rebelbrewer Posted February 26, 2021 Share Posted February 26, 2021 Really good update on the website with Jon, Neil and Craig. Honest, well explained and with integrity. Great work, as ever, from Ade as an interviewer. I fully understand the reason why we didn't sell season tickets. I, for 1, would have appreciated the opportunity to donate that amount of money to the club on the understanding that it would have been converted ti a season ticket if we got fans back. Wasn't offered so I've bought quite a few virtual tickets and pints. My thanks to the management, team, committee, players, trust, volunteers and supporters for keeping a level head through such troubled times. Hopefully see everyone in August. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlenSTFC Posted February 26, 2021 Share Posted February 26, 2021 The majority of the interview was as expected but what I found interesting was what Craig had to say. Announcing a larger budget for next season plus working on a few different plans does whip up some excitement along with I think Jon saying he expects us to be very competitive. Hopefully all going well we can hope for another play off campaign. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irishadrian Posted February 26, 2021 Share Posted February 26, 2021 Excellent interview and some optimism for next season I think a lot will depend on how other teams emerge from the Covid crisis not just us I note that this interview is currently on YouTube dated 26.2.2020! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stan Posted February 27, 2021 Share Posted February 27, 2021 Everything I’ve come to expect from this club but still good to see integrity and excellence demonstrated in that interview. It’s been a tough time for everyone but the hopes of so many rest on a few shoulders in so many areas. Football is no different. The most important thing for any fan is will my club be there at the start of the new season?looks like we will , and we can be proud of the way they did it. Well done everyone, I’ll be just a little bit more exited when that first whistle goes in August. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reading Rebel Posted February 27, 2021 Share Posted February 27, 2021 Forthright and honest views as usual from our managers. From what Craig said it sounds like we'll have a good competitive budget to give us a shot at the play-offs next season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlenSTFC Posted February 27, 2021 Share Posted February 27, 2021 Although not sure where the extra funds are coming from? Maybe Craig has secretly won the lottery?! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted February 27, 2021 Share Posted February 27, 2021 I didn’t read it like that - I think all being well with supporters back in, we should have a larger budget than this season, but then I’m sure I’ve heard it mentioned that this season’s budget was reduced significantly from the season before. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reading Rebel Posted February 27, 2021 Share Posted February 27, 2021 Ok probably being a tad optimistic saying a budget that will be sufficient to have a shot at the play-offs. Having said that I'm sure our aim this season was the play-offs so with an improved budget to play with I see no reason why we shouldn't be aiming to be in the mix for a play-off spot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlenSTFC Posted February 27, 2021 Share Posted February 27, 2021 17 minutes ago, Matt said: I didn’t read it like that - I think all being well with supporters back in, we should have a larger budget than this season, but then I’m sure I’ve heard it mentioned that this season’s budget was reduced significantly from the season before. The fact Craig is meeting with Neil and Jon this week to discuss the budget would suggest it’s already been worked out. I was surprised but very happy to hear the budget will be increased but it might just be back at the same level after the reduction. Still it’s positive news and for all we know the club may have secured additional commercial income to fund this. Already seen Thames Motor Group join up with the complimentary club car. Very difficult to predict if our crowds next season (if allowed without tough restrictions) will be around the same (750ish), higher or lower? 5 minutes ago, Reading Rebel said: Ok probably being a tad optimistic saying a budget that will be sufficient to have a shot at the play-offs. Having said that I'm sure our aim this season was the play-offs so with an improved budget to play with I see no reason why we shouldn't be aiming to be in the mix for a play-off spot. I wouldn’t have thought so given we over achieved in reaching the play offs and then having the budget reduction. I’m sure mid table would have not have been the aim but a realistic and acceptable prospect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sir Rebel1965 Posted February 27, 2021 Share Posted February 27, 2021 The budget figure looks good and will mean we are competative. As we know Jon and Neil know how to work to a budget and with this amount they have options. