A blind man on a galloping horse can see that

Last updated : 29 August 2002 By Tony Scholes

Reading boss Alan Pardew
We were simply dreadful as Reading won 3-0 and even Stan was in full agreement this time around.

Reading manager Alan Pardew had described Stan as a bloody good coach in his programme notes and was there to offer some support at the end of the match but was more keen to talk about his own team’s display,

"We worked terrifically hard, the desire to win the game was excellent. Our defence played well and didn’t have that much trouble.

"We’re happy – clean sheet, three goals, so we’re pleased as a whole team tonight. We’ve now got six points, so we’re level with Derby and above the other two sides who got promoted, so I think we’ve done OK.

"I thought Jamie Cureton was terrific tonight, probably our best player. Scored two, made one and his link up play was good. He’s right on the top of his game."

As for his defence not having much trouble, this was confirmed by goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann who said,

"I don’t think I really had any saves to make in the first half, one cross was about it, and one or two routine saves in the second half. Burnley only had one or two chances in the entire match."

And now to Stan, make of it what you will,

"I am going to have to have a chat with the chairman and see where we go from here. Tonight I was embarrassed to be their gaffer because that performance is a reflection on me.

"What I have said in the dressing room will remain in the dressing room but that performance was from about five years ago. When we lost against Fulham I said that was not my team but this one is so I will have to look at things very closely. The players are just not putting out what they are capable of doing for whatever reason. Maybe it is because they have heard the same voice for too long.

"I have never walked away from anything in my life but I need to sleep on it and have a good chat with the chairman. Everyone knows the players are not performing, a blind man on a galloping horse can see that.

"All I know is that I am responsible for the football club. I am the custodian of the club for a period of time like people before me and like people will be in the future. I have got to have a hard look between my ears because the most important thing is Burnley Football Club, not Stan Ternent.

"A lot of people have spent a lot of money to come down here and watch that and I am embarrassed."

Cureton calls shots for Reading

Peter Hayter (Daily Telegraph)

Jamie Cureton's goal-poaching instinct served Reading handsomely again last night and deepened the misery for Burnley, who were promotion contenders all through last season but who have begun this campaign with four successive defeats.

Cureton's 55th-minute strike answered Reading's prayers after several near- misses, and took his tally to five in the past four outings. Late in the game he set up Martin Butler for the second, and then added a spectacular third in injury time.

Burnley, desperate for a winning hand, strung five across midfield and invited Reading to break them down. With Nicky Forster and John Salako quick off the mark and ready to take on their man, the home team had the means to do just that.

For all their dominance, however, Reading strained to find a scoring touch in the first half, with Nicky Shorey and Cureton particularly culpable. Cureton was closer with a cushioned header. When Martin Butler nodded towards goal, Nik Michopoulos made the save.

Only sporadically could Burnley lift the siege. Gareth Taylor almost found a way through in the 21st minute but Adie Williams executed a timely block.