READING - Between the lines - A Season of Dreams

[Cookie]

"In 1982, I went alone to a game against Preston and stood behind the goal fully 50 yards from my nearest fellow supporter - the two of us part of Reading's lowest-ever league crowd of 1,713." Stuart Roach

Judging by the number of people who claim to have been at this match I reckon it could have topped the best ever gate at Elm Park.

[fridays child]

Just called Waterstones to reserve a copy (couldn't make 2.00pm).

They've told me that the book signing has been put back a couple of hours as Sir Steve is holding an extended training session which means Kevin Doyle won't be at the store until 4.00pm

[Vision]

"In 1982, I went alone to a game against Preston and stood behind the goal fully 50 yards from my nearest fellow supporter - the two of us part of Reading's lowest-ever league crowd of 1,713." Stuart Roach

Judging by the number of people who claim to have been at this match I reckon it could have topped the best ever gate at Elm Park.

Well 2nd only to the crowd that saw Friday score "that goal". Last count on that was 138,000.

[BR2]

There would have been segregation then so there is no way that he could have stood 50 yards away from any other fan at the Tilehurst end even in a crowd that small.
For a start there would have been that funny bloke with a checked coat (not the famous one with the hair) and a transistor radio about a foot long which he had on even at evening games.

I was one of the 500,000 crowd for THAT Robin Friday goal and yes it was one of the best ever.On that day we realised that we were in the presence of greatness and I don't mean Clive Thomas,the referee, who was of the same school as Graham Poll but Welsh.

[Ark Royal]

There would have been segregation then so there is no way that he could have stood 50 yards away from any other fan at the Tilehurst end even in a crowd that small.
For a start there would have been that funny bloke with a checked coat (not the famous one with the hair) and a transistor radio about a foot long which he had on even at evening games.

I was one of the 500,000 crowd for THAT Robin Friday goal and yes it was one of the best ever.On that day we realised that we were in the presence of greatness and I don't mean Clive Thomas,the referee, who was of the same school as Graham Poll but Welsh.

For the record, I was also one of the 10,961 chosen people who witnessed the goal, but not one of the 1,713 who witnessed the nadir of PNE!

[strap]

For the record, I was also one of the 10,961 chosen people who witnessed the goal, but not one of the 1,713 who witnessed the nadir of PNE!

As indeed was I

[All 5 goals]

"In 1982, I went alone to a game against Preston and stood behind the goal fully 50 yards from my nearest fellow supporter - the two of us part of Reading's lowest-ever league crowd of 1,713." Stuart Roach

Judging by the number of people who claim to have been at this match I reckon it could have topped the best ever gate at Elm Park.

I can categorically state that I was not there.

[All 5 goals]

There would have been segregation then so there is no way that he could have stood 50 yards away from any other fan at the Tilehurst end even in a crowd that small.
For a start there would have been that funny bloke with a checked coat (not the famous one with the hair) and a transistor radio about a foot long which he had on even at evening games.

I was one of the 500,000 crowd for THAT Robin Friday goal and yes it was one of the best ever.On that day we realised that we were in the presence of greatness and I don't mean Clive Thomas,the referee, who was of the same school as Graham Poll but Welsh.

I unfortunatley was not one of the 500,000 I wsas at home tucked up in bed.

[Squelchy2507]

Just seen Poster in Waterstones (Oracle) that says Kevin Doyle is signing copies from 2.00pm on Saturday 7th July.

Doyle won't be there until 4pm now, due to a late change in the training schedule.



http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1069092,00.html

[Irvinchangeyaname]

There would have been segregation then so there is no way that he could have stood 50 yards away from any other fan at the Tilehurst end even in a crowd that small.
For a start there would have been that funny bloke with a checked coat (not the famous one with the hair) and a transistor radio about a foot long which he had on even at evening games.

I was one of the 500,000 crowd for THAT Robin Friday goal and yes it was one of the best ever.On that day we realised that we were in the presence of greatness and I don't mean Clive Thomas,the referee, who was of the same school as Graham Poll but Welsh.

For the record, I was also one of the 10,961 chosen people who witnessed the goal, but not one of the 1,713 who witnessed the nadir of PNE!

I was one of the 1,713 but not one of the 10,961!

[Jackson Corner]

Yes I was one of the few at the Preston game, the season I decidid to go to every game home and away also at the Doncaster 7-5 game which I think was the same season?

[Whistle]

For the record, I was also one of the 10,961 chosen people who witnessed the goal, but not one of the 1,713 who witnessed the nadir of PNE!

As indeed was I

Ashamed to say I wasn't but did manage some sub-2000 crowds. Butit was on TV.

Know a man who claims the 1713 was his FIRST visit to Elm Park - not a North Ender either.

[Zammo]

If you haven't bought this book yet, then you should. I finished it within a week; and I normally only look at the pictures.

It is a real honest account of last season. The author really should be congratulated on the way the book is set out. Rather than him rambling on about Reading punching above their weight; every game played is an individual chapter and every chapter is a Reading player / fan / celebrity's take on RFC in general and the actual game itself.

Highlights are David Downs tear jerking Remembrance Day piece (3-1 Spurs at home), the match mascot meeting Peter Crouch (0-2 Liverpool away) and Stephen Hunt's honest account about what really happened at Chelsea at home (it'll make your blood boil all over again).

Michael Gilkes talks about his connections with Les Reed for the Charlton home game and Ian Wright (Wright Wright) speaks highly of Coppell. John Madejski's "I'll miss it when it's gone" comment is the most telling. Without him we would be nothing.

I actually enjoyed the book more than the usual 'dubbed commentary' end of season DVD. Our first Premiership season was such a whirlwind that it is amazing how much you do forget. In fact, I'd forgotten how unlucky Darlington were in the Coca-Cola Cup; that must've been a long drive back up North.

Every moment of our golden season has been chronicled; it's a must for every Reading fan. Can’t wait for the follow up; Behind Enemy Lines - Champions League Glory !

[koran]

I've also got the book and have started reading it. It is fascinating. As has been explained, each chapter is devoted to a game. Roach opens each chapter by introducing a player, member of staff, journalist, or fan etc. Then that person describes the game with unique insights from their particular point of view.

[fridays child]

Wally's obvious love and deep respect for Colin brought tears to my eyes

[RG30]

Finished the book, fantastic read for anyone that has a spare £7.99 and needs something to get them back into the spirit of the football season. Some great stories told including the De La Cruz with his charity work along with Steve Coppell blowing his whistle to stop James Harper doing extra training.

[Bromley Royal]

I've only just finished this book - what a wonderful read. Brought back so many memories, and made me realise just how well I remember every match from last season. Certain sections were just fantastic - the mascot at Liverpool and Kingsley Royal ones in particular!!