Richardson out

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AthleticoSpizz
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Re: Richardson out

by AthleticoSpizz » 22 Feb 2026 18:07

…and I’ve watching since 1971 whoopie-fukkin-doo

We as a team have nothing to gain by pulling the trigger this season (and possibly not before this time next season)….but hey-ho, if you just don’t like the guy, why not just come-out and say it :lol:

Jeez

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leon
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Re: Richardson out

by leon » 22 Feb 2026 18:11

traff
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traff It would never happen, but I believe that if he left tomorrow, we would make the playoffs. With him, I have no doubt we’ll miss out.


Then football fans in the lower leagues cannot comprehend why tinpot clubs have passed then by. What a surprise. The manager has been in situ for some numbver of years. Had an opportunity to impose their philosphy on the entire club by developing a playing style. That feeds players up into the first team. While having the benefit of several transfer windows to recruit and find the right players. Tell people that Sir Alex was close to getting the sack At Man Utd in the early days. You'll receive a blank look . Yet they'll harp on about returning to those days.

Might not be the perfect manager. Has to be given the chance to see how far he can take the club. You'd be upset a few months into a new job to be endlessly slated as utterly useless. By people outside the organisation. Who haven't a clue as to what you are even doing.



Arne Slot won the league in his first season, spent a fortune, and now his team look considerably worse.

Chris Wilder got Sheffield United promoted in his first season, then struggled badly and was sacked. He came back in after Selles, and now they are doing well again.

Nigel Adkins won back-to-back promotions in his first two seasons with Southampton.

Pep Guardiola and José Mourinho both won trophies in their first seasons.

So there are many different examples of short-term success followed by long-term mediocrity.

I have been watching Reading since 1978, and in my opinion, this guy is a lucky, snake-oil salesman who will be found out quite quickly.


Not sure many of your examples are particularly applicable for short term success and long term mediocrity.

Slot has won championships in 2 countries and there’s no suggestion his career is over.

Guardiola and Mourinho? Are you serious? Wilder is an example of durability not mediocrity…

Anyway why do you think he’s a fraud? He’s got a team promoted in the past?

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Re: Richardson out

by AthleticoSpizz » 22 Feb 2026 18:41

Yes

MR. CYNICAL
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Re: Richardson out

by MR. CYNICAL » 22 Feb 2026 19:05

stealthpapes
tidus_mi2 This could well be the sliding doors moment in the Richardson regime, we have been playing between average and downright shite but he's been excused by the majority, myself included, because he was getting results.

But the performances have taken an even further swing downwards and now, definitely more noticeable in the last 3 games and Port Vale today is the first result that can be called absolutely unacceptable.

Feels like if we get more of the same, it will turn toxic fast.


His overall form is played 19 won 9 drawn 6 lost 4, win rate just shy of 50%, 1.74 ppg. Even recent form holds up given we’ve played some of the better teams around us (11pts last 6, 1.87 ppg).

We’ve gone from ‘basically in the relegation spots’ to play off contenders. Even if our form slumps to 1ppg, we get 60 odd points. We’re on track for low 70s but need a small bit of luck or ruthlessness to get a couple of extra wins and make play offs.

It could be better but there’s a massive gap between perceptions and the actual state of play.

He’s had one transfer window to make changes to the squad, plus make the most of the one transfer window we gave Hunt.

How quickly it’s going toxic (and you’ll find a post about this from October) is nothing about him and everything to do with our fanbase.

To be fair mate, if your posts on here are anything to go by, you are watching games through beer goggles.
Try turning up a few times without a drink like I have to, you might think differently.

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Re: Richardson out

by MR. CYNICAL » 22 Feb 2026 19:14

AthleticoSpizz …and I’ve watching since 1971 whoopie-fukkin-doo

We as a team have nothing to gain by pulling the trigger this season (and possibly not before this time next season)….but hey-ho, if you just don’t like the guy, why not just come-out and say it :lol:

Jeez


So have I and longer and I'm Richardson out.


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Re: Richardson out

by AthleticoSpizz » 22 Feb 2026 19:36

MR. CYNICAL
AthleticoSpizz …and I’ve watching since 1971 whoopie-fukkin-doo

We as a team have nothing to gain by pulling the trigger this season (and possibly not before this time next season)….but hey-ho, if you just don’t like the guy, why not just come-out and say it :lol:

Jeez


So have I and longer and I'm Richardson out.
so, what would we gain then……. right now?

