Rodgers: Reading Was Right Club At The Wrong Time

Brendan Rodgers heads back to his previous club Reading on Saturday after leaving the Royals as manager back in December 2009.

The Swansea City manager had a disappointing spell at the Madesjki Stadium, which began in July 2009 but ended in December after a poor run of results. Rodgers was trying to implement his own attacking style at Reading, but he wasn't given the time to change it with the Royals.

The Irishman waited just over half a year before going back into management at the Liberty Stadium, and he's had an easier ride with the Swans so far. Rodgers hasn't had to make many big changes since being appointed in July, only needing to tweak his new team who were already used to playing a quick passing style of football.

He admits that Reading was the right club to join, but at the wrong time:

'Reading was the right club, but at the wrong time,''

'But even though the experience didn't turn out how we all wanted, Reading has still played a big part in my life.

'I was bitterly disappointed to leave at the time because I felt I could still take the club forward. But that wasn't the case and there are many reasons for that.

'I had lived in Reading for 20 years and had a great affinity with the club, the staff and the supporters. It's a great club and we were all frustrated we couldn't quite push on.

'I was trying to bring a different philosophy to the club, but I felt it needed time. I didn't get it because there was big pressure on the club and the board to get results. But that's football these days.

'There is a good squad of players there. I'm still in touch with a few and I really hope they do well.

'But my focus now is on Swansea and Saturday's game. While I didn't see it at the time, I think the experience has made me a better manager.''

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