Published: Thursday, 5th November, 2009 4:00pm

Rodgers makes X Factor plea

by Anthony Smith

Comments (2) | Print | Email

BRENDAN Rodgers is well aware of what the X Factor will be in Saturday's showdown with Ipswich Town - the Reading fans (3pm ko).

Rodgers wants supporters to put the club's horrendous home record aside and get right behind his improving team.

The Royals have been booed off a number of times this season after failing to win a home game in the league since January.

But with so much riding on the Ipswich clash, Rodgers knows the backing of their fans could have a major influence on the result.

"The message to send out is that supporters should get right behind us," declared an upbeat Rodgers.

"They've been brilliant this season even though things haven't always been great and I accept some of their criticism.

"But if we're to end this hoodoo at home they've got to be on our side. In fairness, they were superb last Monday against Leicester.

"Not many teams come off losing yet still get a standing ovation.

"I think that showed they appreciate what we're trying to do and the hurdles we have encountered along the way. We're getting there and their support could give us that little extra push we need when we play Ipswich.

"Even at Premier League level we've heard Sir Alex Ferguson say how the atmosphere at Anfield the other week had an impact on his players.

"We're trying to make the Madejski a cauldron and we need our supporters to do that. They can give us the edge we need to start winning home games again."

Reading climbed out of the relegation zone last weekend after a 3-1 victory at Coventry City, while Ipswich remain rooted to the bottom of the Championship despite picking up their first win, a 1-0 victory against Derby County.

But with a mere two points separating the clubs going into the weekend, Rodgers knows the outcome of Saturday's battle at Madejski Stadium could be a turning point in the season for either club.

"The fans' backing can swing the momentum in our favour and I hope they turn up and give it everything they can," added Rodgers.

"I knows it must have been a disappointing nine or 10 months for them and it still seems crazy that the team hasn't won at home in that time given how strong we used to be the Madejski Stadium.

"But this next game could be a turning point for us and for Ipswich. It's a massive game in the context of things."

So massive that Rodgers has even thought about treating it like an away fixture and staying in a nearby hotel the night before the game.

The Royals boss has still not dismissed the idea completely given Reading's impressive record of three wins and a draw on the road compared to their terrible home form.

"My preparation for games maybe different to the previous management here and I'll try and do anything to turn things around," he admitted. "Sometimes you have to do whatever it takes to get the right result.

"So staying in a hotel crossed my mind and it's what a lot of teams at a higher level do before a home game anyway.

"I'm open to ideas and it's worth looking at the things we do when we play away because our record is very good."

Ipswich secured a 1-0 victory courtesy of Jon Stead's goal the last time they visited Reading back in March.

But if Rodgers' men can win this Saturday, he believes it could re-launch their season.

"We've done the hard things really well which is winning away from home," he argued. "Our record on the road is very strong and that's to do with our spirit and togetherness.

"To win three times away in this league is some achievement but we've done it and we're right up there with the leading teams in terms of away performances and results.

"But it's so very important to sort out this home form. If we can do that I believe we have a chance of making great progress."

Matt Mills is back in contention but Rodgers is likely to name an unchanged side.

UP TO nine Reading players could be involved in international matches over the next fortnight.

Shane Long and Darren O'Dea have a chance of being in the republic of Ireland squad for their crucial World Cup play-off against France which takes place in Dublin on Nov 14 and in Paris four days later.

Simon Church is set to play for Wales in a friendly against Scotland at Cardiff on November 14.

Adam Federici is in the Australia squad ahead of their Asian Cup qualifier against Oman in Muscat on November 18.

Mali's Kalifa Cisse and the Czech republic's Marek Matejovsky have both been named in provisional squads.

Brynjar Gunnarsson is likely to play for Iceland in a friendly in Luxembourg while Gylfi Sigurdsson could be recalled by Iceland Under 21s in a UEFA U21 qualifier against San Marino.

Jem Karacan (Turkey Under 21s) and Jake Taylor (Wales Under 19s) could also be on duty.

For more stories and your full round up of what's happening in Reading you can purchase the e-edition of the Reading Chronicle click here.