacan
CM: Leigertwood
RM: McAnuff
ST: Hunt
ST: Roberts

Leicester Team News
Paul Gallagher is looking to return to the starting lineup, as are Danny Drinkwater and Sol Bamba. Paul Konchesky is is suspended. Once of Berkshire Matt Mills may not play after Nigel Pearson admitted he wasn’t in his plans, and could be loaned out to Leeds.

One To Watch
Jermaine Beckford. Scored goals in the Premiership last season, struggled in the Championship but he’s explosive.

Two wins. The manager’s stayed. Two players off. Five points off the top with a game in hand. All in a week’s work for our boys.

Reading 1-0 Burnley
A week ago on Friday, we faced Burnley on Sky Sports at the Madejski. Fortunately, it was a cracking game for the cameras, with chances flying at either end. Federici once more was outstanding, and has had me stumped for words. I want to write something bad about him, but the guy’s just fucking brilliant. He kept out Charlie Austin and Jay Rodriguez twice, and ensured we kept the slender win. Up the other end Jason Roberts did his thang, scoring a third in four games. He’s yet to score a clean goal though, they’ve all been scuffed, but hey. Jobi and Jimmy ran the wings, and we ran the game out. Fantastic.

McDermott to Wolves
I was so sure that our Brian would stay that I rather confidently claimed on Twitter I’d pass a pint glass around Y26 and drink the pissy contents if he left. Imagine my rather increasing heartrate then when odds were slashed to as low as 2/1 for him come Tuesday night. There were differing reports from across the country’s media, but it was announced on Thursday that Brian had signed a new three-and-a-half year deal, and that the club had been working on this for a few weeks. Contrary to some reports, he hadn’t travelled up to Molineux to speak with Wolves, and cryptically, Brian claimed Anton Zingarevich said something to him which convinced him to stay. Maybe he promised Brian a slice of his wife, we’ll never know. It’s excellent news nevertheless, McDermott’s skills should not be underestimated.

Loaned out
Are our boys Michail Antonio and Mathieu Manset. Antonio has gone to League One challengers Sheffield Wednesday, made his debut in the Steel City Derby and was involved in the winning goal. Good lad. Manset’s loan is slightly different. He’s gone off to Shanghai Shenhua for the rest of the season, to join Nicolas Anelka in attack. Who’d have thunk it? The loaned fee is rumoured to be around £750k, more than we paid to get him from Hereford. Brian has admitted Manny was keen for the move, and I’m happy with it. He won’t get a look in here, and if there’s a possibility for a permanent deal at the end of it, take it and run.

Middlesborough 0-2 Reading
Oh my word. Don’t tell anyone, but automatic promotion isn’t a mere dream anymore. We’re five points off Southampton at the top with a game in hand. Occupation of third position is giddy, but there’s still only 4 points keeping us in the playoffs. However, the game on Saturday epitomised the winning philosophy of the team. We were beaten for possession, and probably chances on target, but Hunt and Harte gave us an invaluable win against a team that also has a decent chance of going up this year. A long corner knocked back by Pearce allowed Hunt to poke the ball into the net early on. Federici once more was fantastic, getting his body behind several long efforts from the ‘Boro players. The game was of a high intensity, and we dug in until Harte had an opportunity from 30 yards which he duly took. 2-0 away was no mean feat, and I just keep thinking of Norwich last year. C’mon boys.

What
What a cracker we have tonight. Our third game in six days against a club in form, and this one’s on Sky baby.

Where
Friday 17 February, 20:00 GMT. Sky Sports 2, 7.30pm.

Stats
A decent Friday night clash, this. We’re on a three match winning streak, having only not won twice in the last ten games. We occupy 6th in the league, four places above Burnley in 10th. They have also only lost twice in ten, but have drawn twice too. Four points outside the playoffs, a win could push them up to 7th, where a win for us tonight would sit us nicely in 3rd. Oh my giddy aunt. Burnley’s last victory at the Madejski was in Steve Coppell’s last game in charge in the playoffs in 2009. We have the second tightest defence in the league having kept three consecutive clean sheets, but Burnley have some decent firepower in their ranks. Rodriguez and Austin have 22 goals between them this season, and Burnley boast an impressive ratio of goals to games.

