Reading FC star could regret moving to Arsenal if Gunners accelerate interest in January: Opinion
It was another disappointing afternoon for the Royals as they were beaten 4-0 by Charlton Athletic at The Valley on Saturday, with second half goals from Chuks Aneke, Tyreece Campbell, Alfie May and Miles Leaburn sealing all three points for the Addicks.
Reading have picked up just one point from their last five league games, and they currently sit 23rd in the League One table, five points from safety after their four-point deduction.
Selles has been working against a backdrop of uncertainty and protests against owner Dai Yongge, and his ability to strengthen his squad in the transfer window was restricted, but pressure is increasing on the Spaniard, who has won just three league games since his arrival at the Select Car Leasing Stadium this summer.
The Royals are back in action with a huge home game against fellow strugglers Fleetwood Town on Tuesday night.
Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Palmer revealed that he believes the off-the-field issues are to blame for Reading’s current plight, and he says Selles’ position should not be under threat.
It was another disappointing afternoon for the Royals as they were beaten 4-0 by Charlton Athletic at The Valley on Saturday, with second half goals from Chuks Aneke, Tyreece Campbell, Alfie May and Miles Leaburn sealing all three points for the Addicks.
Reading have picked up just one point from their last five league games, and they currently sit 23rd in the League One table, five points from safety after their four-point deduction.
Selles has been working against a backdrop of uncertainty and protests against owner Dai Yongge, and his ability to strengthen his squad in the transfer window was restricted, but pressure is increasing on the Spaniard, who has won just three league games since his arrival at the Select Car Leasing Stadium this summer.
The Royals are back in action with a huge home game against fellow strugglers Fleetwood Town on Tuesday night.
What did Carlton Palmer say?
Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Palmer revealed that he believes the off-the-field issues are to blame for Reading’s current plight, and he says Selles’ position should not be under threat.
“Reading suffered another heavy defeat at the weekend,” Palmer said.
“The last two games, they beat Swindon in the cup 5-0 and then Saturday in the league they lost 4-0 away at Charlton.
“It is clear that the off-field issues are having a real impact on the playing side, the points deductions, the uncertainty of the future of the ownership of the club.
“I know Selles will have been aware of certain problems when he took the job, but maybe not the extent.
“Reading now sit five points adrift at the bottom of the table, and to start questioning the future of Selles the manager I think is totally unfair.
“The ownership of the club needs to be resolved and the uncertainty of any further points deduction needs to be removed.
“It must be a really difficult situation for Selles and the players to work under.”
As Palmer says, Selles is working under incredibly difficult conditions, and it would be tough for any manager to achieve success amid such uncertainty.
However, Reading would still be in the relegation zone without their four-point deduction, and a second consecutive relegation is becoming an increasingly realistic possibility.
Off-the-field issues are undoubtedly the main cause of the Royals’ problems, and the players, especially experienced members of the squad such as Harlee Dean, Andy Yiadom, Sam Hutchinson and Lewis Wing, must take their share of responsibility.
But Selles’ record as a manager with Southampton and Reading is poor, and while there are mitigating circumstances for his struggles at the Select Car Leasing Stadium so far, there are question marks over whether he is the right man to keep the club in the division.
The criticism of Selles is understandable, and it is crucial his side pick up three points against Fleetwood in midweek.
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