Robert Hamborg

@alexmassie He chose the less bad outcome. This will blow over after the by-election and then the public will be spared the fighting and drama at the top of government that looked so self indulgent and tiresome under the Tories.

Starmer had no good outcomes here and anyone who pretends either option was a useful one for him is probably trying to sell you something. Sometimes a shit sandwich is just a shit sandwich.

@dingarchive Squad yes, but first XI definitely not. You need both to really challenge at the top.

@ElmParkRoyals Everyone got carried away with play-off talk. We're not at that level yet. Bad performance today, but Orient are a good team with a top striker. I'm surprised they're not higher in the table. Basically the sort of result and performance we can expect occasionally.

Well, well beaten today. Probably the worst we’ve been since mid November, very disjointed, lots of mistakes and a general lack of organisation. Feels like the long break has not helped us at all. Ballard a total game winner when he plays like today. Thoughts with #EPR3

@AzeemRafiq30 Everyone pointing out that Jacks got rated 5/10 in the article is missing the point of what this post is trying to say. But then perhaps that's deliberate.

So hold on a minute Jacks - it would be unfair to judge although played 4 tests didn’t get a rating Bashir plays no test & gets a 0/10 Seriously have a word with yourself

@TheTilehurstEnd @mrblthomas Totally flat. Saturday didn't make me angry, it's just what I've become used to. Feels like this summer after the takeover was a huge opportunity missed to get some impetus back into the club, but I'll judge the owners on how they respond to mistakes made.

After taking a break last week to gather our thoughts, we're back with episode 443 of the pod early this week. How are you feeling about #ReadingFC on and off the pitch? Thoughts on the upcoming game against Luton and January transfer window? @mrblthomas

@Readingfanman @SimFromBucks This is the point. O'Connor was one of the best in the division for Lincoln but we haven't complemented him with the right players. That second goal yesterday looked bad on him, but he should never have been exposed to that situation.

@hamborg_robert @SimFromBucks That replacing 2 ball carriers with non ball carriers would mean changing the style of your more important midfielders. The squad building has been totally mismash in summer with it very much ‘what players do we think are L1 quality and are available?’

@ElmParkRoyals And what is the minimum we need in January? I'd say the CF we never signed in the summer, a CB with more mobility and ball playing ability and both fullbacks. Dorsett and Abrefa haven't done enough.

@ElmParkRoyals How is our midfield so bad? We have Wing, Savage, Fraser, Rinomhota, Doyle and Elliott which should easily be good enough at this level.

We’re back recording the podcast tomorrow. If you’ve got any questions you’d like us to discuss get in touch with us👇🏻 There’s a lot of issues so sadly I’m not predicting an upbeat episode…. #readingfc

@JH7123 Centre back who can build attacks and has a bit of pace too.

What we need in January as a minimum: 🎯 Target man up front ⚡ Speedy wing back for the left ⚽ Another striker 🛑 CDM who can defend #readingfc

@ramy_abousetta Hopelessness. We're abysmal, but we can hardly sack another manager so quickly. No idea how the club turns this around.

What's your reaction to this afternoon's loss to Bradford? #readingfc

@ElmParkRoyals Still not a complete performance, there is more to come from this group. But DK exceptional and the difference. A few returning from injury and a couple of smart January additions and this could become a good season.

Excellent result, beaten a poor Blackpool side comfortably and an away win to nil is exactly the way to kick off the weekend. Kyerewaa excellent today, my well deserved MOTM. Thoughts using #EPR3

@JOGOBONlTO @RFCLatest I'll take that if we have a similar 24/25 era. Probably decent comparison, needing a massive rebuild after a period of chaos.

@RFCLatest You are in your Charlton 2021/22 era enjoy

Just 11 players remaining from #ReadingFC’s 2023/24 League One squad. 22 players gone, not to mention the numerous staff that have moved on as well. Feels like a crazy turnaround in just 2 years.

@Orrgarde @ElmParkRoyals Are you guys old enough to remember Pants Day, and is it time for a repeat?

@ElmParkRoyals Nowhere for the players to hide now. Hope Richardson uses this an excuse to go draconian on them and demand better.

Full time, Reading are out of the FA cup in the first round for the first time since 1998. An absolute bottle job in stoppage time from 2-0 up. Absolutely dreadful from all involved. Give us your thoughts using #EPR3

@thesimpsonRFC What about the bit where he got Wigan promoted. Doesn't count?

May as well accept relegation in that case and give up if Richardson is brought in. His record with Rotherham speaks for itself and screams cheapest option available Don't even go there #readingfc

@mrblthomas Agree if the appointment goes badly it's an extra stick to beat him with. But equally, any bad appointment will lead to a lot of criticism if we finish our first season with new owners in 19th.

@hamborg_robert Agree that if it’s a good appointment, it shouldn’t matter. But it does leave Rob open to criticism if he’s constantly trying to run his current club like his previous one. I want the club to do well so if it’s one of those appointed, let’s crack on and win games.

Quick turnaround this one. Not keen on Ains/Bloom for the optics. However, it’s a wide open field, it’s a big appointment & has to be right, so if it’s one of them then so be it. Decent statement by Rob too. Also, did you know Doritos come from America? Now you do. #readingfc

@ElmParkRoyals Luke Williams. Great job at Notts County, not too bad with Swansea in the Championship. Available on a free, young and hungry. Carrick will not drop to the bottom of L1 - I'll donate £100 to an EPR ticket giveaway if I'm wrong.

The next moment turns to, who’s the replacement? Long list of names already will be forming online It’s the first time in a long time Reading could potentially hire a manager who’s in work somewhere and look to hire from a club where the manager is doing well currently.

@bw_jester_rfc But Bruce is not an ambitious appointment. He'll get you more organisation and grind out some wins, but he won't get us playing a way to get to the Championship and stay there. I genuinely think Broomfield is a more ambitious appointment, and Williams better still.

@hamborg_robert Thing is though, why should it got to be someone Couhig and co. had at Wycombe?! Would like to think we had a bit more ambition than just going for who the owners have had before.

I'd go for someone like Steve Bruce at #readingfc. Squad needs an experienced head to bollock/drop non-performers and impart experience/knowledge to both the young and older players. Blackpool absolutely had our # at the SCL last season and did us 3-0 without looking special.