Gibbs looking for Reading FC return to form
Anthony Smith • Published 9 Sep 2011 13:30
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ASSISTANT manager Nigel Gibbs insists Reading can reproduce the excellent form they showed last season at the Madjeski Stadium against his old club Watford on Saturday.
The Royals have failed to win at home so far this season but welcome the Championship strugglers to Berkshire on Saturday followed by basement boys Doncaster a week later.
After an opening day 2-2 draw with Millwall at the Mad Stad, Reading lost 2-1 to Barnsley in their next home fixture.
But Gibbs believes the players are determined to get results and turn their fortunes around.
"We are disappointed that we haven't had a home win in the league yet," said Gibbs.
"Last season we were very good at home and we have got to get back to that. We're ready to go again and the players are focused and really determined. We have two home games now and we're looking to get maximum points.
"The home fans can play their part. They did very well for us last year and gave us tremendous backing home and away."
Gibbs is a Watford legend, making over 400 appearances for the Hornets, but declared Saturday's game is purely about securing another three points.
He continued: "It always adds a little bit for me personally, especially as there are a few ex-Watford people at the club.
"But it is just another game. They probably haven't started as well as they would have liked but that's irrelevant to us, it's the next team and we want to get the three points."
Adam Le Fondre was a £350,000 signing from Rotheram last week and Gibbs announced he has already had an impact at Reading by adding competition for places in the striking department which also includes Noel Hunt, Mathieu Manset, Simon Church and Hal Robson-Kanu.
"Adam is a natural goal scorer, you can see that straight away," added Gibbs.
"He is a bubbly character and the lads have taken to him straight away. We are really pleased to have him and looking forward to seeing him play.
"He's come in and trained really well. You can see he is a natural finisher, he gets in the box and knows where the goal is."
Commenting about the competition up front, Gibbs continued: "There are a few to choose from so it's about getting the right combination to win football matches.
"You need competition for places and as a club you need to have players who can come in and really put pressure on.
"It's up to the players out of the team to try and take that shirt and up to the players in the team to keep it."
Le Fondre, 24, had scored four goals in as many games this season for the Millers in League Two before his transfer to the Royals.
Meanwhile, fellow new signings Kaspars Gorkss and Joseph Mills are also pushing for a place in Brian McDermott's starting line-up as the Reading manager attempts to kick-start the club's season.
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Vic Road
Unregistered User
Sep 9, 15:02
Report commentGibbs is a Watford legend, shame he's going to be disappointed tomorrow as Watford start to bring in results that performances warrant.... The league leaders in shots on target have had all their bad luck for the season and it's time they start going in.
ALF or Sordell? .... Marvelous Marv for me everytime!
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