| WELCOME TO ROYALS RENDEZVOUS - THE 1871 CLUB The Royals Rendezvous – the 1871 Club was formed over the Christmas-New Year period of 2010-2011. Many of its initial members were regular contributors to the BBC 606 service – alas, no longer in operation – who wished for a more specialized Reading FC orientated forum, whilst maintaining the good spirited type of conversation and banter that the BBC tried to promote. In its first two years of existence, the Royals Rendezvous is achieving outstanding success, with new members signing up continuously, and the member base itself extremely active. Over 500 members, over 70,000 posts is proof enough of the growing role of this specialist Reading FC fans forum web site. It is already recognized in other sporting circles as a major source of news and fan interaction (especially that related to Reading Football club of course), and has a strong and enthusiastic moderation team. Royals Rendezvous has also developed fine relations with many other specialist football forums, especially with teams of our own league. You’re currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are many features you cannot use. However, if you are a fan of another team you are currently allowed to post in “Rivals, but Friends” and the "Other Matches" sections, strictly abiding by the language decency standards that Royals Rendezvous maintains. No aggressive posts, wind-ups or swearing or the post will be edited/deleted. But please read on.... If you join our community you’ll be able to access member-only sections, and use many member-only features such as customizing your profile, sending personal messages to other users, posting your comments and opinions in threads all across our website, signal your appreciation of other people’s posts, be able to vote in polls (there are many polls amongst RR members and often run simultaneously), enter member competitions, and adding your personal material in the Media section, which contains many photographs, newspaper cuttings and other media connected with Reading Football Club, plus the large RR Reference Library of over 160 links and addresses. In addition you'll hear first hand of our news and announcements, and be able to participate in an all-ranging 'anything goes' section. So take advantage, registration is simple, fast, and completely free – you can become a FULL member at an instant, and are welcomed as such on Royals Rendezvous from Day 1 – promised! Why not make first stop by introducing yourself in the “Welcome! Thanks for joining” topic in the Introductions part of the site … Join our community! If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features: |
- Pages:
- 1
- 2
| Interviews of the Month – July 2012; Special fan Interviews – RR member Urz_Al & bogdan (Leeds LUFC Talk) | |
|---|---|
| Topic Started: 28 Jun 2012, 08:36 PM (584 Views) | |
| daib0 | 28 Jun 2012, 08:36 PM Post #1 |
A thousand miles away, but just round the corner in spirit
|
Interviews of the Month – July 2012 Well, this month we were supposed to have a selection of important persons from various forums - Forest and Hull amongst them, but what with the close season, Euros and the like things have got well behind despite wide interest. But I don't want to pass a month without producing anything at all, so pride of place this time goes to bogdan of the Leeds LUFC Talk Forum once again as the outside contribution. And this month we've captured one of the co-founders - their 'Pea' as it were!! If you haven't already read up on this fine forum, then please flick back to last month's interviews: http://royalsrendezvous.co.uk/topic/9571298/1 or indeed go straight to their admirable forum itself: http://www.lufctalk.com/forums And then, from the RR membership I'm pleased to offer you an interesting contribution from Urz_Al who is proving to be one of the pivotal figures from the 'younger generation', and who is right on the ball in so many aspects. Over 600 well thought out posts in some thirteen months of membership is ample proof of what I am saying ... ######## So to get us underway, here's bogdan: First off, please tell us something about yourself! Like ... what were your favourite subjects at school? Did you do further studies? What do you now do for a living/study etc.? Well, Hi!, I'm 27, born and bred in a small town in Romania, but an adopted Leodensian since 2010. A full time geek and LUFC fan, which for the past 3 and a half years have blended (with more or less success) into building and running LUFCTALK with my good friend Sheepy. Career-wise I have been doing web development for the past 7 years, an occupation born partly out of a mixture of childhood interests and sheer chance. Definitely a labour of love though and something for the long-term now. How you travelled much? What special memories have you of your travel? Where did you like most? I love to travel and think it a poor return that I've only seen, I think, 5 other countries apart from my own so far. But at the same time I think I've got as long