Royals Team News
Jobi McAnuff is definitely out. He had surgery on a hernia earlier this week, so the captain’s armband will go to Gorkss. Andy Griffin and Shaun Cummings remain injured so Connolly will keep his place at right back. Tomasz Cywka is back in the squad after missing out at Derby due to a gentleman’s agreement. Roberts and Hunt will continue as the strike pairing.

Predicted XI

Burnley Team News
Kieran Trippier could face a late fitness test as he struggles with a back injury. Martin Paterson could return to the frame but Junior Stanislas will certainly miss the match.

One To Watch
Jay Rodriguez. Great striker of the ball, and he buzzes in the box. The centrebacks will have to keep an eye on him.

C’mon URZ, up the Royals!

Sam The Eagle Mick McCarthy has been sacked from Wolves after just 1 win in their last 10 games left them in the relegation zone. The humbling defeat to local rivals West Brom was almost certainly the catalyst. Names such as Steve Bruce, Alan Curbishley and Neil Warnock have been touted around the vacant position, as well as our one and only Brian McDermott. Wait, what?

Jez Moxley has said that whoever takes over the reins at Wolves must have experience. That right there rules out Sir Brian. He’s only recently passed his 100th game in charge here, and why would he move when things are on the up at the club? Money, a promotion push and a love from the fans would surely sway him over the prospect of relegation with a pretty horrible club.

Nevertheless, yesterday Nick Hammond spoke out about the speculation:

“Look at Brian’s record since he became our manager, it is exceptional. We’ve got a great environment here at Reading that works very well. We’re very tight as a group of staff, it’s a method that has been successful for many years now. What that does is allow a manager to work how he wants and in a way that suits him. I think we have seen the benefit of that. The fact is his record is right up there with the best managers in the country, so why wouldn’t he be mentioned in those sort of terms?”

“Brian just wants to concentrate on business here. There are so many games coming up soon that’s all he wants to think about. There will always be talk and speculation when a manager is winning matches in the way Brian is. But we can’t really think too much about that peripheral stuff because our focus is on the games ahead.”

Put to bed. Go for Curbs and leave us alone.

Up the Royals!

Yep, we won both. A big 6 points, no doubt. A big hand to Adam though, he kept us in both games. See below for the full lowdown.

Reading 2-0 Coventry
The Good
Federici was unbeatable. He’s come under criticism from the stands (myself included) before, but he really laid down his marker as one of the best ‘keepers in the division. He made two cracking saves to deny Nimely and McSheffrey in what could have been game changers. His distribution was top too, one of Feds’ best performances in a Reading shirt without a doubt. The squad’s versatility was on show too, with five changes to the starting lineup. Connolly made his debut at right back, Mills slotted in on the left wing, and Kebe, Ledge and Harte returned to first eleven. Mills looked initially uncomfortable in his advanced role, but a couple of decent crosses spared his blushes. Kebe celebrated his return from injury with a cross/shot that went in the corner after a decent backheel from Roberts before Roberts himself bundled in Connolly’s header down. Connolly looked assured at rightback, and have a good understanding with the rest of the team. Church could have made it 3 late on, but in traditional fashion fluffed his lines.

The Bad
No Le Fondre again Brian? Disappointing. I still maintain that Le Fondre running off Jason Roberts would be our most prolific strike pairing. Church made it on, and understandably. Simon’s low on confidence and with a 2-0 win all but assured it’s natural to give him some gametime to get some morale. That having been said, Alfie’s played a bit-part role since his winner at Watford a few weeks ago. With the loan window open, there’s been speculation Church could be loaned out but I can’t see it. Fingers crossed Alf gets some more minutes in the coming games. In terms of the match, Coventry opened us up a fair few times, and Kebe seemed to drop off the radar after his early opener. Not too much cause for concern though.

