Jano There is a big big difference between not having anyone to aim for and producing bad crosses. Bad crosses have been a particular blight on this season my view, a totally unacceptable one considering the quality these guys are supposed to have. All season long I have seen the following, with or without Murray, Cooper or anyone capable of heading a football in the team -
1 - Set pieces regularly fail to beat the first man. Totally inexcusable.
2 - Crosses hitting the defender.
3 - Crosses going into the only area where there is not a Reading player.
4 - Crosses being woefully overhit.
5 - Crosses going straight out of play when under little pressure.
I also don't understand why the wingers always cut inside. It must be so predictable playing against them, I can't remember McCleary actually getting to the by line and crossing with his preferred foot all season! There was a free kick last night, I think from Obita in the second half, just outside the Birmingham penalty area on the left side, and the technique used to kick the ball was bizarre, it was like he purposely scuffed it.
I don't know what sandman meant exactly by that statement but when I say that is a part of the problem it doesn't actually mean there is no one in the box. I'm saying it’s not always the ball itself that is to blame. Of course you are going to get the same with or without Murray or a player of his ilk but he would of have been on the end and converted a lot more than we have done and people wouldn't be so focused on the final ball so much. Yes there has been some absolute dire crosses but on the other hand there have been crosses where you think the striker should be attacking that or someone should be there getting on the end of that.
As for not remembering mccleary getting to the by-line and crossing with his right then maybe you don't go to every game
I certainly remember: Fulham away a number of times, one that springs to mind when the ball went straight across the six yard box begging for someone to tap in, Bradford Home, Watford home when we should have went one up through Blackman missing a sitter, Forest Home when cox volleyed over.
Now I'm not saying because of this mccleary should be free of any criticism b, certainly not as a player of his ability should be doing better but unless you go to the odd game what you are saying above just isn't true so I'm not sure why you say that unless you were for the sake of it.
With more competition for the position next season players will need to raise there game and I think they will. Too many players this season knew they were going to play the following week regardless of their performance
