[mschofield]

Going into this break, I thought it looked obvious Reading were going to struggle with last season's roster. They needed pace and depth and talent, most obviously in the center of defense and, IMO, midfield.

The additions:
Seol, has been great. A great signing, well worth the money (1.5m pds). Sodje, no idea yet (rising to 500k pds). Cruz, looked good in his first time out, a solid prem player for aston villa, though didn't play as much last year as before. Solid in the WC this summer (free). Bikey, a solid performer for LocoMos, played a lot of midfield and looked exciting before the headbutting in sweden (free, loan) and Peter Mate, the young hungarian cb, 6'4" and very strong, good speed (i've read), also very hungry (also loan, free).
Is it enough. Not nearly the amount once thought needed (pds 8m thought needed, pds 2m spent) but more than the number of players suggested (four suggested, five signed).
All the players look to have something to offer.
The difference is going to be whether bikey or seol can perform in center mid if needed, where I believe we have a depth issue.
What are the thoughts, on them individually and as a class? Will they make this team better, and will that be enough?

[rms5555]

Other than Seol and possibly Sodje I don't think that we improved all that much. I think that the other signing's gave us some solid sub's that will keep the level play where it already is.

[Rehal]

One more maybe:
James Milner is about to join Reading on loan according to many sources. He has been spotted near Reading and is keen to join.

The loan is thought to involve a fee, as Milner looks for first-team football. This would be a major transfer for the Royals, as they try to stay in the Premiership.

Reading have been searching for a central-midfielder for most of the summer and have had numerous bids turned down

[mschofield]

Originally Posted by Rehal

One more maybe:
James Milner is about to join Reading on loan according to many sources. He has been spotted near Reading and is keen to join.

The loan is thought to involve a fee, as Milner looks for first-team football. This would be a major transfer for the Royals, as they try to stay in the Premiership.

Reading have been searching for a central-midfielder for most of the summer and have had numerous bids turned down

I would like very much for this to be true, but i'm not seeing it anywhere. Did you see him at the Mad or something?
anyway, goes against what is being printed:
http://home.skysports.com/transferar...px?hlid=413440

[prvev]

So..is this still possible? If so, it would be a very nice move to have him come to help this season. Would certainly address an issue.

[mschofield]

As far as I can tell, in the final reckoning, Milner didn't arrive. No one did on the final day.
Which leaves, at the least, Reading with a depth problem in central midfield.
I think Bikey will play a pretty decent role this season. I also think that it's a very good idea to have Cruz. I think he'll push Murty, who isn't young enough to be counted on for a whole season. Mate I have no idea about what role he'll play.

Overall, I think Reading is a more solid team than before the signings. I think Seol and Bikey elevate them, a bit. I don't think, however, that if Reading were relegation fodder before, they're challenging for Europe now. But I'd hope the signings make them strong enough to get through rough patches, and maybe save a rung or two in the table.
Really would have liked a strong central mid signing, as obviously would Coppell. Shame.

[Katsbox]

Looking to the half of the glass that's full, I'm encouraged that the players signed offer depth and a decent amount of international/Champions league experience, yet all are happy to have a chance to be/stay in the Prem with Reading and are looking to fight for their spot on a starting line up.

Coppell has said all along that he's looking for the right players, not just any players but ones that will mesh well with the team. OK, so we probably would have taken a star if we could have gotten one, but Reading's strength has been working as a cohesive unit. It will be harder to maintain that this season as we will inevitably lose games. A player coming in with a sense of entitlement to play because of what the club paid for him could further rock the boat on those uneasy waters. I think our solid off-brand boat will get across the finish line faster than at least 3 other teams this season because the crew will work together and of course because of our Captain O Captain (yeah... sorry).

[olegunnar]

Lets be honest, all that matters is 17th position or higher. We are going to lose quite a few more than we win this season, but with these signings I feel that there is a little more cover for injuries as well as people to bring off the bench that are not necessarily a huge step down from the starting 11.

[mschofield]

Originally Posted by olegunnar

Lets be honest, all that matters is 17th position or higher. We are going to lose quite a few more than we win this season, but with these signings I feel that there is a little more cover for injuries as well as people to bring off the bench that are not necessarily a huge step down from the starting 11.

I'd be thrilled with 17th. Really thrilled with 14th (better odds, bet both).

[mschofield]

Bikey, Mate, Cruz will all start together on the back line against watford reserves wed night. Little is back playing full time as well, and will be joined by hunt, oster and long in the starting lineup. Be interested in seeing the highlights of this one, and hearing from anyone who can get out to see the game.