The Opposition View: Reading

13 August 2010 16:48
Alistair Costelloe gives his views ahead of tomorrow's game. Loyal Royal Alistair Costelloe gives his answers to the questions I put to him ahead of Pompey's first Championship game at Fratton Park for seven years.After your pre-season and the summer transfers so far, what expectations do you have for Reading this season?We ended last season well which gave fans a lot of confidence coming into the 2010-11 season, however the back four had three loanees, of which only one we've been able to sign. Expectations are for the play-offs, but this all depends on getting the defence sorted.Do you think Brian McDermott is the right manager to meet these expectations?Yes, he stepped into Rodgers' shoes when the going was tough and he shone. I don't think anybody begrudges him the chance to manage us, following our cup progress and performances in the league last season.What do you make of the current situation at Pompey? Do you think we'll struggle this season? I'm not overly impressed, to be honest. I feel sorry for the fans, but felt that the club should have been made an example of. On the pitch I think the 15 players on the books are decent enough to keep the team mid-table, but if there are any more of the off field problems then I will be far from impressed.Ibrahima Sonko and Jamie Ashdown are former Royals that are now on Pompey's books. What did you make of them?Sonko was one of the players that took us up and did well in the Premiership but has a tendency to give away silly penalties. Remember the 2nd minute Red Card at the Madejski in our relegation season against you? He can panic against quick and tricky players, but is solid in the air.Ashdown was decent enough; I thought he may go on to be a number one goalkeeper in the Premier League one day.Andy Griffin became a bit of a "boo boy" when he was at Fratton Park. What do the Reading fans make of him? We like him. He came in last season and shored up the defence. He may be old but he can do a job. It'll be interesting to see if he can keep it up over a whole season.Reading have taken a beating the last few times they have come to Fratton Park. Do you think Saturday's game will be different?Not really, there's always been something of a rivalry between the teams. Fans are confident due to Pompey's problems, but it's 11 v 11 on the pitch and I think it'll be an even game. Both sides lost their opener and are keen to make amends.Who are the key players in the Reading team that Pompey fans should look out for?Wingers Jobi McAnuff and Jimmy Kebe are both good attacking threats, and Gylfi Sigurdsson can score from distance.What are the weaknesses in your side that Pompey can exploit?New defender Marcus Williams has had two very average games this season and doesn't look like filling Ryan Bertrand's boots. Our midfield is somewhat shaky in the middle.Predict the result of the game, it's not going to be 7-4 again is it?It'll be a shaky game, won by a single goal. Couldn't say which team though.

Source: FOOTYMAD