Brendan, does the result of the game against Barnsley on Tuesday night have any relevance to Saturday's match, or is this a completely fresh game?
Yes, it's a fresh game. We've had a bit of motivation in the week to get our first league win, so obviously the team will change and the players are looking forward to going in and getting that first result.
The fact that you've got a two week break to mull over whatever result may come your way on Saturday - does that just add to the importance of the occasion?
I think every manager would always want to try and win that game before the international break. There's going to be changes here - both going out and players coming in as well - so there will be a freshness after the international break anyway, but certainly it's always better to finish off with a win and that will obviously set us up for our home game against Doncaster afterwards.
You've obviously done your homework on Barnsley - I've heard a few of the players saying that you've been watching the videos and looking at their strengths and weaknesses, as you would against any opposition - how do you rate them as opponents?
We prepare like this for every game, whether it was a Carling Cup game against Burton or a league game away at Newcastle. It could have been easy this week to go lazy and just do one report for the two games, but there's been a lot of work that's gone into looking at the game the other night and the league game for Saturday. The staff and the players will prepare meticulously as we do in the detail of the game and they will change a few players, but I don't think there will be too many changes from the Barnsley side the other night - whereas we will be quite a lot different.
Jamal Campbell-Ryce looks one to watch, doesn't he?
Yeah, he's a talent. I think he's a player that was linked here in the past so he's a talent - can play a number of positions, he's multi-functional and can play on the side or play inside - but he's got good talent with the ball and works well, and played well the other night.
On Tuesday there was a television documentary about the Chairman John Madejski, did you see it?
Yes, I rang the Chairman yesterday because I watched the programme, and I've got to say I thought it was a great honest insight into him. This guy, you absolutely cannot question his dedication to Reading Football Club and Reading as a town. He's been a terrific role model for the town for a number of years and will continue to be, even when he leaves here, because his ambition is for the people of Reading. In relation to the programme - I thought it was really inspiring, as did a lot of the people I spoke to - and I rang him yesterday to tell him, because there's sadness in his story as well. He shows great motivation and inspiration to go and be successful, and I think it was a great programme that demonstrated that.
The strides that the club has made during his time here has been phenomenal, he's been fantastic for me and I know there is sometimes frustration amongst the supporters, but he has taken the club to where it's at today - which is in a great position. All he's asking now is that if it changes over hands, then he will ensure that that person will take it onto the next level. I have nothing but inspiration from the programme and admiration.
