Reading FC is a professional football club from the county town of Berkshire of the same name that was formed in 1871 after a meeting at The Bridge Street Rooms called by fixture secretary by Joseph Edward Sydenham.
Reading turned to professional status in 1895 as they moved into their Elm Park home on Norfolk Road. The club were given the nickname of 'The Biscuitmen' as one of the main trades in the town was biscuit making at Huntley and Palmers.
The club became founder members of the Southern League in 1895, finishing as runners-up in 1901-02 and again in 1904-05. The team was relegated to the second tier of the competition in 1909-10, returning to their former status at the first attempt as Division Two champions in 2010-11.
In 1926-27 Angus Wylie led Reading to the FA Cup Semi Final before going down to winners Cardiff City at Molineux. The team dropped back down to the third tier in 1930-31 before finishing as Division Three South runners-up in 1931-32 and 1934-35 at a time when only the champions were promoted, so Joe Smith’s side were denied.
Although the club had always used blue and white as their colours, predominantly stripes, they first wore their famous hoops in 1938. Following World War Two the club remained in the Division Three South where Reading were runners-up again in 1951-52 with Ted Drake as manager.
Charlie Hurley was appointed as manager in January 1972, gradually building a decent side before promotion was won in 1975-76 around the time the mercurial Robin Friday showed off his magic for the team while stalwart Steve Death looked after goalkeeping duties.
Reading’s spell in the third tier lasted just one season before regrouping to be crowned as Division Four champions in 1977-78 under the tutelage of Maurice Evans. The team was relegated in 1982-83, with the club, by now nicknamed ‘The Royals’ found themselves in severe financial trouble with Elm Park in a poor state of repairs.
Property tycoon Roger Smee saved the club and carried out repair works on the ground as the side won promotion in 1983-84 with a fine side which included Martin Hicks, David Crown, Lawrie Sanchez, Trevor Senior, Dean Horrix, Alan Judge, Jerry Williams, Mark White, Stuart Beavon and Steve Wood.
Ian Branfoot had taken over midway through the previous promotion season. He then led Reading to the Third Division champions crown in 1985-86 which featured Gary Westwood, Steve Richardson, Gary Peters, Colin Baillie and Andy Rogers while Senior continued to bang in the goals.
The following year the club won The Simon Cup, for sides in the top two divisions after a 4-1 victory over Luton Town at Wembley. However, the run didn't last too long as the Royals were relegated at the end of the same 1986-87 season.
Promotion back to the second tier was secured in 1993-94 before Jimmy Quinn and Mick Gooding took over as joint managers, leading the side to Division One runners-up in 1994-95. The team were denied promotion as only the champions went up owing to the Premier League was streamlining back to twenty clubs.
Reading defeated Tranmere Rovers in the play-offs to reach the final against Bolton Wanderers. The Wembley clash was one of the famous old stadium's more dramatic games. The Royals went two up and then missed a penalty.
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| Teams line up at Elm Park |
This allowed Wanderers back into the match and they went on to deny Reading 4-3. Terry Bullivant took over from the managerial pair in June 1997, only to be sacked in March 1998, a couple of months before the club moved to their new Madejski Stadium to the south of the town after being relegated to the third tier Division Two.
Tommy Burns had a spell as manager before Alan Pardew took over the Royals hot seat in September 1999, taking Reading to the play-offs in 2000-01, defeating Wigan Athletic before losing 3-2 to Walsall at the Millennium Stadium. The team were not to be denied as they won promotion in 2001-02.
The team included Nicky Shorey, John Salako, Graeme Murty, Marcus Hahnemann, Ady Williams, Andy Hughes and ace goalscorer Nicky Forster. In 2002-03 a semi-final play-off defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers ended dreams of back to back promotions.
Pardew was replaced by Steve Coppell in October 2003 who added to the side to win the Championship title in 2005-06, reaching the Premier League and English football's top level for the first time in the history of the club.
Dave Kitson and Kevin Doyle proved a lethal strike force at the time backed up by the likes of Leroy Lita, Steve Sidwell, Ibrahima Sonko, Stephen Hunt, James Harper and Ívar Ingimarsson.
The Royals lasted two seasons in the top tier before suffering relegation in 2007-08. The following season Reading were defeated by Burnley in the semi-final of the play-offs, with Coppell resigning after the game.
Players were sold at the start of the next season to bring new ones in as Madejski looked for the club to become more self-sufficient. In January 2012 he announced that he would be selling 51% of his shares in the club to Thames Sport Investments, who had Russian backing.
