Harding to Reading?

[Rusco]

Apologies if fixtures, but couldn't see a mention of this one anywhere. Currently on BBC ....

Reading are on the trail of Ipswich left-back Dan Harding, who is currently on loan at Southend. (Daily Star)

 

[Dick Knights Mumm]

I hope so. I think he was better than Southend level.

 

[Scotty Mac]

better than southend level yes - but good enough to be in a team challenging from promotion to the premiership? not sure about that

 

[Seagullible]

Coppell always rated him

 

[bigc]

Coppell always rated him

True but not necessarily at left back it seemed because he always picked Mayo.

Just reminded me of an interesting fact, Kerry Mayo was the only player to play in EVERY game Steve Coppell managed Brighton for!

 

[Dick Knights Mumm]

That is a good fact. Quality.

He must think Harding had the potential - and he is now a few years older and should be physically stronger anyway. Hopefully he is a better player.

 

[Napper]

duh

 

[Joey Jo Jo Jr. Shabadoo]

True but not necessarily at left back it seemed because he always picked Mayo.

Just reminded me of an interesting fact, Kerry Mayo was the only player to play in EVERY game Steve Coppell managed Brighton for!

Harding came through our youth system as a left sided midfielder. Coppell did pick him at the start of the 03/04 season either on the bench or in midfield. When Coppell left for Reading it was McGhee who started playing Harding at left back regularly for the remainder of the season. It's quite possible that Coppell hadn't seen Harding play left back until after Coppell had left Brighton.

Or he may have thought a 19/20 year old Dan Harding playing left back would have been a big risk at that level and went with Kerry Mayo, who if we are being fair had a very good season under Coppell in the Championship (as it is now) playing both left back and on the left side of a back 3.

His reasons for picking Mayo then have no bearing on how he rated a 19 year old Dan Harding then or how he rates a 24 year old Dan Harding now.