The Amazons are set to release new single “Stay With Me”, so we caught up with drummer Joe Emmett for a chat about his love of Reading…
How did you come to support the Royals?
My dad used to sponsor Reading in the Elm Park days when he worked for Saab years ago and I was forced to watch Darren Caskey and Phil Parkinson boot the ball around against Ipswich. Lost 2-1 but that was the foundation for a turbulent relationship with Reading FC.
What are your thoughts on the season so far? What are your expectations for the rest of the season?
It’s an up and down type of season. I can’t get too excited about the results as we’re not in a relegation scrap and were not pushing for the play-offs.
My expectations at the beginning were for a shot at the play-offs under the previous manager. He had a great pedigree and I thought he’d bring a great style of football to Reading but it wasn’t to be and we find ourselves in no man’s land really so quite unexciting from a fan’s point of view.
Do you think the manager is doing a good job? If not, who would you like to see replace him?
I’m a huge Brian McDermott fan! His daughter was in my year at school which means I’m biased but he bleeds blue and white and I think he understands our club more than any manager I’ve seen pass through the Madjeski.
He should never have been sacked first time around and he needs time to rebuild the squad again. We’ve got some great players that he can nurture and I think we’ll be challenging for the Prem soon enough under him.
Which areas of the team/squad would you like to see strengthened?
I’ve always been unimpressed with our desire to sign a 20 goals a season striker.
When Shane long was at the top of his game we should have been in for Charlie Austin when he was at Swindon or a supporting striker as Long was doing it all on his tod.
So I’d like to see us bring in a forward but the Reading way isn’t to spend so I can’t see it happening next season. Saying that le Fondre was an inspired purchase by Brian. Mathieu Manset not so much…
Have you managed to get to the ground much to watch them over the years?
I had a season ticket for many years and I saw us get promoted to the Prem. I followed them home and away for that entire season and it was a jubilant time. More recently I get to the odd game but not as much as I’d like!
Would you be able to name the first, best and worst games you’ve ever been to?
The best and worst I saw was against Arsenal in the League Cup. It was terrible and amazing all at the same time. We were 4-0 up in 30-odd minutes and lost 5-7 at home. I’ve never seen the onion sack bulge as many times as that in a game. Unbelievable Jeff!
Finally, if you had to select a five-a-side team out of all the players you’ve seen play for Reading in your time as a fan, who would you pick?
Adam Federici
Graham Murty
Phil Parkinson
Gylfi Sigurðsson
Shane Long