One unnamed Reading dressing room source has launched a scathing critique of manager Leam Richardson after another harmful loss to the Royals’ playoff hopes.
The chances of the Berkshire side finishing in the top six are essentially over after defeat to Doncaster Rovers at the weekend, with Stevenage ahead by five points and also having a crucial game in hand with three games of the season remaining.
Rebellion Erupts
Criticism has been levelled at Leam Richardson for months by fans after frequent slip-ups in their chase for a chance at Wembley and promotion, with calls for the former Wigan Athletic boss to be given the sack intensifying after the 1-0 defeat away to Doncaster.
Now, in a bombshell report from the Reading Chronicle, one dressing room figure has come out and levelled multiple criticisms at the 46-year-old, claiming that there is tension building between the playing squad and Richardson.
It is said that there is frustration in the team selection with some players being deployed out of their usual position, and annoyance in the change of formation, among other gripes.
Also mentioned was the inability of the club to close out games, with Reading dropping points against Stevenage, Lincoln City and Huddersfield Town in the final ten minutes or later in their recent string of results.
The Chronicle also states that Richardson still has the confidence of the Reading board and owner Rob Couhig, following the fans’ criticism following the Doncaster loss.
Can Richardson Survive?
In a major twist at the end of the season, it seems that Leam Richardson is now in a battle for his job after people from inside the dressing room have begun openly criticising his management of Reading.
Fans have been disgruntled for months, but after damaging losses to Lincoln and Doncaster Rovers, that frustration has boiled over now that their chances of reaching the playoffs have dwindled rapidly over the past few weeks.
Appointed in the wake of Noel Hunt’s sacking back in October, Richardson has done a fairly admirable job of rescuing the club from a relegation battle with a good start to his tenure, but inconsistency and struggles for results have crept in, leading to a lot of frustration from the fanbase and now, seemingly, some of the players.
How Richardson responds to this latest blow to his reputation will be pivotal to his survival in the role. Not helping his fortunes is their next fixture being against Cardiff City, who can guarantee promotion with a win in Berkshire.
Whether this discontent spreads across the dressing room remains to be seen, but the 46-year-old’s reign could come crashing down in a very short space of time.