yuomi Dense question (why change the habit of a lifetime?), but is the EFL's issue going to be FFP or...what?

Not sure what grounds they'd have to be blocking these particular deals.

If he's a cheap loan they wouldn't. Maybe it's not a cheap loan.

Paunović on Riquelme situation: "I wish I can tell you more - all the circumstances of the times we're living are making closing the deal difficult. He's in Reading, we've had permission to have him in training from Athletico, we're looking to extend that." Definitely sounds like the EFL ...

This is starting to remind me of the Tommy Smith saga. Agree following transfers was much easier in the days before ITK twitter accounts.

Maybe the twin loan transactions are good for all parties. McIntyre gets regular game time, probably competing for promotion in L1, instead of being 3rd choice on the bench. We get to see one of our most promising prospects develop with game time. The Gibson loan ensures we're not short on cover. It...

The more I read up on this guy the better this signing sounds, according to reports Ancelotti reluctantly let him go, he wanted him to be in or around the first team this year. He's very highly rated and ready for first-team football now. His loan to Fleetwood last season was extremely successful a...

Main thing with McIntyre and Richards is to sign them up. Their deals expire in 2021. I'm happy with Gibson; he provides competition and is probably more developed than Holmes. Not sure in what way he might be ‘more developed’ than Holmes. They are almost exactly the same age and have both played a...

Main thing with McIntyre and Richards is to sign them up. Their deals expire in 2021. I'm happy with Gibson; he provides competition and is probably more developed than Holmes.

I'd assumed this announcement was being held back for a double announcement with Gibson. Now I'm just confused

Fezza Still reckon we could use an out and out left back / wing back.

I guess it's a question of availability and the right players being out there. Also worth noting he played a couple of games on left midfield for Fleetwood last season, so may have more going forward than CB/LB implies.

He's on loan; if it doesn't work out he goes back to Madrid. Not remotely comparable with a record fee and 4 year contract for Aluko. It is comparable in terms of everyone getting overly excited and then it turning to shit which was my point. Nobody mentioned fees or how long he is signed for. :rol...

Think everyone needs to calm down. We are about to sign two player none of you have ever seen play, there is nothing to be excited about yet. Riquelme could be another Aluko for all you lot know. He's on loan; if it doesn't work out he goes back to Madrid. Not remotely comparable with a record fee ...

If we add Gibson, Ng & Riquelme, do we call this a good window? I'd still say we're 1 DM light, but certainly in decent shape. Also no like for like striker if Joao gets injured, but I'd like to see Paunovic work on a plan B which gets the best out of Puscas (otherwise we may as well sell him no...

Agreed wit this, if the 3 signings come off, they are sensible, well thought-out signings which fill holes in the squad and help in the short term/long-term (with Ng), while not totally screwing the club over financially. Yep, I still expect an out of the blue big money signing on deadline day, but...

Stranded

tidus_mi2 Well, we'll remain 1st after game week 2 unless Bristol City beat Stoke by 3 goals or more today.

1-0 up half time. Hadn't noticed Nakhi Wells has moved there.

No doubt will score against us again this season

Four goals for Son, four assists and a goal for Harry Kane. Add a fit Bale to that and that's got to be the best front 3 in the league, maybe barring Liverpool? Comparable with Liverpool, but with Lucas and Bergwijn as options too. I'd actually say their squad is looking pretty handy. Hojberg, Dohe...

Several stupid handball decisions in PL this weekend, both disallowed goals and penalties.

I don't actually blame refs or VAR. It's the rules; they are too strict and leave no space for common sense. I wonder how long until they change them back again.

The only other thing I’ll add is that both Derby and Barnsley showed nothing up top, no presence at all. Cardiff will be a real test for our defence next week with Kieffer Moore and with Watford the following week; there’s some far tougher games ahead. Yep Moore will be a handful. Offsetting that, ...

I just feel inherently negative as a Reading fan recently. Our style of play isn't quite suited to being at home. We didn't cope with pressing in the 1st half. We only won because of red cards. Charlton started last season well and they went down. I'm not sure how rational these thoughts are. Ultima...

NewCorkSeth

leon

Royal Ginger If a Reading player had got sent off for that I’d be absolutely raging.

Not sure about that

I would be raging at the player. Such a dumb thing to do.

I believe the cliché is "giving the referee a decision to make"

We expected Barnsley to give us a big test. Let's hope we can respond at half time, change our approach, give the midfielders a can of red bull. Edit: oh, that's helpful. Barnsley will not be relegated this year, nor Luton for my money. They're not poor sides. But looking so susceptible to being pr...