Reading's three match winning run was ended emphatically at Bramall Lane as Sheffield United won 4-0. 

Here is every word from boss Paul Ince.

Reading Chronicle:

Ince on the run

It was tough, they’re a good side. As I said to the players, after the Rotherham game you have Blackburn, Middlesbrough, Millwall and Sheffield United, if I were to give you nine points would you have taken it? I think we all would’ve said yes so that’s how you’ve got to look at it. It’s been a positive four games, a little run, but disappointing the way it ended. I’m still very proud of my players, picking up nine points out of 12 is not a bad return- we have to go again Sunday against Stoke.

Ince on the match

We didn’t deserve anything after the game, we didn’t deserve to win. We didn’t reach the levels that we have, from an energy level [perspective]. We look tired. The Millwall game took a lot out of us and we’re talking about the same players every week. That’s why Ty [ Tyrese Fornah] didn’t play, he was tired, so I put Tommy Mac [Tom McIntyre] in there. These are a very good outfit and when you’re taking a £20m striker to bring on another one, that’s where we want to be in two years’ time. They’ll be up there come the end of the season. As much as we can be disappointed, I’m not disappointed. We’ve been on a good run but in a perverted way it brings us back down to earth and understand where we are as a club. everyone gets excited and you get 70,000 texts on Saturday as you’re top of the league, I’ve always said it’s something nice for the fans to say.

Reading Chronicle:

Internally we have to understand that our remit is to stay in this league. Maybe some got a little bit too carried away and we looked that way. We looked quiet before the game like it was a big game, but it wasn’t, it was just another game. Nothing matters now, Fergie always said the season starts in March. We looked quiet, tired, and lethargic but credit to us we never gave up. You have to take the rough with the smooth.

It’s been tough. They’re mentally draining. Blackburn, we pressed really high, Middlesbrough we had to dig in and then you’re going away to Millwall. And it’s the same personnel. We didn’t have that spark. We could’ve got back into the game, but we never deserved to win the game. We’ve got to move on.

Ince on Baba Rahman

We are waiting on a few documents tomorrow from Chelsea so I’m hoping by tomorrow morning he’ll be training which will be great. Baba [Rahman] will give us that balance. Junior has done ever so well but playing him at wing-back has been tough for him. Baba gives us the balance and we can start looking at what we can do up top, as I think we need to be more up top. I’m not best pleased with that.

Getting Baba in will be great, I know him, the players know him, he’s a great guy and he knows what we’re all about. It’s been a long process and I’ve had agents galore throwing fullbacks at me, but I’ve needed to wait. The thing with Chelsea is they are waiting to see if anyone comes in to buy him as he still has two years on his contract. There were offers from Baba abroad, but he wanted to come here; he knows how I work and my standards and demands. It is an easy place for him to come and I can’t wait to see him again.

Reading Chronicle:

Ince on future possibilities

I can’t say I’m not going to look for another loan, if someone jumps out at me, I have two days, I’ll take him. I want to get another midfield player in but where we are the minute, we have to be careful.

Ince on injuries

It’s getting a little stronger, but you look at Naby Sarr today, he does his calf at half time, and you think ‘AGAIN’. Scott Dann did his hamstring two days ago, so we are back to square one with him. One minute you look and think you’re starting to look more in depth, and now we’re back to square one. Let’s just keep moving forward, we have to be positive.

Reading Chronicle:

Ince on Massimo Luongo and a new striker

Massimo has been in training last week or so. The thing with players on frees is you don’t have to rush into decisions. He’s come in and trained well but you have to make a decision sooner rather than later, what you can’t do is keep trialists in your side. He’s one I’m looking at, there’s one or two, but my main priority has been getting Baba in. I’d like to get a striker in, I’ve got one in mind but I’m not going to tell you yet- you’ll be quite surprised if I can get him in. We are always trying to bring in good players and that’s what I’ll continue to do until the window is shut.