Reading Fan Interview On Nicky Shorey

1) We are being strongly linked to Nicky Shorey, would you be surprised and / or upset to see him go?

I would be more surprised if he stayed to be honest! In his mind he left us last summer when West Ham came in for him. I think the fact that he didn`t get to leave last year severely hampered his performance. He has been a great servant to the club and probably the best left back we have had and ever will have, but like I say his hearts no longer in it and he was very poor last season. I`ll be sad to see him go, but it`s probably in the best interest of both parties that he does move on.

2) What sort of player would we be getting?

A slow, one-footed dwarf… But seriously, he reads the game very well, and his passing his excellent. He is great at getting forward and his crossing is one of his strong points. He may be small but his judgement makes up for this when winning headers. He is a bit of a set-piece specialist and will create a hell of a lot of goals for you from free-kicks, as well as scoring a few.

3) Do you think, after seven years, he has shown you enough loyalty and what reaction would he get if he returned to the Madejski in the claret and blue (hopefully when you get promoted again!)

Seven years is a long time to be at one club in this day and age. It`s a real shame that his attitude and performance let him down last season as he could have become a real Reading legend. I think it will be a very mixed reaction the next time we see him. There will be a large section of supporters who will give him a warm reception, myself included, but I`m sure there are many who will bare a grudge. Reading fans are prone to bitterness and holding grudges for extended periods of time, just ask Mark McGhee!

4) Whilst we are on the subject of players, were you surprised to see Steve Sidwell move to Villa and what is your opinion of him as a player and of his exit from Reading?

When he left us last summer, I actually said he`d play a year at Chelsea then join Villa (look at me!)! Sidwell was an excellent player and his absence was certainly a large factor in our relegation last year. It was obvious he was going to leave, and I don`t think anyone can begrudge him wanting to further his career. Unlike Shorey, despite knowing he was destined to leave at the end of the season, he gave 100% in every game and was the heartbeat of the team that finished 8th in our first season in the Prem. I hope he does well for you guys, if not, we`ll have him back next season when we go back up!

With thanks to Chris at Vital Reading: www.reading.vitalfootball.co.uk

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