The Wild Lower West: Reading FC Shine Against The Addicks

Dixey reflects on an encouraging performance heading into the international break.

It’s in the DNA of every Reading supporter to expect the worst these days, but the level of performance on the pitch continues to be the shining light of our club. Saturday’s performance against Charlton Athletic was another one of those pinch-me moments, when you don’t expect much from a game, but it delivers in bucket loads.

Going into the game, Charlton were undefeated and had not conceded in three league matches, which was surprising given the number of early chances that Reading created, many of which came from the brilliant Adrian Akande, who went on to terrify Charlton’s back line all afternoon.

Charlie Savage had arguably his best game in a Reading shirt, and capped a man-of-the-match performance with Reading’s first goal, a 20-yard drive that went in via the inside of the post. Throughout the game, Charlie was lively, crisp with his passing, tactically aware of what was around him, and broke up play whenever Charlton threatened to attack.

I have often been critical of Savage’s performances over the last 12 months. However, I must hold my hands up and say that, against Charlton, he did everything that I had been criticising him for not doing, so thanks for listening Charlie!

Reading’s second goal owed much to the brilliance of Akande, who continues to impress with his fearless running with the ball, and his assurance when in possession. The cross for Sam Smith’s goal was top-drawer, and the finish wasn’t too bad either, was it? You could see Sam’s relief when the ball hit the back of the net.

Michael Craig once again impressed with his no-nonsense tackling and ability to get forward and support the attack, while Ben Elliott once again showed how effective he can be in a role that gives him a bit of freedom to just play football.

I could go on forever about individual performances, but the game epitomised a Ruben Selles team effort, where every player took pride in wearing the hoops, and quite frankly outplayed one of the division’s form sides. Not that Nathan Jones shared that view, and afterwards gave one of the strangest post-match interviews I have ever seen. I wasn’t sure whether he was going to cry or eat himself, as it was a very strange mix of emotion and self-praise, but whatever it was I bet that Ruben has watched it many times since. What is it they say about masters and apprentices?

I also wanted to highlight the superb atmosphere in the stadium throughout the game. The place was bouncing and the noise generated around the ground reminded me of our promotion-winning seasons, when the noise from our supporters was constant for 90 minutes. There was even noise coming from the Lower West, and it wasn’t the sound of flasks being opened and closed.

This weekend we take a break from League One action for the Glorified Friendly Nations League (I’m sure these international breaks get earlier every season) in which England will be looking to give Lee Carsley a flying start as interim manager. These breaks are often seen as a chance for players not involved in international duty to rest and recover, but four games into the season, I’d be very surprised if many players see it as a welcome break in momentum, especially when you are winning games.

And so to the saga that is the takeover of the club. I have seen many rumours, received many messages and spoken to many people regarding the current state of play. The one thing that every piece of communication has in common is that no one really knows what is going on.

There are those that claim to be “in the know” and others that “know someone who works at the club”, but I have yet to be convinced by any communication regarding the completion of the deal. What I do know is that there has been more heal-dragging than a season of Strictly, and I’m sure we all know who the cause of that is.

When we do receive official confirmation, I pray that the new owners look to tie Ruben down to a new long-term deal. Given the circus environment that he currently operates in, his stock is rising every week, and my worry has now shifted from him walking away to him being approached by another club.

I had to laugh in the Lower West at half-time on Saturday when a young lad asked his dad if he could have something to eat and drink. As father and son looked up at the offering behind the kiosk, the boy said: “This all looks rubbish dad, can I get a slice of pizza and a drink from Costco after the game instead?” To which his Dad replied: “Yes that’s fine mate, and I will book us a holiday with the money I’ve just saved.”

Dixey’s Dilemma

Recently I have been asked to organise a work Christmas event for the team I work in. The team is made up of 12 people spread across much of the UK, so finding a suitable venue is difficult.

Therefore, should I:

• Book something in London, on the basis that it is central and gives everyone an opportunity to travel quite easily?
• Put the locations of all staff in a hat and pick one at random as the venue for our event?
• Book something in Lincoln on the evening of December 21, knowing that I can go and watch Reading at 12:30 and still have time to do my hair for the evening event?

Much love and Cmon URZZZZZZZZ

Dixey