Shane Long

[Stuttgart88]

No great finesse defensively but quick to track back and put the foot in. I think it's fair to say that in his forward role he defended from the front, chasing and harrying the GK and CBs in possession. I'd still prefer a natural RHM though.

[seahawk]

Yes, right from the start he was buzzing and as the commentator stated, even if he hadn't scored the two goals he would still have been the motm.

Agreed, motm even without the goals. Tireless work-rate and a great attitude. Many players would have complained in the media about not getting a chance but Shane just put his head down and worked hard. Great lad!

[OwlsFan]

But it wasn't only work rate and attitude, he also played very well with nice touches and showed plenty skill.

[Stuttgart88]

Yeah, I was hugely impressed. The guy looked a genuinely talented and pacy player. I love it on those rare occasions a young Irish player looks like the real deal and Monday night was one of those.

[seahawk]

I am really looking forward to Sunday to see if he can continue his red-hot form.

[theworm2345]

I am really looking forward to Sunday to see if he can continue his red-hot form.

:confused: 3 goals in 8 games with 2 of them coming against a surely relegated team is hardly red-hot form

Actually upon further review 6 of his 9 goals this season have come against the three bottom teams :o

[Colbert Report]

If Reading get promoted, how will their striker force look?

starting every match if fit: Doyle/Kitson
first sub: Noel Hunt
second sub: Shane Long

am I way off the mark here?

[Stuttgart88]

:confused: 3 goals in 8 games with 2 of them coming against a surely relegated team is hardly red-hot form

You obviously decided to ignore the posts that said that even without the goals he was superb. I suppose there's no culture of qualitative assessment of performance over your way though.

[OwlsFan]

:confused: 3 goals in 8 games with 2 of them coming against a surely relegated team is hardly red-hot form

Actually upon further review 6 of his 9 goals this season have come against the three bottom teams :o

He's scoring in a Reading team which has been struggling of late. Some credit for that perhaps? Also his overall performance was excellent. Let's hope it continues.

[tetsujin1979]

:confused: 3 goals in 8 games with 2 of them coming against a surely relegated team is hardly red-hot form

Actually upon further review 6 of his 9 goals this season have come against the three bottom teams :o
it's 3 goals in his last 8 games, but it's also 6 in his last 12 (that includes a 2 braces against Charlton and Norwich)

[Stuttgart88]

Did anyone else hear him shout at the Reading fans, celebrating his first goal against Norwich?

In a big thick Tipp accent "I bet you liked that one, didn't ya!". It was funny at the time.

[paul_oshea]

Did anyone else hear him shout at the Reading fans, celebrating his first goal against Norwich?

In a big thick Tipp accent "I bet you liked that one, didn't ya!". It was funny at the time.

stutts whats "a big thick Tipp" accent?!

[dr_peepee]

If Reading get promoted, how will their striker force look?

starting every match if fit: Doyle/Kitson
first sub: Noel Hunt
second sub: Shane Long

am I way off the mark here?

I don't think even Coppell himself could answer that one. He tends to change around alot.. Is Lita still there??

[theworm2345]

You obviously decided to ignore the posts that said that even without the goals he was superb. I suppose there's no culture of qualitative assessment of performance over your way though.
You're right I did, because I don't base my opinions on posts from here I actually watch the ****ing games, quite a few of which have been televised recently, or at least extended highlights on Virgin Media or The Championship :rolleyes:

[Stuttgart88]

I prefer to see games too, but if I miss them I like to read what others think.

[theworm2345]

I prefer to see games too, but if I miss them I like to read what others think.
Me too (hell isn't that why we're all here?) but I wouldn't base my opinions on what they think. If I did that, my perception of certain players (OK maybe just 1 :o) would definitely be much different.

[geysir]

Who they?
You don't actually have to watch these championship games in order to have Foot.ie educated opinions about players like Ledger, do you?
Just learn to discriminate who writes some sense and trust their opinion :)

[seahawk]

:confused: 3 goals in 8 games with 2 of them coming against a surely relegated team is hardly red-hot form

Actually upon further review 6 of his 9 goals this season have come against the three bottom teams :o

In many of those games where he didn't score he was a sub and saw the pitch for less than half the game. Five goals and an assist in his last five starts. Three crucial goals under the spotlight of a promotion push on a team struggling to score. He is hot right now.

Reading have scored 13 goals spanning 14 games since Jan. 31st. Shane has scored or assisted on 7 of them. That is despite playing the full 90 in only four games and missing two completely as an unused sub.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/players/gamelog?id=66502&cc=5901

And it's not just the stats, he just has a wonderful confidence about him now that I haven't seen in him since following Reading.

