Ray Harford helps out at Elm Park
Former Blackburn boss Ray Harford returned to football today when he took charge of a training session at first division strugglers Reading.
But Elm Park chairman John Madejski was quick to stress that Harford, whose home is in Surrey, was only there in a "consultancy" role and that his visit was not a threat to joint managers Mick Gooding and Jimmy Quinn.
Gooding and Quinn have been sharing the coaching duties since Richard Hill moved to Wycombe as assistant boss in November after barely four months in the job.
However, they have been under increasing pressure, with the FA Cup third round win over Southampton and Tuesday's 4-1 beating of Huddersfield their only successes since early December.
But Madejski said today: "Ray is obviously keen to get back into football on a full-time basis and we're grateful that he's been able to take time out to take a look at things today in a consultancy role."
"He took the squad for training today and any further involvement we'll be playing by ear."
"This isn't putting the managers under any pressure. We all hope that we can take this opportunity to build on a marvellous result on Tuesday night and begin climbing up the table."
Harford has been out of football since resigning last October with Blackburn bottom of the Premiership and without a win in their first 10 League games. (30th Jan. 97)

Jim and Mick give the players praise.
Reading joint-player manager Mick Gooding praised his players for the way they came back from going a goal behind to earn a convincing 4-1 win over Huddersfield.
Despite letting in an early goal to Andy Payton, the Royals hit back with three first half goals and a late fourth to pick up three vital first division points.
Gooding said: "There have been times when we let our heads drop after going a goal behind but this time we showed great character and could have scored seven or eight."
For more on the match visit Hob Nob Anyone: Reports (28th Jan. 97)

Jimmy pleades with chairman
Royal's joint-player manager Jimmy Quinn has pleaded with chairman John Madjeski to provide some money to help strengthen the squad.
While other first division clubs have been splashing millions on players this season, Reading have had to manage on a shoestring budget.
Quinn said: "It is impossible to keep up with most of the other teams in the first division when we're not allowed to bring in new players." (20th Jan. 97)

Gooding blames Keith McPherson for Saturdays loss
Reading joint player-manager Mick Gooding blamed defender Keith McPherson for conceding a needless penalty which led to the Royals 4-1 defeat at Birmingham.
McPherson's handball in the penalty area allowed City back into the game with the scores at 1-1 and Birmingham never looked back.
Gooding said: "Why Keith put his hand up I'll never know. He doesn't even know himself, we were well in the game until that penalty." (20th Jan. 97)

Bobby Gets blamed for Royals Draw
Reading manager Jimmy Quinn blamed Bobby Mihailov for his side's 2-2 draw against Charlton at Elm Park.
The Royals twice threw away the lead in a game in which they should have won and Quinn said: "They were two bad costly mistakes by Bobby."
"He's feeling sick right now because he knows it's a game which we should never have drawn. Games are won and lost on those sort of mistakes." (12th Jan. 1997)

Andy Bernal Wins Appeal For Suspention
Royal player Andy Bernal has escaped a five-match ban after the referee of Saturdays match (Richard Poulain), admitted he was wrong to send Bernal off against West Brom on Boxing Day.
Bernal had been told he would be out for five matches, including Reading's FA Cup fourth round tie at Portsmouth later this month. But Poulain admitted his mistake after reviewing his decision on video after Reading appealed over his dismissal for two bookable offences. (9 Jan 97)

Andy Bernal Banned For Five Matches
Reading defender Andy Bernal has been handed a five-match ban by the Football Association.
The Australian international has been given the suspension, which starts on Saturday, after being sent off for the third time this season against West Brom on Boxing Day.
Reading are to ask the FA to reconsider their decision and hope the suspension can be reduced. Andy Bernal said: "I'm devastated. The first two sending-offs were early in the season and they weren't for violent conduct. "I never punched anyone or went over the top. There were incidents over the weekend that I saw that were far worse but went unpunished. I just hope the appeal works." (8th Jan 97)