And do defer to my first line….. :roll:

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Re: Richardson out

by stealthpapes » 22 Feb 2026 19:38

MR. CYNICAL
stealthpapes
tidus_mi2 This could well be the sliding doors moment in the Richardson regime, we have been playing between average and downright shite but he's been excused by the majority, myself included, because he was getting results.

But the performances have taken an even further swing downwards and now, definitely more noticeable in the last 3 games and Port Vale today is the first result that can be called absolutely unacceptable.

Feels like if we get more of the same, it will turn toxic fast.


His overall form is played 19 won 9 drawn 6 lost 4, win rate just shy of 50%, 1.74 ppg. Even recent form holds up given we’ve played some of the better teams around us (11pts last 6, 1.87 ppg).

We’ve gone from ‘basically in the relegation spots’ to play off contenders. Even if our form slumps to 1ppg, we get 60 odd points. We’re on track for low 70s but need a small bit of luck or ruthlessness to get a couple of extra wins and make play offs.

It could be better but there’s a massive gap between perceptions and the actual state of play.

He’s had one transfer window to make changes to the squad, plus make the most of the one transfer window we gave Hunt.

How quickly it’s going toxic (and you’ll find a post about this from October) is nothing about him and everything to do with our fanbase.

To be fair mate, if your posts on here are anything to go by, you are watching games through beer goggles.
Try turning up a few times without a drink like I have to, you might think differently.


Wigan (a) was sober. Happy for you to check back and see what I said.

The one thing I will accept is that I don’t go to home games often. That’s a fair comment.

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Re: Richardson out

by MR. CYNICAL » 22 Feb 2026 20:00

stealthpapes
MR. CYNICAL
stealthpapes
His overall form is played 19 won 9 drawn 6 lost 4, win rate just shy of 50%, 1.74 ppg. Even recent form holds up given we’ve played some of the better teams around us (11pts last 6, 1.87 ppg).

We’ve gone from ‘basically in the relegation spots’ to play off contenders. Even if our form slumps to 1ppg, we get 60 odd points. We’re on track for low 70s but need a small bit of luck or ruthlessness to get a couple of extra wins and make play offs.

It could be better but there’s a massive gap between perceptions and the actual state of play.

He’s had one transfer window to make changes to the squad, plus make the most of the one transfer window we gave Hunt.

How quickly it’s going toxic (and you’ll find a post about this from October) is nothing about him and everything to do with our fanbase.

To be fair mate, if your posts on here are anything to go by, you are watching games through beer goggles.
Try turning up a few times without a drink like I have to, you might think differently.


Wigan (a) was sober. Happy for you to check back and see what I said.

The one thing I will accept is that I don’t go to home games often. That’s a fair comment.

Good to see your sober visit was rewarded with a win at least.
Think it's the home games where most of the gripes are coming from, negative tactics, hanging on to one goal leads, especially second half since Richardson came in.

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Re: Richardson out

by MR. CYNICAL » 22 Feb 2026 20:09

AthleticoSpizz
MR. CYNICAL
AthleticoSpizz …and I’ve watching since 1971 whoopie-fukkin-doo

We as a team have nothing to gain by pulling the trigger this season (and possibly not before this time next season)….but hey-ho, if you just don’t like the guy, why not just come-out and say it :lol:

Jeez


So have I and longer and I'm Richardson out.
so, what would we gain then……. right now?

And do defer to my first line….. :roll:

Not having to put up with his turgid style of football and post match interviews for starters.


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Re: Richardson out

by tidus_mi2 » 22 Feb 2026 20:12

Eh, not happy with the performances, but a manager doesn't get sacked for poor performances unless you're like a Barca, Real or United.

After all this discourse, bet we go and smash Bradford now.

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Re: Richardson out

by AthleticoSpizz » 22 Feb 2026 20:18

MR. CYNICAL
AthleticoSpizz
MR. CYNICAL
So have I and longer and I'm Richardson out.
so, what would we gain then……. right now?

And do defer to my first line….. :roll:

Not having to put up with his turgid style of football and post match interviews for starters.

Ok

next please :arrow:

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Re: Richardson out

by Hound » 22 Feb 2026 20:32

tidus_mi2 Eh, not happy with the performances, but a manager doesn't get sacked for poor performances unless you're like a Barca, Real or United.

After all this discourse, bet we go and smash Bradford now.