a "to see" list of Britain & Ireland than the rest of the continent. Two magnificent countries. Still, I struggle to think anything will leave as lasting an impression to me as Vienna. That city is just magnificent and exactly the kind of history and character-filled city that I like to be lost in for days. Why Leeds United and not any other team? Why do you identify with the team? I couldn't say. They gradually grew on me in the good early noughties years of playing in Europe, when they were on TV a lot. It slotted in well with my dislike of the then-fashionable clubs of Man U and Real Madrid. And then I remember the first season where I watched them regularly as being the PL relegation season. All went downhill from there, but at the same time every bit of story and fan interaction I could find through the media and online gave the feeling of a fantastic club. And years later, I'm living here and have made some of my best friends through this affiliation. If there was one game in the history of your club you could go back and see (but didn’t at the time), what would it be? I'd take any single game from the Revie era, and probably after, up to the early 90s. It doesn't even have to be one we've won, but it seems to me like it was an age of real football played very honestly by real men (sounds trite, I know). The togetherness of teams back then, of the players and fans, and the spirit of the game sounds to me (from footage seen, so many stories read and heard, etc.) like a golden era that will never return. I cringe when I see the theatrics that take place at every contact in today's football and wonder what First Division players of that age must make of it. There's many bad elements that are best left in the 70s, of course, but otherwise I envy anyone who's experienced a derby game in a packed terrace of that time. Which other team or teams in the Championship (or indeed elsewhere) have you a soft spot for? Nowadays, not many. As an outsider initially, I used to have a lot of respect for many of the PL teams, but after exploring and experiencing first hand a lot of the we-all-hate-Leeds-scum culture, my highest sympathy setting seems to be "not bothered". This applies to teams I dislike, which is basically everyone I've seen Leeds play against live (haven't been to Reading away, mind you!). I know much of it is banter and match-day atmosphere, but I've been to watch games as a neutral, with Leeds not involved, and heard anti-Leeds chants and remarks, etc. I keep a bit of a soft spot for Liverpool, for a perceived similarity of fans loyalty (and delusional belief of deserving more!). The dislike list is too large to mention.  Favourite footballer/s of all-time? Dan Petrescu, hands down. Grew up around a boom era of our national side and he was one of our rocks in the team. He was also a right-back, a position I have a "thing" for (is that even possible?), and the type of decent, hard-working, honest-talking gentleman-footballer which is a dying breed. He's only young as a manager, but already fairly successful. This won't sit well with other 'Talkers, but if he ever stood a chance at managing Leeds, I'd carry him on my back from wherever he was, as he's just made for the PL. Favourite sportsmen/sports ladies (apart from football, that is) of all-time? Ahem (shy look away). Michael Schumacher. I don't know why, because he's German, a dull German at the best of times and can be a massive c()*k at his worst, but in his sport he was an absolute machine, and I was mad for F1 for about a decade before and after him, and I cheered for him through the duels with Hill, Villeneuve, and then all the second-best drivers at McLaren. Shame he decided to return. What makes you laugh? I used to believe that not a lot, until I started watching the full fleet of British stand up comedians. And then all sorts of comedians from the 60s and 70s. I really was born in the wrong decade, wasn't I? Miscellaneous dislikes? Tracksuit bottoms worn in any other context than your own sofa, or sports. Trousers closer to the ankles than the waist. Having to listen to someone else's music and phone conversations. Mobile phones ringtones of an early 20th century phone. People that can recite all the Compare the Meerkat commercials off by heart, but are incapable of pronouncing or spelling my first name correctly.  