FORMER Reading FC player Garath McCleary believes that the club’s problems stem ‘from the top downwards’.
Several former Royals players gave their damning verdict after the team’s shock exit from the FA Cup third round against non-league Kidderminster Harriers to continue what has been a harrowing season both on and off the pitch.
McCleary, who spent eight seasons with the Royals, took to Twitter to give his take on affairs at the club.
In response to a fan who asked why the players hadn’t apologised for their defeat to Kidderminster, McCleary said: “It may not be lack of commitment which was something I was accused of and the easiest thing to say (experience speaking).”
McCleary, now at Wycombe Wanderers under manager Ainsworth, endured a toxic end to his Royals career that saw him ousted from the first-team under Jose Gomes.
It was not until Mark Bowen took the reigns over from Gomes that McCleary was re-instated into the squad and played a part for the team before he was released following the expiration of his contract.
“It starts at the top for me. Club has been a mess for years and filters down.
“How can each year so many players be out of contract?”
Meanwhile, Ian Harte, who helped the Royals win promotion to the Premier League back in 2011/12, took to the social media platform to voice his concerns.
He said: “Don’t know what is going on at Reading FC. A club I loved playing for. Hopefully they can sort things out and get some consistency otherwise they are going to be in big trouble.”