Haha bet we don’t :)

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Re: Richardson out

by morganb » 22 Feb 2026 20:35

From mid-December to now I've picked 8 matches (from 14 played, over 50%) to show a repeating pattern of Reading leading (sometimes by 2 goals) then opposition equalise (or almost in Plymouth's case) then occasionally Reading manage to go on and win:

Luton; 2-0 to Reading, Luton equalise, Reading winner minutes later
Plymouth (a): 3-0 to Reading, Plymouth pull one back then miss a penalty - who knows what would have happened if that went in
Peterborough (a): 1-0 to Reading, Peterborough equalise
Exeter: Reading come from behind to lead 2-1, Exeter late equaliser
Wigan: 1-0 to Reading, Wigan equalise, late Reading winner
Wycombe: 2-0 to Reading, Wycombe equalise, Reading winner minutes later
Bolton: 1-0 to Reading, Bolton late equaliser
Port Vale (a): 1-0 to Reading, Vale late equaliser

Turn a few of these into wins and we're in the play-offs

There is a identifiable issue here that surely it is down to the manager to fix


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Re: Richardson out

by Brogue » 22 Feb 2026 21:36


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Re: Richardson out

by Clyde1998 » 22 Feb 2026 22:03

morganb From mid-December to now I've picked 8 matches (from 14 played, over 50%) to show a repeating pattern of Reading leading (sometimes by 2 goals) then opposition equalise (or almost in Plymouth's case) then occasionally Reading manage to go on and win:

Luton; 2-0 to Reading, Luton equalise, Reading winner minutes later
Plymouth (a): 3-0 to Reading, Plymouth pull one back then miss a penalty - who knows what would have happened if that went in
Peterborough (a): 1-0 to Reading, Peterborough equalise
Exeter: Reading come from behind to lead 2-1, Exeter late equaliser
Wigan: 1-0 to Reading, Wigan equalise, late Reading winner
Wycombe: 2-0 to Reading, Wycombe equalise, Reading winner minutes later
Bolton: 1-0 to Reading, Bolton late equaliser
Port Vale (a): 1-0 to Reading, Vale late equaliser

Turn a few of these into wins and we're in the play-offs

There is a identifiable issue here that surely it is down to the manager to fix

That's not even considering the games like Northampton and Stockport where we managed to hold out for the win, but sat back after taking the lead. Clear pattern of wanting to hold what we've got, despite our defence consistently not being able to.

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Re: Richardson out

by fred sharpes nose » 22 Feb 2026 22:14

As posted earler ...............................
Not wating to be regionalist - but seems to be a sterotype of dour/blunt/gruff Yorkshore bloke.

Compare to Hunt personality wise chalk and cheese to a degree - Hunt with a genuine passion for the club (maybe not a "better" manager, certainly less experienced) but has a fondness and heart for the club, its history and youngsters. His playing career was a higher level (and some) with a style that reflected his style (and the people who managed him) - energetic, enthisiastic, risky, maybe short of a bit of next level talent, but he did ok.

Fans liked Noel - I'm thinking Fans dont like Leam. Of course has bugger all to do with anything. Leams job has been to win points - and he has done so fairplay to him.

His personal experience of "good" is (very) limited and does not fit well with The Royals view - we have seen it at a higher level

His persona is the biggest problem from a fans perspective - excuses excuses not my fault "moments" etc

I am not convinced if Hunty was given the backing Leam has had, we would be any worse or better off BUT their may be more excitement and "engagement"

The style of play reflects his personal experience - dour but functional

I think he is just a copy cat manager spouting all the buzz words and phrases without much of a clue of what they really mean. Not convinced he has an original idea in his head.

BUT his job is ALSO to get the best out of each player and piece them together in way that is greater than the sum or parts etc. Develop their skills rectify their faults, get inside their heads and inspire them. Can't really see this happening from the West Stand but what do I know

4 points lost in one minute over two games - his problem - own it, fix it. Fitness / psychology - own it, fix it

Just a bang average lower league manager who talks a good game - jouneyman. Think Rob has been conned

Really angry - It's the Hope That Kills You - I want him to turn this round, because having said all the above, we don't really want more turmoil. I hope Joe J is dealing with this (like Bowen did with Selles and his crazy formations ?)[/quote]

It would be bad for Reading to sack him (and they won't) for no real benefit. I want him to fix the problems we have because that is his job

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