A few words to describe your relationship with The Leeds “LUFC Talk” forum – and how did it come about? I'd been introduced to another Leeds forum by Sheepy, but after a couple of years we grew disappointed with the way it was run in certain respects. We thought we could do it better, so we did it ourselves. Currently, it is a controlled addiction, or so I like to believe. Do you think that with your growing reputation (LUFC Talk) any professional player now currently reads your forum – and who of the present crop would you like to read our forum?! I suspect some of them do, although there are a few LUFC forums around, and some are almost as good as ours. Nudge, nudge, wink, wink. But when Neil Warnock was appointed, he said that he'd been encouraged by some of the comments he'd read on internet message boards, of fans being eager to have him. Our LUFCTALK-branded "Leeds United, you are welcome!" banner is still being produced, but we do believe we practically appointed him to the position. What are your views (be sincere!) on Reading’s "Royals Rendezvous"? It is excellent in more ways than one. You are akin to us in your friendly and common sense approach to any debate, and you've been welcoming on several occasions, keeping an open-mind and distancing yourself from the often-experienced before and after (beating us) attitude. And you've been patient with us even through some more heated discussions! I must also commend the efforts that Mr daib0 is making for fresh and interesting content throughout the season, this series of interviews being a part of them. It's something I wish we could emulate in patience and inspiration. And if I remember correctly, you are only a couple of years into your existence as a forum, which makes it all even more remarkable! Any special reason (that you can share with us) for your own user name “bogdan”? It is my genuine first name. I am horrible at choosing internet pseudonyms, and thought that something with an original meaning of "gift from god" would be a blessing recognised by everyone. Must admit, I have received little recognition on it so far. Thank you kindly for the chance to partake in this, and hope it's been of some interest to your readers. and thanks to you bogdan! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- and now to RR's very own ... Urz_Al ! First off, please tell us something about yourself! What were your favourite subjects at school? Did you do further studies? What do you now do for a living/study etc.? I’m Alex, I’m 20 years old and from Sandhurst. Currently doing a foundation degree in television, and aspiring to be a camera operator. Want to get in to camera work as I love sport, and want to travel the country and the world, experiencing the best stadia and competitions. Being the person who films a famous goal in a cup final, being part of footballing history, that’s the ultimate excitement. I have already experienced TV work on a freelance/trainee basis with the BBC and ESPN covering the Ascot races, as well as working at the Lakeside Darts World Championships, and helping rig for Football First and MOTD at the Emirates and Stamford Bridge. Mainly been studio camera operator, so working with Ray Stubbs, Collin Murray, Claire Balding and Willy Carson, as well as meeting the great John Motson at Arsenal and set up his commentary area. Currently searching hard to get taken on as a trainee permanently, although I do have work lined up at Ascot in the coming months with the BBC. Also recently been on work experience at Sky in London, so was interesting seeing that Wimb works there. It’s an amazing company, with outstanding facilities. Really loved my brief time there. Why Reading FC and not any other team? Why do you identify with the team? Really believe in supporting your local team. I think it’s a shame that we don’t have more fans, as our club is as fine an example there is in British football, of how hard work can elevate the club in a short period of time. The stadium is brilliant, the staff throughout the club are top class. The players seem genuine and approachable. I think our fans are a good lot too, always good banter, nothing too over the top, and get well behind the team even in the hard times. We are realistic in our aims, and after tasting the premier league, we still remembered where we came from and how fortunate we were to be playing in the championship. I identify with the team, because I feel I have seen it grow up into something amazing, something I’m proud to have been part of. Was it always Reading, or as a child did you like the ‘big’ teams of the day? It’s confession time! As a kid, I basically supported the team who had the best player. For example I supported Shearer United, not Newcastle! After seeing Owen score the amazing goal in ’98 against Argentina, he was my idol for a while, but my first football shirt and game I went to were Chelsea, as I loved the genius that was Zola! This was when I was about 6 or 7. Then I first went to Elm Park with my dad soon after, and got my first Reading shirt, which I still have. An Auto-Trader classic! From there on, and with the excitement of the new stadium coming up, my dad got me in to Reading FC, and one day I will thank him for that! Probably the best decision made in my life! Elm Park or the Mad Stad? How do you compare them? It’s sad that I don’t really remember Elm Park that much. I can’t remember a single goal, or any moments of magic from a player. All I remember was my first game there, and a Reading defender preventing a corner and smashing into the advertising hoarding right in front of me. A few years later, I realised that man was Linvoy Primus. I have to say the Madejski, purely because of the