McDermott's side went on an amazing run after New Year 2012 which led to them being crowned Championship champions at the 2011-12 seasons end and a return to the Premier League. Adam Federici, Adam Pearce, Mikele Leigertwood, Jobi McAnuff, Hal Robson-Kanu, Noel Hunt and Kaspars Gorkšs all played prominent roles in the success.
However, the team found the step up in class too much. It was argued that McDermott had become a victim of his own success as he was sacked to be replaced by Nigel Adkins in March 2013. The Royals were relegated to The Championship at the end of the season.
Adkins side finished in a disappointing seventh place at the conclusion of the 2013-14 season. Things didn't really improve the following campaign, which led to the managers dismissal in December 2014, with Steve Clarke coming in as the new man to lead the side.
He took his side to the 2014-15 FA Cup semi-final before bowing out to eventual winners Arsenal, while Reading ended the 2014-15 season in a mid table berth. Clarke was dismissed in December 2015, with former hero Brian McDermott returning.
Reading FC will compete in the EFL League One in the 2024-25 season.
My visits
Reading 4 Yeovil Town 2 (Saturday 30th October 1999) FA Cup Round One (att: 8,032)
I decided to take in this FA Cup clash at The Mad Stad as the ground had become nicknamed, to cross off another new ground and to hopefully see a cup shock. Reading were plying their trade in the League's third tier, while the visiting Glovers were a Conference side.
As I owned a green Scarborough away shirt, I decided to wear it so I'd fit into the away end. I caught the train from Paddington and then took one of the special buses from outside Reading station directly to the stadium.
McDermott was succeeded by Jaap Stam in June 2016. Reading defeated Fulham in the play-offs in 2016-17 before losing the final to Huddersfield Town on penalties at Wembley in a season that saw Yann Kermorgant finish as top scorer.
The club was purchased by Renhe Sports Management Ltd in June 2017 with the Chinese pair of Dai Yongge and Dai Xiuli being majority shareholders. The Royals narrowly averted relegation in 2017-18 as Paul Clement oversaw the last couple of months as the new manager.
He remained at the helm until the appointment of José Gomes in December 2018. Again, a twentieth place was not good enough, with Gomes being replaced by Mark Bowen in October 2019, leading his side to a midtable berth. Veljko Paunović was appointed as Reading manager in August 2020.
Paul Ince was named as the new manager in February 2022 as the side narrowly avoided relegation. However, the following season the EFL imposed penalties against the club for breaching profitability and sustainability rules. Noel Hunt took charge of the side in April 2023, but Reading were relegated.
Owner Dai Yongge further outraged the home faithful as further points were deducted in 2023-24 for the nonpayment of players. Rubén Sellés was appointed as the new manager, while further charges were pressed against Yongge.
The home game with Port Vale was abandoned owing to fans’ protests before a further points deduction was incurred. The club was put up for sale with bidders apparently being found around the world. Helped by the goals of Sam Smith, the Royals somehow managed to avoid relegation.
My visits
Reading 4 Yeovil Town 2 (Saturday 30th October 1999) FA Cup Round One (att: 8,032)
I decided to take in this FA Cup clash at The Mad Stad as the ground had become nicknamed, to cross off another new ground and to hopefully see a cup shock. Reading were plying their trade in the League's third tier, while the visiting Glovers were a Conference side.
It was the second time I'd seen Yeovil play away that season. I was at their first match of the season when they got a proper pasting from newly relegated Scarborough. Yeovil hadn't been good, but Boro set up hope of an immediate return to the League. How little we knew!
As I owned a green Scarborough away shirt, I decided to wear it so I'd fit into the away end. I caught the train from Paddington and then took one of the special buses from outside Reading station directly to the stadium.
It was early but I'd read that the ground sold beer inside. Unfortunately Reading had underestimated the volume of away support all wanting drinks so it was hard work getting served. My shirt got a few puzzled looks but the fellas I got talking to were most pleased that a fellow non-league fan was getting behind their team.
I took my seat in what I considered an excellent new arena. It was fully enclosed with the main West Stand having two levels with corporate boxes and the rest having one continuous tier. The view was first class.
It turned out that the bloke sat next to me was the son of Woking manager Colin Lippiatt, so we had a good chat for the afternoon. The atmosphere from the Yeovil fans was first class. They made a real racket. Some Reading youths were in the block to our right trying to respond.
Having finished my set of night shifts I looked on Tony's Non League Forum for clues of a match to attend, to possibly complete my seasons viewing. As ever the invaluable outlet didn't let me down and offered an ideal opportunity for me to revisit the Madejski Stadium for the Reading Senior Cup Final and to take some photos, as well as seeing a game at excellent value.
