How Much Of Reading’s Drop-Off Is On Leam Richardson?

NB: The following article was predominantly written before the Doncaster Rovers defeat. Player improvement Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan is the obvious choice here: six goals in six games over March and looking like an actual striker with striking instincts now, scoring a mixture of goals, thanks to his work with James Beattie and the other coaches. Jeriel Dorsett has made fair improvements, but still has a way to go.

Other than this, it’s very much ‘this is my system and I’ll try to force what players I’ve got into it but in reality a few don’t fit so will only play if necessary and a big window is ahead’. Paddy Lane and Matt Ritchie would probably fall into this category. Saying this, I could see Ritchie as a left-wing-back next season.

Lane however really needs to be playing on the wing in a team that sets up in a 4-3-3, on the shoulder of the defenders. Signings Benn Ward has been a fantastic signing, the same with Haydon Roberts. Ryan Nyambe is a solid option and Kyreece Lisbie would’ve also been brilliant.

Kadan Young should be given more of a chance, especially in the final four games, but it’s clear the players we are signing now have a lot more of a plan in terms of a style of play and physical profile. Add into that the exciting Randell Williams and I do trust the club this summer, but please no more Will Keanes. The summer signings weren’t awful: Daniel Kyerewaa, Jack Marriott, Paudie O’Connor and Derrick Williams were all very good.