Shane Long

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Originally Posted by 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.

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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...

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Originally Posted by Dr. Ogba

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

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The pitch is being relaid after the complaints from the managers involved, think it's the sixth time that's happened since it reopened

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.

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

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

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

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....e-performance/

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

http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/News...744731,00.html

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.

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Originally Posted by 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....e-performance/

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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

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.

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Originally Posted by 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.

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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.

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

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.

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Originally Posted by 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.

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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

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.

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Originally Posted by richieos

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

http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/News...744731,00.html

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

Start for Scott Davies I see.

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.

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

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