[seahawk]

Did anyone else hear him shout at the Reading fans, celebrating his first goal against Norwich?

In a big thick Tipp accent "I bet you liked that one, didn't ya!". It was funny at the time.

I absolutely loved that!

[theworm2345]

Who they?
You don't actually have to watch these championship games in order to have Foot.ie educated opinions about players like Ledger, do you?
Just learn to discriminate who writes some sense and trust their opinion :)

You see, its posts like seahawk's that make me doubt whether I should take people's opinions here literally or not. I'm no different though, for example would you really take any of analysis of mine of a game DC played literally? The only way that could even be close would be if I said he played terrible then you could know he wasn't up to snuff but other than that I'd say I'm too biased. I'd say the same about MancIrishWolf and Kevin Foley (http://foot.ie/forums/search.php?searchid=1085111) and anyone's opinion on that bald headed Manchester City player. MIW is a good example because he goes to many Wolves game and seems sensible enough yet when he's talking about Foley you just know its going to be an outpouring of support (same as me with you-know-who...I figure if I don't write the name I can avoid an argument).

Now at least seahawk used some facts in his post to back it up, thats something you don't see often enough, though (to tie it all back together) I still don't rate Long, though he's young and could be blossoming.

[Manc Irish Wolf]

Wouldn't say that my judgement has been clouded by bias, as I am not baying for Keogh or Ward to be in the squad, just highlighting them as players for the future.

Any possible over-emphasis is merely born out of frustration in seeing a quality player continually overlooked which too can be backed up by the number one fact that he was yesterday crowned as the Fans players of the season having won a resounding 51% of the vote, beating the top goalscorer in the division (Ebanks Blake with 25 goals) in what has been our most successful season in years. All this and just a left back - my opinion may not count for much, however surely 51% of the paying public who see him play week in week out must. Speak to any Wolves fan and they are simply astounded that he is not playing for Ireland, especially given the competition. However, I'm sure his time will come.

As for Long - he's quality and it's great to see him coming out of the shadows - always had the pace, fight and eye for goal, hopefully now he has the self-belief.

[seanfhear]

Wouldn't say that my judgement has been clouded by bias, as I am not baying for Keogh or Ward to be in the squad, just highlighting them as players for the future.

Any possible over-emphasis is merely born out of frustration in seeing a quality player continually overlooked which too can be backed up by the number one fact that he was yesterday crowned as the Fans players of the season having won a resounding 51% of the vote, beating the top goalscorer in the division (Ebanks Blake with 25 goals) in what has been our most successful season in years. All this and just a left back - my opinion may not count for much, however surely 51% of the paying public who see him play week in week out must. Speak to any Wolves fan and they are simply astounded that he is not playing for Ireland, especially given the competition. However, I'm sure his time will come.

As for Long - he's quality and it's great to see him coming out of the shadows - always had the pace, fight and eye for goal, hopefully now he has the self-belief.
If you are talking about Foley isn't he a right back.

[Stuttgart88]

Yes, a surprising slip from the Black Country Chief Scout.

[irishfan86]

You see, its posts like seahawk's that make me doubt whether I should take people's opinions here literally or not. I'm no different though, for example would you really take any of analysis of mine of a game DC played literally? The only way that could even be close would be if I said he played terrible then you could know he wasn't up to snuff but other than that I'd say I'm too biased. I'd say the same about MancIrishWolf and Kevin Foley (http://foot.ie/forums/search.php?searchid=1085111) and anyone's opinion on that bald headed Manchester City player. MIW is a good example because he goes to many Wolves game and seems sensible enough yet when he's talking about Foley you just know its going to be an outpouring of support (same as me with you-know-who...I figure if I don't write the name I can avoid an argument).

The difference I see between you and Connolly, and Manc and Foley, is that you are a David Connolly supporter, and Manc is a Wolves supporter.

David Connolly has been injured for the last two seasons essentially, and at his age is probably done at the top end of English football (if he makes a miraculous recovery and becomes one of the English league's top strikers and gives us another option, great, but let's admit this is unlikely).

In contrast, Manc tells us about all of the Irish players at Wolves, and is understandably glowing in regards to his descriptions of Foley- he is not alone in this regard, as evidenced by him winning the Supporters player of the season (this is from the same group of supporters who had a seemingly strong anti-Irish sentiment on their forum during Keogh's dry spell last season, which makes it even more impressive).

