Camilia Lane reports from Reading boss Liam Gilbert’s media conference this afternoon ahead of their Championship game with Charlton Athletic tomorrow (1/9/23).
Above: Liam Gilbert – the Reading head coach believes his team are ready to see off the challenge of Charlton Athletic. Photo: Reading FC.
Reading manager Liam Gilbert is expecting a tough challenge as he prepares his side for their home game with Charlton Athletic in the Championship on Saturday.
The Royals grabbed one point from their opening game against Crystal Palace
last weekend with Gilbert looking back on last week’s and seeing many positives despite its frustrating end that saw Palace earn a late draw. Reading’s boss saw plenty of principles from the training pitch put into action in the game played at Sutton United FC.
Coming into this weekend’s first home game, the Berkshire side are ready to face a strong Charlton team who many fancy to be part of the pack pushing for promotion. Gilbert asserted that he is confident about how the south-east Londoners will set up and that his side are capable of nullifying it. He added that whilst a game plan has been put in place for the match, his team are flexible enough to be able switch things up if necessary to exploit the visitors.
After being appointed manager in August, Gilbert believes “the only way is up” for his team as he looks to bring momentum and positive performances into the season.
Earlier this week it was announced that Lily Woodham will be putting
the captain’s armband on, which the Royals boss believes is a massive plus for his side as “she embodies what we want a captain to have, showing a positive attitude.” In conversations with his staff, Gilbert revealed that “all coaching staff only had positive feedback about Lily.”
Relegation at the end of last season saw many players leaving the club and with the transfer window open for a while longer, Gilbert is looking for his team to evolve
adding depth and competition in certain areas.
One such potential aspect of an incoming player adding strength to the side is goalkeeper Emily Orman, who came in on loan from Chelsea before Gilbert’s appointment as manager.
Having made her debut against Crystal Palace, the Royals boss spoke about how the custodian has all the tools for a positive season. “She is a great character with a positive attitude who carries herself really well and offers so much to the team.”
Reading will be going all out to ensure their first game in front of their home fans since relegation will produce the sort of feel-good outcome that has been missing at the club for all too long.
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