Published: Thursday, 8th May, 2008 09:00
Madejski issues rallying call
By Anthony Smith
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ROYALS chairman John Madejski has urged the team to show 'pride and dignity’ at Derby County this Sunday - then pray they can mount a great escape.
Madejski knows that even three points will not be enough to keep Reading in the Premier League if Fulham win at Portsmouth.
And relegation could have huge financial consequences for the club’s megabucks owner who is still seeking a long-term buyer, amid rumours of interest from a potential North American investor.
But the possibility of a takeover would be less likely if the Royals drop into the Championship.
However, Madejski is remaining confident while there is still a chance of survival and he believes the pressure is now firmly on Fulham.
He told The Chronicle: “If the status quo remains the same we get relegated, so the pressure is off us. Now Fulham have got a lot of pressure because they know they have got to win.
“All our players can do is just go out there and play their hearts out for the sake of pride and professionalism, and then hope it will be enough.
“All we can do is try to win against Derby. Whether that will be enough to avoid relegation is in the lap of the gods, but at least we would be able to come out of it with some pride and dignity.”
Reading have gone six games without winning and in that run came a 2-0 home defeat to Fulham, a result which boosted their hopes of getting out of trouble.
Now, it is Reading who find themselves marooned in the bottom three and Madejski stated: “When Fulham came here a few weeks ago they were in the doldrums.
“But they played with vim and vigour and didn’t seem to feel the pressure. They just came and played and that’s what we have to do at Pride Park.
“Our destiny isn’t in our hands any longer, but we need to perform for the pride of Reading Football Club and everybody associated with us.”
However, Madejski is not expecting Derby to roll over either. “I’d like to remind people that Derby scored two goals against Arsenal recently so they can’t be dismissed that easily,” he warned.
“They’ve had an atrocious season but in front of their own fans they’re not going to roll over because they’ll want to go out on a high as well.
“It’s certainly not going to be a walk in the park, but if we play like we know we can, we should be able to get the three points.”
Royals fans will be hoping Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp can also do them a favour when they entertain Fulham.
“I’m sure we will get a blow-by-blow account of what’s going on at Fratton Park,” said Madejski. “No doubt the mobile phones will be constantly ringing.
“It’s Portsmouth’s last game before the FA Cup final and I would expect Harry Redknapp to field a strong team to give them the preparation they need for that game.
“I am sure he’ll want to make them play well and go into the cup final in good form.”
The Royals will not be lacking support at Pride Park with 3,000 fans set to make the trip to the east Midlands.
And Madejski announced: “I’d like to thank supporters for all the help and encouragement they’ve given the squad all season. They’ve been absolutely brilliant.
“The away fans always give everything and I’d urge them to do that again because they do make a difference, that’s why I bleat on about it all of the time.
“Whatever the circumstances, if they keep up that wall of noise it will help enormously. Hopefully we will have a carnival day up there.”
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