Vacuum at the top

[cp]

In years past we always knew and could identify with the owners of RFC , they were the figureheads of the club and provided direction and ambition. Most recently during our success years it's been John Madejski. We may not have rubbed shoulders with him, but we knew him.

Yes he is still partially there but like a few of us he is getting older and must just by human nature have less energy and hunger for success. He has been honest about needing to step down and has only come back lately from a sense of duty.

The abortive Anton time was a disappointment, but actually we did have a figurehead and he (with Sir John) was initially around waving and smiling. Perhaps that's all he did. But in times of difficulty the fans could always look to the owner to hopefully lead and give reassurance.

I can't identify with or put a face to the new owners, they can't be providing leadership to the club or be a reassurance to the fans. We fall back to Sir John for comforting words, but even he is less visible now.

Perhaps if there is a very strong manager his sheer personality would fill that vacuum, we can debate whether Adkins has that ability, but even a strong manager would need more guidance and direction than he must currently be given.

As I say, in times of disappointing results we should be able to look to the owner/Chairman to provide a kick up the pants. But the Thais are not visible and we can't (rightly) bring ourselves to blame Sir John for his lack of drive at his stage of life.

A vacuum at the top.

[leon]

You're right. We need a new broom to come in.

[WoodleyRoyal]

Whilst I agree there has been very little in the way of sound bites coming from above since the takeover, that’s all they ever are, sound bites. If one of the overlords came out and spouted some drivel, half would lap it up with their rose tinted glasses on the other half would pick holes in it and say it was a load of bollocks. Basically they are damned if they do damned if they don't. Plus we already have a manager who loves his clichés, do we really need it from above as well?

[Norfolk Royal]

Always found Miele to be pretty good.

[Royalclapper]

We're in managed decline, you won't hear much.

[Waylenstreet]

We're in managed decline, you won't hear much.

This.

I can't believe that is not oxf*rd obvious to everyone. Including J.M. fankids.

[Martin41]

In years past we always knew and could identify with the owners of RFC , they were the figureheads of the club and provided direction and ambition. Most recently during our success years it's been John Madejski. We may not have rubbed shoulders with him, but we knew him.

Yes he is still partially there but like a few of us he is getting older and must just by human nature have less energy and hunger for success. He has been honest about needing to step down and has only come back lately from a sense of duty.

The abortive Anton time was a disappointment, but actually we did have a figurehead and he (with Sir John) was initially around waving and smiling. Perhaps that's all he did. But in times of difficulty the fans could always look to the owner to hopefully lead and give reassurance.

I can't identify with or put a face to the new owners, they can't be providing leadership to the club or be a reassurance to the fans. We fall back to Sir John for comforting words, but even he is less visible now.

Perhaps if there is a very strong manager his sheer personality would fill that vacuum, we can debate whether Adkins has that ability, but even a strong manager would need more guidance and direction than he must currently be given.

As I say, in times of disappointing results we should be able to look to the owner/Chairman to provide a kick up the pants. But the Thais are not visible and we can't (rightly) bring ourselves to blame Sir John for his lack of drive at his stage of life.

A vacuum at the top.

And how do you know there is no leadership, just because they are not shouting from the rooftops!

[Upper West Ginger]

"We're not Real Madrid
We're not Barcelona
We are Reading Football Club ..."
[Ummm mutter ... mumble] is our owner"

[Elm Park Pasty]

Gutted. Thought this would be a thread about my impressive DIY repair to the hose on my Dyson at the weekend

[Berry]

There was me thinking the DC 49 was the new CB we have been after, You know the sort...Long term injured, sniffed the pants of a Prem team once and is on 40k a week....Damn

[Nameless]

I believe the new board have their first meeting soon. I imagine until they have had that there isn't much to say. Tend to agree that we do need some kind of public figurehead, Kingsley perhaps ?

[Ian Royal]

racists

[Pseud O'Nym]

Does nature abhor us though?