TODAY, WE HEAR FROM STAR BOARD CHAIRMAN IAN MAYNARD:
IT’S A RIGHT MESS
This could be a reference to all sorts of things but I am referring to the state of Nelson Oliveira’s face and the FA’s decision not to take any action as a result of the incident. It seems that possible dissent against referees is more important than possible foul play, when both should be taken seriously, but those who are deemed to be running the national game, seem to place more importance on dissent, especially that expressed by managers. The lack of punishment for the incident has in my view wider implications, as it implies that anything goes, and this will have an impact on getting people involved in playing football at all ages and levels of ability. It is almost ironic at a time when the major contact sports are looking to minimise the possibility of concussion and the long-term effects of confusion for those who take part.
I, along with other Reading supporters wish Nelson a speedy and full recovery and look to him being in a Reading shirt as much as possible this season.
TALKING WITH THE TILLERMAN
We look forward to getting the insight of the manager, Jose Gomes on a range of subjects at his first STAR Fans Forum on 28 February at 8pm in the 1871 Suite, here at the Madejski Stadium. This is the time to get further updates on his ideas. strategies and views on the modern game, or his views on Portuguese vino, if that is of interest.
Any questions can be sent to ian.maynard@star-reading.org.
MAKING PLANS WITH NIGEL (HOWE)
Unfortunately, STAR’s meeting with the Chief Executive has had to be rescheduled from last week (4th February). A new date has not been set so if there are any matters you wish to be raised on your behalf, then please email them to chair@star-reading.org
WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE
I hope that we can look forward to a pre-season tour in Portugal, no harm in making a suggestion, especially if Jose and his squad, keep Reading in the Championship. Even though we did not get the results we wanted and needed (apart from Forest), there is a positive feel on match days that has not been in place for quite a while.
The next batch of games ending with Rotherham are going to be a bit nervy and hopefully we come into this game on the back of a decent result from the first of our Sheffield double headers. I believe that we will stay up and I hope this does not come back to haunt me later on.
C’mon URZ
From Ian
Introducing Ian Maynard
Ian Maynard has been a member of the STAR Board for 12 years mainly involved in the Community Side of STAR and that continues to be his interest since becoming the chair of STAR in 2017. Ian is also a fan of metal , reggae and indie music.
From Ian
