Reading FC fans have given their opinions on manager Leam Richardson as they watched their side concede a stoppage time goal for the second game running.
The Royals have now fallen out of the play-off positions in League One after they conceded a 96th minute goal to lose against Lincoln, who sealed promotion to the Championship.
Many Reading fans have voiced their concerns over Richardson’s style of play and tactics since he was appointed as manager in October, replacing Noel Hunt who was sacked with the Royals languishing in 19th position.
Despite improving results and taking Reading up the table, many have been left unimpressed with Richardson’s methods and believe that he should be opting to play a more attractive brand of football.
Thousands of fans took to social media to give their opinions on the current Reading boss.
One fan said: “I fear that sticking with Richardson will lose us players like Wing and Savage. Quite frankly I wouldn’t blame them for wanting out. Why would players want to stay and have their talents suppressed by his playing style and tactics?”
Another added: “It’s way more negative but more productive results than Hunt. Not sustainable to build promotion on next season. How we won some of those games I have no idea. Nothing to positively build upon next season and you can get so much more out of this squad. Frustrating and poor.”
Another supporter said: “One of my biggest gripes with Richardson, aside from the negative tactics, is there is never ANY accountability from him.
“He doesn’t front up at the end of the game in front of the fans, he scurries away, win, draw or lose. Such a poor mentality compared to Hunt/Selles.”
One more said: “This negative football will continue next season just with different players.
“How many season ticket holders will renew with Richardson in charge? The number will drop next season for sure. Fans will undoubtedly vote with their feet regardless of what the owners say.”
However, some fans have come out in support of the manager and are in favour of giving him more time.
One said: “Leam Richardson is the right person and is capable of taking us up. I believe autos is an achievable target if we back him this summer. Our current squad isn’t as good as those that have gone up via auto in recent seasons.”
Another added: “People wil slag Richardson off again. Let’s just sack every manager we get… players are not good enough. Will bring in HIS players this summer and play a 3 at the back like he wants to do. 5 years losing all our best players, it takes time.”
One more said: “Not too unhappy with Richardson overall but I would love to know the logic and though process behind recruiting Will Keane and playing him in a deeper role.
“Up there with Stam playing Lewis Grabban in midfield in the baffling moves department. Plenty to be done this summer.”
The Royals are still in contention for the play-offs, but have a difficult task ahead of them having dropped out of the top six. They now sit in 8th place, two points behind 6th placed Stevenage who still have two games in hand. Plymouth Argyle are also level on poitns with Reading and have a game in hand, while Huddersfield Town and Luton Town are a point behind the Royals with a game in hand each.
