Think it is because we have created few chances per game. Obviously, we have been clinical with those that we have created. I think i saw a stat that we have scored 6 goals from 10 shots so far. Thats 60% and a high conversion rate - something that is probably not sustainable over a season. So that is what the Reading fans are clinging on to - that we cannot continue being so clinical from so few chances. Which team was it a few seasons back that at the start of the season seemed to score from every shot they were getting? Bit like them.

Source?

No source is accurate - but that last one was particularly bad. I think we can safely say Gallagher, Ayala and Dack are the three biggest earners and probably on around 20k (or a bit more). This is just because information from others on here said that Lenihan was finally offered terms of 20K+ which would have put him among the top earners. Kaminski is possibly in that bracket as well as he recently signed an extension. After that, you probably have the likes of Travis, Brittain, and Brereton on between 10k - 15k. Alot of the younger lads are on their first pro deals so Dolan, Buckley, and Wharton so probably around 5k. Wouldnt have thought the lads that came up from League 1 (Edun and Pickering) will be on much more or less than that either.

No, players cannot sign pro terms until they are 17. Apparently he had promised to sign a contract we already had for him the day he turned 17. Still unsigned.

Also, their new keeper had a nightmare last time out. Ironically, signed from Boro. Do they even train keepers down there or is it their plan to fool people into buying duds that can barely catch a ball?

Reading the Reading boards, they are just as thread bare as us if not moreso. Tons of injuries there apparently (especially in defence). They are not looking forward to it and are clinging onto xG of all things. Ours is the lowest in the division apparently and they are 9th.

That list is even more innacurate as the first one from earlier. Tayo Edun and Pickering picked up from League 1 and on double our captain. That is what i would be knocking on the door about, not a 17 year old prodigy on mid level wages. Markanday earning 3 times more than Buckley? Need to stop using these lists as they are all (bad) guesswork as none of them will know the actual salaries of players.

Not looking good in terms of the 'other' Van coming in quickly

He hasnt.

Dont underestimate the head tackle - it is becoming an artform.

Just a no all round for me even if he was willing to accept 10-20% of wages to come here. Doubtful he would even have the hunger we want. Santa Cruz on the other hand - sign him up!

Most of his pictures look like that to be fair.

A pay cut? You would think so - lol

Yeah look at Michael Hectors career as evidence of that.

So you dont think he will make it? Tell you what, i would rather spend half of Ayala's wages for four years finding out while the latter goes on another Xmas holiday.

So a potential loss of many many millions.

Okay so we lose a player with the potential of bringing in a huge transfer fee - for peanuts. If Batty was as highly rated at just turned 17, we'd be having the same conversation.

Not at that time he wasnt. Potentially, yes - but he was playing for Southampton.

That link is very inaccurate to begin with. Then, if a 17 year old is put on pro terms to reflect his status as a first teamer/squad player and players feel they deserve more - they can come to the discussion table when their contracts need reneweing. I think most would understand the situation if the lad is worht more to the club long term than they are. Shearer came in on 10x the wages of other first teamers. You just accept it and see if you yourself get a better deal down the line. You earn due to your perceived value to the club.

Jed Wallace, Swift and That peterborough lad (forgot his name), apparently.

I agree that normally Dolan is best suited off the bench. I just think after that tough game in hot weather and the limited squad size we have - we have to make a few changes. Dolan can come in for Hedges and the latter can come on later. Dack, yes i get it but it depends if JDT trusts him to start, not sure on whether he does yet. Even Markanday has picked up a knock - we are thread bare at the moment so think we have to at least make changes where we can.

Contract comes into it surely? One year left? I think unless someone gets desperate on deadline day - he will go for free next season and have his pickings.

We could match 10k p/w surely? Or even better it. We are paying more than that for many of the loans we bringing in. Gallacher is on 20k+ and some would argue he is not worth that. Ayala is on top wages and while a beast, plays half a season (to date). Dack is a top earner but another that has not played for 2 seasons (unfortunately). Doesnt seem like we are getting much value with those three contracts at the moment. We could definitely get value from a contract half that size for a promising your CD claimed by many as best his position in the country at his age. Or, lose for a pittance to Spuds. 4 year deal, 10k per week - get it done now, Waggot! By time contract ends, he is still a kid ffs. I doubt he will finish it anyway if he becomes the big star many expect.

Nah, i think at least a couple need a rest. Sheff Utd coming up a few days later. Dack is an option but i still don't think he will start yet.