Job swap helps Reading do the job

Reading’s recent run of difficult results was halted in a brilliant 3-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur. Reading showed tremendous powers of recovery to over turn Spurs’ 1-0 lead, gained through a Robbie Keane penalty, by surging back into the match thanks to goals from Nicky Shorey, Steve Sidwell and Kevin Doyle. The feel of this game was so much different from recent Reading games. The Madejski Stadium held an air of expectancy that was most certainly absent at Anfield and in the last two home matches. Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool perhaps did not hold the beat-able tag in the way that Spurs did, but from the BTB perspective things were different all round anyway.

The Voice had deemed it necessary to take time off during the season, much to the disbelief of all other members of the PA team. It seemed quite inconceivable that Mr Allen should decide to miss today’s game, but BTB is a pretty versatile set of individuals. If the saying jack of all trades and master of none, is mentioned then it is a harsh one. Each member of this team knows his role, but when the roles overlap, and changes are required, nerves can be found waiting because each person wants to do his level best in whatever they do. My build up to this match was a desire not to make mistakes in such an open atmosphere. I think I muddled through okay and the Producer, also did his best when he found himself having to herald two goals at the end of the first half as I was waiting purposefully in the player’s tunnel.

A superstition suddenly appeared. Reading had clambered their way back into the match and everyone in the PA Box was keen to keep the formula for this game and not jeopardise the course of the game. Fate it seems, or we are led to believe, is a big player in football circles. The Producer was able to read out the goal scorer just once more as Kevin Doyle gave Reading a decisive third goal. Don’t tamper with things that aren’t broken could be an adage that Mr Allen may seek to use next week when he returns for Reading’s home match against Charlton Athletic. He’d have good reason, after all the returning Graeme Murty, Reading’s captain was immense this afternoon, but so too was Nicky Shorey.

Shorey should be considered for the England squad. I for one believe that he is international class and I am disappointed that he isn’t in the squad for England’s friendly trip to Holland. To me that game would be the perfect opportunity for the slightly beleaguered Steve McClaren to try out new talent and experiment. From the Reading angle maybe Shorey’s inclusion would be a hindrance. There is no shop window like an international, but Steve Coppell would be watching an England game with Nicky Shorey with mixed emotions. Pride would be evident, but so would worry. Shorey is such a vital cog in the Reading machine; to lose him to injury would be totally disastrous.

One thing that is not disastrous is the ability of BTB to cope when their most famous face is missing. It was managed today and what is more, we have gained a 100% record that Mr Allen would be proud of. Let’s hope the luck of the substitutes continues to rub off on all things Royal and continues for some time to come.