Reading - Opposition Views

[Steve 10,227]

Josh Aspinall from Reading.Vitalfootball.co.uk has kindly answered some questions on tonight's Premier League clash with the Royals!

Firstly thank you for taking the time to have this interview, we will start with a simple question. How long have you supported Reading? I have supported Reading for about 7 years and have had a season ticket for five years now. I was quite a late one getting into football and only developed a real love for it around the age of 12 and I’m now 18. I got into it through a mix of everything really. My grandfather who was a massive Reading fan, my dad who took me to my first game against QPR in 2006 and some of my friends who attended matches.

After an opening day draw with Stoke City, What were your thoughts of the game? The game itself was very uninspiring until the 88th minute, when we got the penalty and came within inches of winning the game. Neither goalkeeper was troubled hugely (despite Federici’s mare), it was a game contested mainly in midfield. The introduction of Garath McCleary really was the turning point in the game and I widely expect him to start on Wednesday because of it.

What are your expectations for the season? Like for any promoted team, staying up has to be the aim. The sudden influx of money and signings from us does add more expectation from our point of view and some fans are strangely expecting a little bit more than a relegation dog fight and maybe a mid table finish. However, I think we will be involved in the relegation scrap and would therefore be very content if you offered me 17th right now.

The transfer window is not quite closed yet, would you like to see any new faces come in and whom would you want out? I’m not too bothered on the transfer front as we have strengthened where we have need to strengthen. Any other incomings now would only be if someone goes out. The only player I want out is Simon Church, not because of ability, but wasted potential. He isn’t going to get a start in the Prem, so at the age of 23, getting first team football out on loan is a must. If we were to replace him, I would adore Jermaine Defoe to join us, albeit very unlikely!

Which players should we look out for on Wednesday night? As mentioned earlier, Garath McCleary really was a bright spark on Saturday. Not only is he very quick, he has very good vision and technical ability to match. Obviously Ashley Cole is probably the toughest opponent he will face this season, but he could still definitely give him a run for his money.

How does it feel to be back in the Premier League? Was it expected last season or did it come as a surprise? It is a wonderful feeling. For me personally it is fantastic as I first got my season ticket the season after we got relegated in 2008, so this is my reward for sticking with them through thick and thin! In terms of whether it was expected, not at all. We had just lost the play-off final and lost players such as Shane Long and Matt Mills, we were ready for a season of obscurity. However from January onwards, promotion was becoming a clearer and more realistic picture. I still don’t reckon it has sunk in yet!

Who is your favourite Chelsea player and why? John Terry. Yes, he has a few flaws off the football pitch, but on it he is different class. A born leader with such a fantastic reading of the game and superb aerial ability.

Finally, what do you think the final score will be and who will be the scorer/s? I think Chelsea will win it. It’s either going to be a narrow win or demolition job, so I’ll go 3-0. Lampard pen and two from Torres, who likes scoring against us.

[We Hate Scouse 10,286]

An opposition fan who likes Terry? And he thinks Chelsea are going to win! I like this guy..