I had decided to make a day of it, and already enjoyed a couple of train and a bus ride while visiting the homes of Burnham and Reading Town, before arriving in Reading town centre. I had planned to go to the home of one of the evening's finalists Highmoor Ibis, but time had beaten me. It was a choice of going there and struggling to reach the stadium in good time, or to relax with a pint and a meal.
I had worked out where the bus to the Madjeski park and ride left at St Mary's Butt and then set about finding the nearest Wetherspoons by using my IPhone app. Within minutes I was inside The Hope Tap in no time and as luck would have it, it was steak night. I sat back with a fine pint of Game On from the Lees Brewery and before long my gammon steak arrived. It was very tempting to remain there!
Instead I walked back to the stop and caught the number fifty bus out to the stadium. I had purchased a busabout ticket for £4, which gave me unlimited bus travel for the rest of the day. The stadium was definitely a long way out of town. I was concerned about getting back after the game, but the driver showed me where to catch the 9.08 service back to the station.
The whole area outside the Mad Stad had grown and been finished since my previous visit. Much of it had been landscaped too. The stadium looked really good. I followed the trickle of fans who were surprisingly heading to The East Stand, opposite where the main facilities were. Small posters in the holders confirmed that spectators needed to head to Gate Seven.
I paid £4 admission, which included an informative programme. I went upstairs and sneaked past the tape to get a better view of the stand I was in for my photos. I heard three chaps chatting about different games and went for a chat. I had guessed correctly that they were regulars from Tony's Forum. I had my Scarborough Athletic shirt on, so conversation was not thin on the ground. It was a glorious evening, but the sun shone into our eyes for an hour.
Kick off was put back by ten minutes as the crowds arrived late to find just one turnstile open. Apart from a small sprinkling of neutrals and Ibis fans, the rest were cheering on The Satsumas of Wokingham. It was great to see many of the clubs junior players in attendance wearing their club shirts.
My new friends warned my that the previous two finals had finished scoreless after ninety minutes and had gone to extra time. Apparently the previous years game had been an absolute shocker.
This match started off at a lively pace from end to end. Then the game hit a lull before Wokingham were awarded a penalty, which saw Matt Jones's spot kick saved. It looked like they would be made to pay for their miss when the tubby Ibis player manager Shane Small-King curled home a fine free kick.
I took my seat in what I considered an excellent new arena. It was fully enclosed with the main West Stand having two levels with corporate boxes and the rest having one continuous tier. The view was first class.
It turned out that the bloke sat next to me was the son of Woking manager Colin Lippiatt, so we had a good chat for the afternoon. The atmosphere from the Yeovil fans was first class. They made a real racket. Some Reading youths were in the block to our right trying to respond.
Yeovil gave it a good go, but Reading seemed a good side to me and ran out reasonably easy winners in the end. Andy Bernal put Reading ahead before Adrian Foster equalised for the underdogs. The score was level at the interval.
The class of the Royals shone through after the break. A Darren Caskey penalty was added to by goals from Barry Hunter and Martin Williams. Jason Eaton grabbed a late consolation for Yeovil.
At full time I went out to catch the bus from behind the West Stand. The surroundings of the stadium were still not fully concreted. Missiles were being exchanged between the two sets of fans for a few minutes.
I managed to get onboard unscathed and was back at the station with a minimum of fuss and reading for my train back to London. I enjoyed my afternoon out thoroughly at a good venue in a decent atmosphere.
Wokingham & Emmbrook 3 Highmoor Ibis 1 (Tuesday 22nd May 2012) Reading Senior Cup Final (att: 545)
Having finished my set of night shifts I looked on Tony's Non League Forum for clues of a match to attend, to possibly complete my seasons viewing. As ever the invaluable outlet didn't let me down and offered an ideal opportunity for me to revisit the Madejski Stadium for the Reading Senior Cup Final and to take some photos, as well as seeing a game at excellent value.
I had decided to make a day of it, and already enjoyed a couple of train and a bus ride while visiting the homes of Burnham and Reading Town, before arriving in Reading town centre. I had planned to go to the home of one of the evening's finalists Highmoor Ibis, but time had beaten me. It was a choice of going there and struggling to reach the stadium in good time, or to relax with a pint and a meal.
