Reading FC's Leigertwood looking for more than Freedman
Shakila Barabhuiya • Published 28 Oct 2011 10:30
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READING FC midfielder Mikele Leigertwood is relishing the prospect of getting one over his former Crystal Palace team-mate Dougie Freedman when they lock horns on Saturday.
The pair played together for two seasons at Selhurst Park between 2004 and 2006 under Iain Dowie, so Leigertwood knows what to expect from the current Eagles manager.
He said: "I'm looking forward to going back to my old club. I know Dougie well and as a player he always demanded the very best out of us and himself so he's probably no different as a manager."
Freedman guided Palace out of the relegation zone after taking over the reigns in January this year and they have been the surprise package in the Championship this season, currently sitting third in the table.
Leigertwood echoed the sentiments of manager Freedman when he said: "They're obviously doing well at the moment and I'm a little surprised, I must admit."
Saturday's game comes off the back of the 1-1 draw with league leaders Southampton last weekend in which the midfielder opened his account for the season.
However, the way Royals dominated Saints for large periods of the game will no doubt give them confidence.
Leigertwood added: "When we're on top of our game, we know we're a match for anyone, so we've just got to keep believing and stay confident.
"We've been playing teams towards the top of the league and we've made them look average for certain parts of the game.
"We're pleased with our performances and hopefully we can pick up three points this weekend."
However, the Antigua and Barbuda international has warned that they need to tighten up at the back if they are to contend with the top teams in the Championship.
"It's frustrating to concede another sloppy goal and we've got to address that," he said. "We've got to take the positives and iron out the little faults that are causing us to concede goals."
Reading have conceded 14 goals this season, nine of them at home. But it was the first time the Royals had conceded in the last 15 minutes of a match.
This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 27 Oct 11
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