I admire your loyalty to David Connolly, and the support you have given him throughout the years, and I hope that he returns and enjoys another year or two of good goalscoring form- I always like to see Irish players do well even if they're not in the frame with the national side.

I'm not trying to insult you worm, but my point is that I don't think your presentation of David Connolly on this forum is comparable to Manc's descriptions of Foley (and the rest of the Irish Wolves lads).

[theworm2345]

The difference I see between you and XXXX, and Manc and Foley, is that you are a XXXX supporter, and Manc is a Wolves supporter.

XXXX has been injured for the last two seasons essentially, and at his age is probably done at the top end of English football (if he makes a miraculous recovery and becomes one of the English league's top strikers and gives us another option, great, but let's admit this is unlikely).

In contrast, Manc tells us about all of the Irish players at Wolves, and is understandably glowing in regards to his descriptions of Foley- he is not alone in this regard, as evidenced by him winning the Supporters player of the season (this is from the same group of supporters who had a seemingly strong anti-Irish sentiment on their forum during Keogh's dry spell last season, which makes it even more impressive).

I admire your loyalty to XXXX, and the support you have given him throughout the years, and I hope that he returns and enjoys another year or two of good goalscoring form- I always like to see Irish players do well even if they're not in the frame with the national side.

I'm not trying to insult you worm, but my point is that I don't think your presentation of XXXX on this forum is comparable to Manc's descriptions of Foley (and the rest of the Irish Wolves lads).

(I have X'ed out the name so as to hopefully avoid the inevitable argument/snide comments that lead to me arguing it brings)

Perhaps, but the bias is still the same unless he is talking on The Wolf/Modded in the Midlands (where, being a Wolves supporter myself, I posted until I got sick of the lot of them) because there they are just trying to do what is best for the team. While he (and I with you know who) undoubtedly wants the best for the Boys in Green, he presents his opinions to try to give the players a better reputation to Irish supporters.

Sorry to drag you into this MIW

Anyway...
http://my.fit.edu/~jbobosky/BBS/Thread-hijack.jpg


P.S.



(if he makes a miraculous recovery and becomes one of the English league's top strikers and gives us another option, great, but let's admit this is unlikely).
Never! ;)

[seahawk]

I would also like to poiut that I am not touting Long as the saviour and suggesting that he be put into the starting XI for Ireland. My point is that he is playing the best that I have seen while watching him.

I don't know anywhere near enough to suggest where he belongs amongst all Irish strikers. I will cheer for whoever gets put out there.

[Dr. Ogba]

he was pretty anonymous on Saturday, saying that Reading as a team were very very poor

I don't think they have a hope in hell of getting through the playoffs so hopefully Doyle gets the move he deserves and then maybe Long can actually get a decent run next season to prove himself...

[elroy]

he was pretty anonymous on Saturday, saying that Reading as a team were very very poor

I don't think they have a hope in hell of getting through the playoffs so hopefully Doyle gets the move he deserves and then maybe Long can actually get a decent run next season to prove himself...

Hunt wasnt great either. I thought Tabb did ok. Long missed one great chance in the first half when the ball was squared from the right hand side. In a way, I think Reading not getting promoted might be better for Long as it will present him with a better opportunity to establish himself as a first team starter than if they get promoted.

[seahawk]

Yes, not much service up front. The wing play in particular was horrible. Both Hunt and Kebe had 'mares.

Two things to keep in mind:
1-Reading's pitch is a mess, the team tends to hoof it more at home and when they are on a nice pitch play more of a passing style. That means they need to be up 1 or 2 coming home to have a shot.

2-I like their chances if they make the final as Wemberley is likely to be in pristine shape. But getting past Burnley will prove difficult.

[Claret Murph]

. But getting past Burnley will prove difficult.

Jezzzzzzzzzzzzzz I hope you are right ;)

[Dr. Ogba]

Yes, not much service up front. The wing play in particular was horrible. Both Hunt and Kebe had 'mares.

Two things to keep in mind:
1-Reading's pitch is a mess, the team tends to hoof it more at home and when they are on a nice pitch play more of a passing style. That means they need to be up 1 or 2 coming home to have a shot.

2-I like their chances if they make the final as Wemberley is likely to be in pristine shape. But getting past Burnley will prove difficult.

the same Wembley that was in bits for both FA cup semi-finals? ;)

Personally I think Reading will bottle it which, as Elroy stated, could be a good thing for Long (and maybe even Mooney?)

