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Saturday, November 18, 2006
Reading v Charlton @ Madejski Stadium

CLUB GP W L D PTS GD
Reading 12 5 6 1 16 -5 (11th)
Charlton 12 2 8 2 8 -9 (last)

Charlton's Recent League Results
Oct/Nov '06 HOME SCORE AWAY
Mon. 16 Fulham 2 - 1 Charlton (L)
Sat. 21 Charlton 0 - 0 Watford (D)
Sat. 28 Newcastle 0 - 0 Charlton (D)
Sat. 4 Charlton 1 - 0 Man City (W)
Sat. 11 Wigan 3 - 2 Charlton (L)

Player Status
Reading: Convey to miss Charlton game but Kitson continues to progress well
Charlton: Bent withdraws from England squad

Charlton's Management Situation
Dowie sacked after internal review
Varney: Dowie a mistake
Varney hails 'exceptional' Reed after Dowie departure
From Reading Site
Other Articles at Charlton's Site

Having an opponent's management in disarray can be a help. [edit...However], now that the move has been made, players will have something to prove.

Mod: Please add an [R].

[Pablo Chicago]

It's the players that have something to prove that bothers me. They've proven they can score on the road (albeit Fulham & Wigan). I just don't want the Royals to take 'em too lightly, especially when this represents our best opportunity to pick up another 3 points.

[mschofield]

I don't think Reading will take anyone in the prem too lightly. charlton, after, has a history there versus Reading's 12 games. Don't know that they had any more to prove than they did last week. Reed is looking at managing his first ever game at the professional level, right? I do think Charlton is better than they've played thus far, but not sure I see them turning their season around in week one, on the road. In any case, Reading came through the murderers row (if hotspurs are included, which they would have been pre-season) with four points, which was about as many as thought possible. IMO, they need nine points in the coming run of five matches, and at their best they could pick up more. But they need three here. To me, this match means more than the Arse, chels, ManU matches, where points are a bonus. To me, these games, against Charlton, Watford, Newcastle, rovers, are, because of a great start, the most important of the season. I think Reading see's them that way, as well. Not one will be easy, but all can be won, and Reading need to win as many of the can be won matches as possible.

[rms5555]

I can't see Reading looking past anyone after this last skid. We need every point that we can grab. Looking at the glass half full, if you take away the own goal to Chelsea and the late goal to ManU and we are 2 points out of a Europe calling. Looking at it half empty we are now looking up at the top half of the table and only 7 points out of the regulation zone. BTW, if anyone is interested Reading is 3-3-2 against Charlton dating back to 1994, but we haven't played them since 1998 so it doesn't reflect the current teams at all, but there is some history there.

[olegunnar]

Boy this is a weird feeling, expecting three points from a match. I feel like a Man Utd supporter or something.

[louis09]

I just got Setanta and did not see the game listed. I also did not see the game on FSC this weekend I thought between the both channels we would see all EPL games?

[mschofield]

Originally Posted by louis09

I just got Setanta and did not see the game listed. I also did not see the game on FSC this weekend I thought between the both channels we would see all EPL games?

To be fair, when they were setting up the tv sched pre-season, I doubt they were thinking, oooh, look at that one. I mean, on here we were, but then few shared our enthusiasm. More now, I'd think, with Reading's season looking all right.

[prvev]

Luckily, the post-new year's TV schedule isn't set yet (I think), so we may be seeing more of Reading. Hopefully.

Anyway, this is an important match. Against a team below you, at home. One we should be able to win (which I agree, seems weird now), but certainly won't be easy..none will be this year.

[louis09]

Do you think Eddie Johnson will be in attendance at this fixture?

No Convey or Kitson for this one.

[mschofield]

19 points. I'm starting to feel very, very positive about staying up. Gonna have some pretty big offers for Doyle to turn away, though.
During the City-fulham match, heard announcers talking about either cookie or psycho's plan for the year, and part one was being on 20 points by Christmas. Having played every top team in the prem, we're on pace for mid-50s. This year is looking better than I'd imagined.
As for things we learned in this match, Hunt, whose endeavor is, mostly, not rewarded against top teams can make a n impact against the lower teams.
I'd think right now the position is his to lose, and that Convey will struggle to find his way back into the starting lineup. Coming back from injury, he probably expected that. And he could be a real asset as a 70 minute sub in some matches.
Seol gives us another option at target, which is great to know.
We've got to re-sign Sids, now that the door is open again.
And Murty makes a huge difference.