OPPOSITION VIEW: Knowledge of Bristol City helped us win, says Reading's Steve Clarke. READING boss Steve Clarke took pride in a victory built on sound tactical planning and knowledge of the opposition. He said: "I have watched Bristol City a few times this season and they have given teams good games. "They may be a bit open at the back and concede too many goals, but I am sure Steve Cotterill will work on that and tighten them up. "We talked a lot before the game about how our system could cause their system problems. Steve plays things slightly different by employing three central defenders and wing-backs who push on. We worked on how we could hurt them and it paid off quite quickly for us in the game, which is always pleasing for a coach." Clarke was also delighted with the solidity of his team after they had taken a two-goal lead so early in the game. "Success has to be built on a solid foundation," he said. "That's our fourth clean sheet of the season and we are not allowing the opposition many shots. "I couldn't see where Bristol City were going to score. Their biggest threat was from set-pieces and, for a relatively small side, I thought we defended them really well. "They never stopped trying and kept coming at us in the second half. But scoring twice so early made it easier for my players to sit in and control things, which is what we did. To come away from home and control a Championship game for as long as that was a big plus for us." Clarke was in no mood to concede that Reading's first goal should have been ruled out for offside. He said: "I saw that Steve was upset with the officials over the goal, but I was standing in the other half of the pitch and didn't get a clear view of it. "People I have spoken to after the game say it wasn't offside. The assistant referee didn't give it and for us it was a great finish at an important point in the match." Reading midfielder Stephen Quinn said: "The gaffer is brilliant in his research on opposing teams and goes in depth into their set-piece routines and all the other things they do. "He is the best coach I have worked with. During the week we worked on a formation that could capitalise on where Bristol City leave spaces." please log in to view this image Reading's Steve Clarke and Bristol City's Steve Cotterill at Ashton Gate last Saturday. http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/OPPOSI...y-helped-win/story-27834530-detail/story.html
Say's it all, here is written proof, an excellent coach watched us a few times and we were thumped, we have been sussed, now surely a wise man would change things and bring in some additional quality.
We are a one trick pony. We need to be able to mix it a bit - even play long-ball if needed - but we don't - and can't.
in this day and age little gets past most, and that is why new tricks and ways to play are the most important aspects how about all the players form a circle around the player with the ball and deftly march it into the goal .... or simply just fill the gaps we all know we leave doesn't take a winning coach to spot those