I think Doyle and Hunt will both get a move to a mid-ranking prem team next season anyway so would be good to see one of the other teams go up (preferably Sheff Utd I suppose) to increase our Irish contingent there...

[tetsujin1979]

the same Wembley that was in bits for both FA cup semi-finals? ;)The pitch is being relaid after the complaints from the managers involved, think it's the sixth time that's happened since it reopened

[drummerboy]

Long would benefit from a full season in the Championship as a starter. However Doyle's career seems to have nose-dived since Christmas. Can't remember the last time he scored and hasn't been able to command a place in a faltering Reading team.

[tetsujin1979]

Just two goals in the New Year, and 16 before it!

[dr_peepee]

He was apparently carrying an injury and naively playing on, not realising it was effecting his form... So i read anyway

[Yard of Pace]

Mikey Stafford in the Guardian today says he's just getting over a knee injury.

[co. down green]

Long seems to have been doing some Stephen Ireland training over the summer.

An important season for Long to see if he can cement a starting place up front, esspecially with Doyle gone. Rodgers has given him Doyle's former no.9 shirt for this season.

http://www.maidenhead-advertiser.co.uk/sport/article-11986-long-has-special-training-in-bid-to-improve-performance/

[richieos]

Big season ahead for long, tipped as joint favourite for the championship golden boot:

http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1744731,00.html

[Stuttgart88]

I have to say Long looked like a man possessed away to Norwich last season. He really looked a genuine talent & a genuine athlete. Time to step into Doyle's wake & seize the moment.

[kennedmc]

Long seems to have been doing some Stephen Ireland training over the summer.

An important season for Long to see if he can cement a starting place up front, esspecially with Doyle gone. Rodgers has given him Doyle's former no.9 shirt for this season.

http://www.maidenhead-advertiser.co.uk/sport/article-11986-long-has-special-training-in-bid-to-improve-performance/

I love this line in the article:
"Dobson, who previously worked at Maidenhead’s Magnet Leisure Centre and provided matchday physio at Burnham FC, explained"

Nothing but the best for our shane :D

[eirebhoy]

I've always been very impressed with Long when I've seen him play. He reminds me of Scott McDonald in a lot of ways but spends a lot more time outside the box.

I have to say I find it very interesting he's joint top favourite for top scorer. I thought on reputation alone some of the others would have been up there.

[irishfan86]

I've always been very impressed with Long when I've seen him play. He reminds me of Scott McDonald in a lot of ways but spends a lot more time outside the box.

I have to say I find it very interesting he's joint top favourite for top scorer. I thought on reputation alone some of the others would have been up there.

I don't think he has McDonald's instincts, but he's far more powerful and athletic. He's got an edge too which I really like- every defender is gonna feel it the next day after playing against him.

[Wexford Delboy]

scored four the other day in a friendly in sweden aswel..probably similar a similar player to doyle in that he will score a good load up until christmas and then lose form..hopefully not do

[theworm2345]

I guess I'm the only one whos never really been too impressed by Long. However, I've always maintained that he is young and raw and perhaps he is finally reaching his potential. Also he probably never really devoted full time to footy when he was younger as I believe he was a hurler as well.

[Den Perry]

I guess I'm the only one whos never really been too impressed by Long. However, I've always maintained that he is young and raw and perhaps he is finally reaching his potential. Also he probably never really devoted full time to footy when he was younger as I believe he was a hurler as well.


I like him a lot. Think he is a little unlucky with Ireland to see Best getting on the bench ahead of him. Long looks very quick and aggressive and is good in the air for the size of him

[tetsujin1979]

I think he's shown potential in short bursts, 2 goals against Denmark, setting up Andy Keogh for the second goal against Forest in the B game, and all-too-brief cameo on the right wing against Poland. Trapattoni clearly has faith in him, and for me that is enough.

[OwlsFan]

Big season ahead for long, tipped as joint favourite for the championship golden boot:

http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1744731,00.html

Wonder why he only came on as a sub on Saturday.

Start for Scott Davies I see.

[Junior]

Pretty nasty two footed lunge resulting in a RED card yesterday. Poor reaction after not being awarded what he saw as a definite free kick. He had only come on at HT, sent off around the 80min mark. Poor discipline.

[carloz]

On SSn the commentator at the match said it was obvious it was going to happen since the second he came on. Seriously needs to cop himself on. Being that petulant while playing for a manager who is in serious trouble is not clever

[Carrigaline]

I saw him in the Championship highlights, he's put on a bit of weight too.