The Gaffer

“It was a banana skin, but we’ve won the game, which is absolutely the most important thing. Coming into today it was probably on my mind more than normal, many people would have just expected us to win. But I knew we hadn’t played for two weeks. We’re not in the groove yet, we’re doing our best with the circumstances of training at this time of year and we’ll be better for the game – but as I say we have won.”

“That makes it nine wins out of twelve, which is great form. We’re looking forward to the games ahead and finishing the season really, really well. We’re delighted to get the clean sheet and three points.”

Derby 0-1 Reading
The Good
It was a tough one on Valentine’s evening. It was end to end stuff throughout the 90 minutes, and we really ground this one out. Hal Robson-Kanu returned to the frame in place of Mills on the lefthand side and showed his worth with some lovely runs and decent crosses. Federici kept up his impressive form and saved a few comfortable shots. Derby were decent in possession but not too dangerous in attack, where we should have buried at least one of several first half chances. Hunt looked like a man possessed and was involved in several areas for the goal. Kanu moved down the left, Hunt received his pass, turned well, knocked it out to the other wing for Kebe before blasting into the box and getting on the end of his cross for his goal. The defending was fantastic too, and we looked incredibly assured at the back.

The Gaffer

“It’s a fabulous result and we’re delighted with the three points. It’s a really, really good night for us. We just felt we needed one bit of quality to get a goal, and that [assist] is why we were so keen to keep Jimmy Kebe.

“Derby did a good job on Jimmy, but we said at half time we just needed one bit of quality. Jimmy did a really good job for a winger, away from home at both ends of the pitch. It was a terrific header from Noel. He’s got a fantastic leap and he’s been keen to score.”

What
The Sky Blues are the latest visitors to the Madejski. They’ll be looking for their first win in 3, but our boys should prevail against the bottom of the table team. It’s Brian’s 100th game in charge for us, top man.

When?
Saturday 11 February, 1500 GMT

Stats
This might finally be the year where Coventry drop out of the Championship. They’ve been lingering around the relegation zone for the past few seasons but it looks like this year may be their last. They’re yet to win away from home this season, and top scorer Jutkiewicz has moved to Middlesborough. For Reading, we still sit in 8th, just two points off the playoffs. We’ve won 6 of our last eight games too.

Royals Team News
Good news! Both Kebe and Leigertwood have recovered from injuries, and could feature. Joe Mills has also returned to training, though it’s expected that tomorrow will be too soon for the leftback. Matthew Connolly and Tomasz Cywka will hoping for starts.

Predicted XI

Bench: Andersen, Connolly, Gunnarsson, Cywka, Hunt

Coventry Team News
Oliver Norwood could make his loan debut, but Cov will be without Hermann Hreidarsson, Chris Hussey, Nathan Cameron, Cody McDonald, Cyrus Christie and Conor Thomas. Tough times.

One To Watch
Alex Nimely. Another loanee who could give us some grief. Not enough to win the match though, Royals vic for me.

A fair bit’s happened since my last post, here’s the brief details of it all.

The signings arrived
- The revolution began with the arrivals of Jason Roberts on an 18 month deal and Tomasz Cywka on a 6 month deal. Both sensible and fantastic transfers in my humble opinion. Cywka provides another option on the wing and can play in the hole behind the striker, and Roberts brings a wealth of experience, pace and size to the frontline. They also combined well for the 1-0 win over Bristol City.

Deadline day
Rumours were a-strife come the 31st, but the reality was the loan signing of Matthew Connolly from QPR. Again, a fantastic signing from the club. Connolly was at the heart of the QPR defence when they won the title last year, and struck up a fantastic partnership with Kaspars Gorkss. He’s played in the Premiership this season, and can play anywhere along the backline. At the age of 24, what more could we want?

