“I want our football club to be a club that people fear playing. Not just because we’re a good football side… I want us to be known as a hard, nasty side…”
That post-match quote from Mark Bowen summed up exactly what I loved about Reading’s gutsy performance in the 2-2 draw away to Queens Park Rangers. The Royals’ tough, aggressive attitude was a far cry from what we’ve usually had from this club in recent years, and was so refreshing to see on Tuesday night.
I was a big supporter of Jose Gomes, and thought he’d eventually turn Reading’s form around, but I can’t deny that his side lacked aggression. Far too often, the Royals were second to 50-50s, didn’t win the ball back quickly enough, and allowed the opposition to play their own game.
Ultimately, that played a huge part in Gomes’ eventual sacking. Had Reading shown more aggression and energy under him, they’d likely have cobbled together enough points to push up the table and erase worries of relegation.
New manager Bowen has made it clear since taking over that he’s keen to change the mindset of this Reading team. Indeed, midfielder Charlie Adam – a summer signing from Stoke City on a free transfer – shortly before the QPR game pointed out that Bowen has upped the intensity in training.
That came into full effect at Loftus Road. Reading were stubborn and hard-working in their defensive play all over the pitch, making life difficult for a Queens Park Rangers side that had made a great start to this season with attractive, attacking possession football. In truth, the home side never really got into full flow.
Even when they went ahead – once in the first half and once after the break – Reading had enough stubborn character to fight their way back into the game on both occasions. The fact that the Royals’ goals were scored by George Puscas – previously short on confidence and in a goal drought, and Sam Baldock – only just restored to first-team action, showed how the new mindset was paying dividends throughout the team.
However, other players are deserving of special praise too for their defensive work too. John Swift got stuck in in uncharacteristic fashion, while Andy Yiadom contributed an all-action shift on the right wing.
Although the attacking play needs improvement – despite two well-worked goals from Reading – the immediate change in attitude is very much to Bowen’s credit. That’s given him a solid foundation to build on going forwards, and will hopefully be the bedrock for a fruitful season.
Simeon can be found on Twitter @SimFromBucks and his website’s account is @TheTilehurstEnd
