Noel Hunt On The ‘Learning Curve’ Of Reading’s Defeat At Blackpool

The Royals lost their unbeaten streak after a 3-0 loss on the coast.

The Royals’ unbeaten run is over after a 3-0 defeat against Blackpool at Bloomfield Road.

Three second-half goals secured the points for the home side with Reading conceding two goals in as many minutes. Blackpool rounded off a good performance with a third goal in added on time.

The defeat sees us move to seventh, just one point off the playoffs. Manager Noel Hunt spoke of the three minutes of madness after the game. Here is what he had to say to the official club website and the Reading Chronicle.

Hunt on the performance

“Three minutes of madness and a couple of mistakes, at this level if you dwell on the ball for a second you get punished. After that, we lost a bit of structure for a minute or two, they take a quick free-kick and you’re chasing the game.

“For the first half I thought we controlled the majority of it but to concede two goals as we did, you’re always chasing, and we leave ourselves a little bit open for the sucker punch at the end.

“The first half we controlled the majority of it but a moment when Stickers dealt with the first part, but we got caught on it - that punished us. It wasn’t quite right - the kick-off - and I always feel things like that can cost you because you’re lopsided.

“It is a learning curve for us. We came off a great run - 11 unbeaten - and now we have to bounce back and show our character.”

Hunt on Tom Carroll

“He controlled the midfield at times, and he’s a good footballer. We know that when they come into the squad they play and train with the intensity, that when they get thrown into the deep end, they’re good to go.

“He came in and did very well. From that point of view it’s pleasing for Tom, but for us we need to pick ourselves up quickly because the matches come around thick and fast. There will be loads of ups and downs and we need to fight tooth and nail and see where we come in May.”

Hunt on the 11 game unbeaten run being over

“It’s been a good spell, and this evening’s defeat won’t define us. We had this conversation when we played Blackpool at home in December. We’ve got to go back through the game, pick up the bits we can improve on and the things we did well, and work hard to keep going.

“There’s four and a half weeks left and anything can happen, we’re there or thereabouts and there’s games coming thick and fast. Three games in a week coming up again, so there’s loads to play for.”

Hunt on the post-match team talk

“Joel came in and was very passionate in the way he spoke, and he is so proud of the boys and what we have achieved so far. The words he used were: ‘This game doesn’t define us.’

“We’ve been so good and so strong and we get back on the bus, self-reflect, and we go again tomorrow. We’ve got a game coming up on Saturday and our full focus is on that.”

Hunt on Blackpool

“They have Lee Evans who won the league with me at Wigan, and he’s won the league since that twice. You have boys in there with great experience and knowhow. Their front two are dangerous and a handful.”

Hunt on the supporters

“They were great and we really appreciate their support. It’s a long way to come, but that shows they are appreciating what the lads are doing on the pitch as well, and we can’t thank them enough and we hope everyone gets home safe.”