Missed transfers
Brian went on record to tell of failed bids for Craig Mackail-Smith, Keith Andrews and Wayne Bridge. The only one I’m really gutted about was Andrews. I thought he could really do a job for us, he’s a playmaker and goalscorer from central midfield and had handed in a transfer request. He ended up going to West Brom until the end of the season so we could yet see the Irishman in a Reading shirt.

Doncaster away
Was postponed last week due to the adverse weather conditions. That’ll be rescheduled in the near future.

Up the Royals, as ever.

Berkshire bound?

We’ve come into some money so the rumours are flying. Michael Owen, Arshavin and even Pavlyuchenko have been touted. Get a grip people, here’s the more likely…

Karleigh Osborne
As previously discussed, the versatile defender at Brentford looks set to be arriving at the Mad Stad sooner rather than later. The 23 year old is out of contract in the summer, and with the player confirming his interest in stepping up to the second tier, Brentford are willing to sell. Charlton were credited with an interest earlier in the season, but have had their approaches turned down. Brian McDermott admitted his interest on Monday, and a fee of £200k is being earmarked as enough to lure Osborne. He can play at the centre or on the right, is pacy and has a decent header on him.

Sean Morrison
Has returned on loan to League One Huddersfield. Morrison spent some time on loan there at the end of last season, but with the club in great form, was unable to displace their centreback pairing. Lee Clarke saw enough to bring Sean back, however, and fingers crossed he gets some decent minutes this time round. Just 21 years old, Morrison’s time at Reading is far from over, he just needs some more development. I mean, how good was Alex Pearce at 21? Exactly. This also looks set to pave the way for Osborne arriving.

Jason Roberts
Hmm, I know. I’m on the fence about this one. At 33, Roberts may be starting to see the white light at the end of his career tunnel, but he does bring something different to the side. A tall figure, still with a bit of pace, Roberts could be the man to pair up with Le Fondre, holding the ball up whilst the midfield join in the attack. He hasn’t played much this season, which could see part of his loan deal being taken up with getting him back to fitness. I’m happy if it doesn’t happen, happy if it does. Your move Jason.

Tomasz Cywka
If the Polish media can be believed, this is set to go ahead any minute. Following his release from Derby a fortnight ago, the 22 year old was back in his native country searching for a club. The following is a direct quote from Poland Soccer Blog:

“When I was sitting in his office (Slask’s President), my phone rang. I did not pick it up, but later I read my agent’s message and he wrote that Reading submitted an offer for me. I ask the (Slask) President for some time to think everything over and I made few phone calls,” Cywka said. “Finally, I decided that I want to play for Reading, and Slask understood my decision. They even helped me book a flight ticket back to England and drove me to the airport.”

Ominous. He’s a free transfer, which is a plus. He’s young, which is a plus. He’s an attacking midfielder, BIG plus. He was released from Derby after falling out with Nigel Clough, who, to be honest was a fucking arsehole over the whole shebang. Many Derby fans on have criticising Clough for his very public handling of the situation and the overriding view is that Tomasz would make a great signing for any Championship club. Some say he disappears for lots of the game, so in that sense he’s similar to one Matejovsky that used to grace the Mad Stad pitch. But at such a young age and for minimal wages, sign him up McDermott. I’m sure he could use an arm around him.

Billy Sharp
Lot of rumours flying around that this could happen. Sharp rejected a move to Leicester this window, apparently unhappy with not being guaranteed a starting place. Reading could certainly provide him with that, but the move down South may not be so appealing. In any case, would Brian and Hammond spend the reported £3m it would take to trigger his release clause? Me no think so. His move to Sheffield United didn’t go so well last season, and he’s often been plagued with injuries. He’s a top talent though, and I’ve even just noted an estate agent Reading fan claim they’ve had a tentative home viewing booked from one Billy Sharp. McDermott’s been coy on the whole situation, but he’s found form with denying interest in a player before buying them the next day. *cough* Le Fondre *cough*

So we know there’ll be some movement in this window. Who’ll be moving? One week to find out.

Up the Royals.