Reading FC's Leigertwood faces up to shortcomings
Anthony Smith • Published 15 Sep 2011 09:30
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MIKELE Leigertwood is admitting his poor form could cost him his place in the Reading team.
The 28-year-old midfield enforcer gave an honest assessment of his recent performances by claiming he is struggling to hit the heights of last season.
Leigertwood's arrival from QPR on loan last season coincided with Royals' dramatic improvement in the league and his move was eventually turned into a permanent three-year deal.
But this season has not gone so smoothly for Leigertwood or Reading, who have dropped into the bottom three.
He stated: "If I'm not playing well I know I don't deserve to be in the team.
"That's the manager's choice, if he feels it's time for a change I've got to work harder to get the shirt back. But that goes for everyone.
"My own form hasn't been great. You compare yourself to last season and if I'm totally honest myself I am not up to scratch.
"But a lot of us in the team could probably say that. We recognise it and we're not stupid enough to think we've been doing well. We know we're not but we want to put it right."
Reading supporters have been airing their frustrations after the team's sluggish start to the season.
They were booed off the pitch at the end of the Barnsley and Watford defeats, while manager Brian McDermott claimed his players had began to 'fear' playing at home.
And with another home fixture this Saturday against basement boys Doncaster Rovers, Leigertwood admitted: "Losing at home is never nice. We owe it to the fans to put it right on Saturday. We'll be going out all guns blazing.
"We're very disappointed with our recent run of result. It hurts but we can't dwell on it, we need to put it right.
"It's difficult to put your finger on the reason why but obviously we're not playing well and that's the bottom line. If we play better, we get results.
"We need to get it right on the training ground then build from there."
Meanwhile, Reading left-back Marcus Williams, 25, has signed a month-long loan deal with League One Sheffield United after failing to make an impact at Madejski Stadium.
This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 15 Sep 11
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