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Reading F.C.

One of the oldest clubs around they were formed in 1871 during a meeting held at the Bridge Street Rooms. They were later amalgamated with the Reading Hornets in 1877, and also Earley in 1889. The first professional side to visit Reading were Burslem Port Vale in 1892. Reading managed to beat them 2-1. The goal scored by Port Vale was one Billy Beats who later joined Reading to become a trainer on their staff.

The first manager was Thomas Sefton, other long term managers include Harry Matthews, Andrew Wylie, Joe Smith, Billy Butler, Joe Edelston, Ted Drake, Harry Johnson, Roy Bentley, Charlie Hurley, Maurice Evans, Ian Bransfoot and Mark McGhee. The club has often languished in the nether regions of English football. The current period is the clubs most successful, ever since John Madejski became the owner things have looked up.

He announced Alan Pardew as manager and moved the club into a new 24, 200 seater Madejski Stadium. Alan Pardew is largely credited with creating the current team, he was poached by West Ham and replaced with Steve Coppell. Coppell managed to achieve automatic promotion and a terrific opening season in the Premiership.

The current season has been a struggle in comparison. The players seem to lack the hunger and confidence of the previous season and are tipped for relegation. Whatever the result, Madejski has helped ensure a bright future for the Berkshire club.