countless amazing moments there. It’s had it all! Played in 3 leagues, epic matches, some unforgettable results, play-off semi-final drama, and I also lead the team out as a mascot. No better place in the world for me. Do you have a favourite Reading match that you saw live? Our first premier league game typified everything that I expect to see in a Reading team. 2-0 down early on against Boro, a lot of teams would have rolled over and collapsed, but never do we see that from Reading. Winning that game was a proud moment, as to be honest, I feared the worst for our season after half an hour. Never have I wrote us off after a bad start since. The cup game at the Mad Stad against Manchester United is another example, 3-0 down after 5 minutes, we were on course to for a humiliating defeat, but we ended losing 3-2 and hitting the bar late on. Jason Roberts said on twitter something along the lines of (yes I really am quoting Jason Roberts!), that talent isn’t everything, and hard work is more important. I’ve seen that numerous times with Reading, and I think Jason is right. Hard work and team ethic is key. If there was one game in the history of our club you could go back and see (but didn’t at the time), what would it be? Has to be Palace at home in the 106 season. I attended the first half of the Plymouth game, before going to the airport to Greece (mum wasn’t pleased) and we were poor and lost the only home game of the season that day. I then had 2 weeks away where I missed Millwall and Palace at home. 2 amazing games, but the Palace game haunts me, simply because it is regarded by many as the best in the Mad Stad’s history. I could count on one hand the home games I have missed in the last 10 years, that’s the one I regret most. Is there anything you’ve done with football or football matches that you’ve later regretted? Nothing drastic, but my mate was a Chelsea season ticket holder, and went on holiday and left me and my dad his season tickets as there was a game that didn’t clash with Reading. We went, and for the first time ever, we left a match early to beat the traffic, and Zola scored one of his last goals, and it was a stunner, a lob from out wide against Everton I think. How you ever been in a ‘delicate’ situation (like dangerous) with nasty opposing fans (inside or outside grounds)? Had an intoxicated Birmingham fan start on me recently outside St Andrews, and a coin launched at my head which luckily hit the inflatable sticking out the top of my bag, rather than the back of my head, on the same day. Only thing I can think of in the hundreds of games I been to, so not too bad. Which other team or teams in the Championship (or indeed elsewhere) have you a soft spot for? Always look out for our former players and hope they do well. So West Brom I always hope do well since they got Long, and even Swansea since they got Sigurdsson. Which team or teams do you least like? QPR and West Ham are at the top of the list. QPR because of the way there fans used to be on BBC 606. There seemed to be more gloating and brain washed fans than sensible and dignified ones on that specific site. That said, I got lots of QPR supporting mates, and was happy for them to see them survive. Not keen on West Ham because of the games we have played against them. Happy to continue taking 3 points off them though! When it comes to your team - Are you an optimist or a pessimistic? I’d describe myself as realistic! I know how much potential we have as a club, but I also know that there are no guarantees in football. Whatever happens, I’ll always be back to support the royals next week. Favourite footballer/s of all-time? It was Thierry Henry, until he robbed Shane Long, Doyle and the Hunt bros of a trip to the World Cup(or euros), with that hand ball incident (not deliberate apparently…). I still have to say Henry though as his career at Arsenal was amazing. Unbelievable finisher, pace, flare and looked as if he enjoyed playing. In terms of Reading players, I loved Cureton and Forster. Glenn Little is the most enjoyable player I have seen in a Reading shirt. I think the best player to wear a Reading shirt will be Gylfi Sigurdsson. He can go right to the top of the game. A few words to describe your relationship with The Royals Rendezvous – and how did it come about? After BBC 606 closed down, there was a big panic about where to go next. RR was formed and it’s grown over the last couple of years, and it’s specific to Reading, which is ideal. Talking and getting the opinions of fellow supporters, without the random abusive message from opposing fans. It’s ideal and always active. Long gone are the days of Hoopy Loopy! Some people watch the news or go on Facebook, I go on RR! What are your views on "Royals Rendezvous"? I love it; the people who run or made the site have done a great job. Never really find the time to say it, but thanks to those who make this available to the fans. Really good work and keep it up. Many thanks for the kind words, Alex Edited by daib0, 29 Jun 2012, 06:56 AM.
