READING FC fans have been reacting to Jose Gomes’ decision to freeze out a group of players from first-team affairs.
The Chronicle understands transfer-listed Vito Mannone, Marc McNulty and David Meyler have been told to train with the Under 23s and not to share facilities with the first team.
Dave Edwards was also given the same treatment before sealing a permanent move back to Shrewsbury Town yesterday when Gomes also cancelled the loan contract of Southampton’s Josh Sims and signed Liverpool midfielder Ovie Ejaria until the end of the season.
Mannone, who could be set for a move back to Italy, heavily criticised Gomes’ ruthless tactics in a private message to a fan on social media last night.
The message was shared to the public, but the Chronicle has decided not to print it in full.
Reading goalkeeper, Vito Mannone.
It drew plenty of sympathy from many Royals fans’ while others praise Gomes for making tough decisions in an effort to steer the team away from relegation danger.
Here’s what fans have been saying:
I’m lost for words at this Vito message #readingfc
— Cheryl (@cher_1982) January 7, 2019
Completely understand the rationale of distancing some of the big characters (meyler etc) to avoid any negativity affecting the first team but can’t imagine Manone will ruffle any feathers. Always two sides to every story though! #ReadingFC
— Ben Mortimore (@benmortimore1) January 7, 2019
.@VitoMannone88 We would like to place on record our thanks for all your efforts during your time at @ReadingFC Whilst we don’t agree with how you and some others have been treated, we feel this sums up a level of desperation to reduce the wage bill, post Ron Gourlay. #ReadingFC
— The Dolan Stand (@DolanStand) January 7, 2019
People questioning the treatment of players, ask yourselves this...
— Brightside (@BrightsideRFC) January 7, 2019
If we get relegated, how many of these players would jump ship if offered a contract with a championship club next season?#readingfc
Be very disappointed if McNulty moves away, a proven goal scorer not really given half a chance... #Readingfc
— stu (@stuclang) January 7, 2019
We all knew players were going to be frozen out. We were told last week and no one moaned. Now it’s happened to a player you like it’s “disgusting”.....🙄
— Chris Beale (@bealec1988) January 7, 2019
No time for sentimentality when we’re staring relegation in the face. #readingfc
I literally can't stand our fan base.
— Josh (@Shorts221) January 7, 2019
New manager comes in, complains. Team doesn't play well, complains. Manager changes the squad dynamics, complains. Signs a new player to try to suit his style of play, complains. #readingfc
Get rid of the bad eggs by all means. Isolate the ones bringing down morale or causing disciplinary issues/disruption. But don't dehumanize players just because their talents are no longer needed. Everyone is a human first & then a footballer. We're better than that #readingfc
— Imran Escőbar (@razor5edge) January 7, 2019
The point of excluding players from the first team etc is to stop them causing problems within the first team, hence the divide. Isn't healthy to have players who are being pushed out of the club, mixing with everyone. Harsh but needed. Also makes the player want out #readingfc
— Max Howard (@MaxHoward_15) January 7, 2019
All the best with your next move @VitoMannone88. Thank you for your efforts, commitment and passion when you pulled on the Reading shirt. You are very much appreciated by the fans. 👍 #readingfc
— Jake (@JakeMoore87) January 7, 20192nd from bottom & people are sticking up for the player. The club are still paying him. If you go onto social media and complain about it, it’s probably why your not involved. If we are sitting mid table maybe he has a point but we are second from bottom. #readingfc
— Steven Kemp (@kempy26783) January 7, 2019I'm glad players have been told to go and given the rest of the squad a kick up the arse it's been long overdue. #ReadingFC
— Milo (@MiloRoyal1871) January 7, 2019
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