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3spirit Posted February 28, 2021 Share Posted February 28, 2021 21 hours ago, Reading Rebel said: Ok probably being a tad optimistic saying a budget that will be sufficient to have a shot at the play-offs. Having said that I'm sure our aim this season was the play-offs so with an improved budget to play with I see no reason why we shouldn't be aiming to be in the mix for a play-off spot. On the football front, I think our managers will have to think long and hard about our squad direction for next season. It's good that they are going to, at least get 4 months to put together, a stronger squad than perhaps they had this season. I can't comment on the football we played this season, as I didn't see a single game [ I only saw the highlights after the matches had been played] but from the signings we made at the start of the season it didn't look like we were in a position to sign the highest quality of player, given that the club no longer had a wealthy chairman behind it. This approach in my opinion was the right way to go at that time. Next season I don't expect the club to splash the cash either, so I'm not expecting miracles in who we bring in but I do think the time has come for an overhaul of our squad, as results suffered this season and our old stalwarts are another season older. I know Bakes and Unders will keep faith with those who are loyal to them and that is commendable and the right way to go[to a limit] but I do think they will have to make a few tough decisions on some of the players they move on, if they want to have a crack at getting anywhere near to the play offs. Even a couple of the younger signings we made this season weren't necessarily the success we had hoped for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reading Rebel Posted February 28, 2021 Share Posted February 28, 2021 6 hours ago, 3spirit said: On the football front, I think our managers will have to think long and hard about our squad direction for next season. It's good that they are going to, at least get 4 months to put together, a stronger squad than perhaps they had this season. I can't comment on the football we played this season, as I didn't see a single game [ I only saw the highlights after the matches had been played] but from the signings we made at the start of the season it didn't look like we were in a position to sign the highest quality of player, given that the club no longer had a wealthy chairman behind it. This approach in my opinion was the right way to go at that time. Next season I don't expect the club to splash the cash either, so I'm not expecting miracles in who we bring in but I do think the time has come for an overhaul of our squad, as results suffered this season and our old stalwarts are another season older. I know Bakes and Unders will keep faith with those who are loyal to them and that is commendable and the right way to go[to a limit] but I do think they will have to make a few tough decisions on some of the players they move on, if they want to have a crack at getting anywhere near to the play offs. Even a couple of the younger signings we made this season weren't necessarily the success we had hoped for. As proven in previous seasons I'm sure loyalty will be a secondary consideration when our managers start formulating our squad for next season. Yes, tough decisions will have to be made but that's part and parcel of being a football manager. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlenSTFC Posted February 28, 2021 Share Posted February 28, 2021 Now we have the U23’s as a backup I wouldn’t expect the 1st team squad size to be massively bigger, maybe nearer 20 instead of the 17/18 we had this season. Personally I feel we need 5 quality signings if we want to push for top 5 and that may mean certain favourites may have to make way. It certainly makes for an exciting 4-5 months to see the comings and going’s, I just hope the season starts in August latest, hopefully July as it still seems a long way off!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reading Rebel Posted February 28, 2021 Share Posted February 28, 2021 Our managers have always preferred to work with the minimum squad size of 16/18 so I can't see that changing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3spirit Posted February 28, 2021 Share Posted February 28, 2021 1 hour ago, GlenSTFC said: Now we have the U23’s as a backup I wouldn’t expect the 1st team squad size to be massively bigger, maybe nearer 20 instead of the 17/18 we had this season. Personally I feel we need 5 quality signings if we want to push for top 5 and that may mean certain favourites may have to make way. It certainly makes for an exciting 4-5 months to see the comings and going’s, I just hope the season starts in August latest, hopefully July as it still seems a long way off!!! Sounds like we will have quite a few friendlies, I know that isn't music to everyone's ears but it is to me. I agree with your figure of 5 quality signings, Glen. I have 5 to 6 omissions from our current squad but of them possibly loaning two of them out for the start of the season and so keeping them aboard, as both are handy squad players. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebellier Posted February 28, 2021 Share Posted February 28, 2021 Can we get Elijah Adebayo back please?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlenSTFC Posted February 28, 2021 Share Posted February 28, 2021 30 minutes ago, Rebellier said: Can we get Elijah Adebayo back please?? I would say we have 100% no chance considering he scored for Luton in the Championship yesterday! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reading Rebel Posted February 28, 2021 Share Posted February 28, 2021 1 hour ago, Rebellier said: Can we get Elijah Adebayo back please?? He was certainly a young and raw player when he came to us on loan from Fulham in the 2016/17 season. Since leaving Fulham he has mainly been on loan at div 2 clubs recently signing permanently for Walsall and now for Luton. It'll be interesting to see if he makes his mark at Luton. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Curtis Posted February 28, 2021 Share Posted February 28, 2021 1 hour ago, Rebellier said: Can we get Elijah Adebayo back please?? I still have fond memories of his Slough debut hat trick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebellier Posted February 28, 2021 Share Posted February 28, 2021 Yes Glen I know.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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