Manager wants to set the standard
Mark Robins won’t be rolling out the red carpet for Reading this Saturday and wants his players to dictate the game's style of play.
Town’s inability to do that against Ipswich last week was one of their downfalls according to Robins.
“Last week’s game was a disappointment because we shouldn’t have lost; we were OK but didn’t dictate the game. If we can start taking control of matches then we will start to make real progress.”
The Royals’ last away performance was hugely impressive when they defeated Nottingham Forest 3-2 and they currently find themselves just inside the Play-Offs.
“Reading are fighting at the right end of the table and will offer a different kind of test,” said Mark. “I know Nigel Adkins from his days at Scunthorpe and he has done very well throughout his managerial career. It is a good challenge for us to pit our wits against a good team and manager.
“Despite having a few injuries, they still have plenty of options. The likes of Royston Drenthe could come in who has played at a high level. They have plenty of goals in their team with the likes of Pogrebnyak (Pavel), Sharp (Billy) and Le Fondre (Adam), who I know well. In the wide areas McCleary (Garath) and Robson-Kanu (Hal) have been in good form.
“They have options all over the pitch and I’m not feeling too sorry for them!”
Town’s performances in the last few weeks have also been impressive though, and Mark wants to see a continuation of that this Saturday.
“It is another opportunity for us to prove that we are progressing,” he said. “I think the fans can see that; I regularly get them coming up to me to talk about our style of football and it is great to know what they think. It is all about trying to please the supporters and we know that we are doing things right.”
The Terriers’ fortunes at Portman Road last week could have been different had James Vaughan put away an early penalty.
“Sportsmen are resilient and James has responded brilliantly this week,” Mark said. “Missing the penalty affected him on the pitch and he felt more responsible as the captain. He is only young though, and leading the team is a new experience for him. He has a decent record so far with three wins from four.
“I have decided who will take the next penalty, but everyone will have to wait until we get one to find out who. There are some good candidates, but I don’t want to make too much of it.”