|
|
Royals Rendezvous - a friendly Reading forum // twitter: @johnstone_cello | |
 |
 
|
| Tilehurstsouthbank | 28 Jun 2012, 08:51 PM Post #2 |
|
Great stuff Bogdan and Alex, remeber us when you're a Hotshot TV producer! 
|
  Kennet Island Royal! | |
|
|
|
| Foxxinator | 28 Jun 2012, 09:00 PM Post #3 |
|
Great words from the two contributors. Thank you for sharing it with us, I always like reading them. |
|
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ | |
|
|
|
| Pea | 29 Jun 2012, 09:52 AM Post #4 |
Joseph/Joe
|
Two really good interviews, Bogdan sounds like someone I'd really get on with! And Alex has been a great contributor to the site for some time now, the type of quality poster that sets us apart from other forums Great to hear more about both of them
|
| Quidquid latine dictum sit, altum sonatur | |
|
|
|
| Owlish52 | 29 Jun 2012, 01:19 PM Post #5 |
RR Foreign Legion - Across the Pond - Championship-bound
|
Greatly appreciate the information from two quality football fans and quality web participants! Bogdan, LUFCTALK is a top-quality forum and one I have lurked on several times - good work there! And it's great to hear a bit more about Alex, who is an excellent asset to RR! |
| A new season, back in the Championship. New manager, new playing style, let's get back up! URZZZZ! | |
|
|
|
| Hayes | 29 Jun 2012, 04:42 PM Post #6 |
|
Never realized Ali was so young,always,and this is not me just saying it,thought he was one of the best contributors on here. |
| Broad and Anderson on fire,Aussies,be Very Afraid | |
|
|
|
| daib0 | 29 Jun 2012, 09:07 PM Post #7 |
|
A thousand miles away, but just round the corner in spirit
|
was? He still is
|
|
Royals Rendezvous - a friendly Reading forum // twitter: @johnstone_cello | |
|
|
|
| Hayes | 30 Jun 2012, 07:20 AM Post #8 |
|
You can save that line for when I pop of David
|
| Broad and Anderson on fire,Aussies,be Very Afraid | |
|
|
|
| daib0 | 30 Jun 2012, 02:52 PM Post #9 |
|
A thousand miles away, but just round the corner in spirit
|
Just so RR members know, you can follow the replies to this thread on the Leeds LUFC Talk here: http://www.lufctalk.com/forums/index.php?topic=4802 Some interesting comments now in ... lovely group of users there, as always |
|
Royals Rendezvous - a friendly Reading forum // twitter: @johnstone_cello | |
|
|
|
| daib0 | 2 Jul 2012, 03:43 PM Post #10 |
|
A thousand miles away, but just round the corner in spirit
|
The LUFC Talk forum topic now has amassed some 40 posts on this interview just this month, so delighted at the inter-linking between us!! |
|
Royals Rendezvous - a friendly Reading forum // twitter: @johnstone_cello | |
|
|
|
| 1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous) | |
| Go to Next Page | |
| « Previous Topic · Introductions, Interviews & Features · Next Topic » |
- Pages:
- 1
- 2
1:57 PM May 24