Press article:

Grudge Match - 25/10/2005

STEPHEN HUNT says Reading won’t need a motivational team-talk ahead of tonight’s potential powderkeg Carling Cup third-round clash with Sheffield United at Madejski Stadium(8pm kick off).

Royals’ 2-1 victory over title rivals Blades in the Championship at the start of the month was littered with controversy and United boss Neil Warnock was charged by the FA for his rant at under-fire referee Grant Hegley, who failed to award a late penalty for a foul on Keith Gillespie.

And Hunt, who is set to start in his favoured left-wing berth, is ready for another explosive encounter.

He told the Evening Post: “There will be fireworks. This month was the first time I have ever played for Reading against Sheffield United, and after the game Ibrahima Sonko and me were signing autographs and there were about 10 of the United players surrounding us and saying a few things.

“That sort of thing happens in football. It was probably just frustration.

“According to the boys something always happens when Reading play United and this is sure to be another very competitive game – I don’t reckon we will need a team talk to get motivated for this one.

“It is probably going to be very physical, but I don’t mind that. United can play football, though.

“They’re not top and we’re not second for no reason. But they may feel they owe us after losing here and not being given a penalty.”

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