I had worked out where the bus to the Madjeski park and ride left at St Mary's Butt and then set about finding the nearest Wetherspoons by using my IPhone app. Within minutes I was inside The Hope Tap in no time and as luck would have it, it was steak night. I sat back with a fine pint of Game On from the Lees Brewery and before long my gammon steak arrived. It was very tempting to remain there!
Instead I walked back to the stop and caught the number fifty bus out to the stadium. I had purchased a busabout ticket for £4, which gave me unlimited bus travel for the rest of the day. The stadium was definitely a long way out of town. I was concerned about getting back after the game, but the driver showed me where to catch the 9.08 service back to the station.
The whole area outside the Mad Stad had grown and been finished since my previous visit. Much of it had been landscaped too. The stadium looked really good. I followed the trickle of fans who were surprisingly heading to The East Stand, opposite where the main facilities were. Small posters in the holders confirmed that spectators needed to head to Gate Seven.
I paid £4 admission, which included an informative programme. I went upstairs and sneaked past the tape to get a better view of the stand I was in for my photos. I heard three chaps chatting about different games and went for a chat. I had guessed correctly that they were regulars from Tony's Forum. I had my Scarborough Athletic shirt on, so conversation was not thin on the ground. It was a glorious evening, but the sun shone into our eyes for an hour.
Kick off was put back by ten minutes as the crowds arrived late to find just one turnstile open. Apart from a small sprinkling of neutrals and Ibis fans, the rest were cheering on The Satsumas of Wokingham. It was great to see many of the clubs junior players in attendance wearing their club shirts.
My new friends warned my that the previous two finals had finished scoreless after ninety minutes and had gone to extra time. Apparently the previous years game had been an absolute shocker.
This match started off at a lively pace from end to end. Then the game hit a lull before Wokingham were awarded a penalty, which saw Matt Jones's spot kick saved. It looked like they would be made to pay for their miss when the tubby Ibis player manager Shane Small-King curled home a fine free kick.
While he didn't have any pace, his ball control and hold up play was first class. The Satsumas were gifted an equaliser when the Highmoor keeper went walkabout and lost the ball around thirty yards out. It was rolled into an empty net by Dean Thomas.
Thankfully the sun dipped behind the West Stand not long after half time to offer some relief in viewing. Reading didn't deem it necessary to open a bar despite the decent turn out, so I forewent my half time refreshments.
After half time Wokingham were the better side. Highmoor's slow build up was well marshalled, whereas they attacked with a bit of pace. They took the lead when Adam Cornell scored a stunning overhead kick following a corner.
Highmoor Ibis had plenty of play but couldn't find a way through. It looked very likely to end two one. I said my goodbyes with around a minute of normal time remaining. I wanted to catch the bus rather than face a ridiculously long walk.
Thankfully the sun dipped behind the West Stand not long after half time to offer some relief in viewing. Reading didn't deem it necessary to open a bar despite the decent turn out, so I forewent my half time refreshments.
After half time Wokingham were the better side. Highmoor's slow build up was well marshalled, whereas they attacked with a bit of pace. They took the lead when Adam Cornell scored a stunning overhead kick following a corner.
Highmoor Ibis had plenty of play but couldn't find a way through. It looked very likely to end two one. I said my goodbyes with around a minute of normal time remaining. I wanted to catch the bus rather than face a ridiculously long walk.
Just as I got down to the exit point in the stand I watched Wokingham & Embrook break away to see Thomas complete a brace and deservedly win the cup for The Satsumas. Apparently he hit the woodwork in the last minute when I was walking round the outside of the stadium.
I walked across the huge car parks behind the West Stand and went through some lovely landscaped greenery to find a bus stop on Brook Drive in the Green Park Business Park. The whole area was really impressive. My bus arrived bang on time and took me back all the way to the railway station. I only had a few minutes to wait until a fast train arrived to take me back to Paddington.
I was sat in JJ Moon's in Kingsbury just over an hour later to enjoy a few pints of real ale and a lovely glass of Glenlivit. It had been a magnificent day and evening and even better the warm weather was to continue and I was going to The Oval the following day to enjoy some county cricket!
I walked across the huge car parks behind the West Stand and went through some lovely landscaped greenery to find a bus stop on Brook Drive in the Green Park Business Park. The whole area was really impressive. My bus arrived bang on time and took me back all the way to the railway station. I only had a few minutes to wait until a fast train arrived to take me back to Paddington.
I was sat in JJ Moon's in Kingsbury just over an hour later to enjoy a few pints of real ale and a lovely glass of Glenlivit. It had been a magnificent day and evening and even better the warm weather was to continue and I was going to The Oval the following day to enjoy some county cricket!
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