Cureton Goal Beats Swindon
Added by HNA? on 28/03/01
Reading moved one big step closer to the automatic promotion places last night with a vital victory over local rivals Swindon Town at the County Ground. Jamie Cureton scored the only goal of the game five minutes into the second half - sticking home a Martin Butler cross after hard work from Jimmy McIntyre. With Millwall only managing a 0-0 draw at Wycombe, the Royals are now just three points behind McGhee's side with a game in hand.

Supporters' Club Seek Fans' Opinions
Added by HNA? on 26/03/01
Reading Football Supporters' Club has been around longer than almost every fan but there are still a lot of fans who don't know what they do or what they're for. RFSC has about 1,200 members now, a lot more than many Supporters Clubs at comparable clubs, and continues to grow. RFSC has recently laid out it's aims and beliefs and is looking for feedback to these ideas match yours as a fan. To find out more, and offer your feedback, follow the link to RFSC where you'll find a section outlining the Supporters' Club beliefs and aims.

Mautone Predicts Victory At Swindon
Added by HNA? on 25/03/01
In his latest column, exclusive to Hob Nob Anyone?, ex-Reading keeper Steve Mautone speaks out on how we missed Caskey on Friday night. Mauts thinks it was just the kind of game that we needed Caskey for, as one of the greatest passers in the Division, and he should have been in the starting eleven and not on the bench. Reading will be looking to bounce back, after Friday night's 1-3 defeat against Bristol City, with a victory at Swindon on Tuesday night. Mautone is predicting a victory for the Royals followed up by a win against Notts County on Saturday.

Oxford Help Out The Royals
Added by HNA? on 24/03/01
Oxford United, rock bottom of the Second Division table, did Reading plenty of favours today by beating top of the table Rotherham United 4-3 at the Manor Ground. Reading's 1-3 home defeat against Bristol City looked like giving Rotherham the advantage in the race for promotion - but Rotherham's defeat again gives Reading the opportunity to close the gap. Reading visit Swindon Town on Tuesday night in a game that Reading must win in their hunt for automatic promotion.

City Halt Promotion Push
Added by HNA? on 23/03/01
Reading's run of eleven league matches without defeat came to an end at the Madejski Stadium tonight, as Bristol City ran out 1-3 winners over the Royals. The Royals needed a home victory to close the gap on Rotherham and Millwall who currently hold the automatic promotion places - the defeat means Reading are five points adrift with just one game in hand. Reading's second biggest crowd of the season, of just less than 16,000, saw the Royals get off to a dream start. Harper set up Murty who scored with a blinding effort from way outside the area which screamed in off the base of the post. Millwall drew level on the stroke of half time when Murty and Robinson were beaten as the ball was crossed from the left and slotted home from the middle of the box. Despite plenty of effort from the Royals, and a Martin Butler effort that hit the post, Reading went 1-2 down ten minutes into the second half. Jamie Cureton almost headed Reading level, but it was the away side that then extended their lead with a third with twenty minutes left.

Stuart Gray Released
Added by Justin on 23/03/01
Left back Stuart Gray has had his contract cancelled today, Reading FC have announced. Stuart, son of Leeds legend Eddie Gray, was one of seven players signed by Tommy Burns on deadline day 1998 but has struggled to hold down a first team place.

Less pacy than Matt Robinson and extremely one-footed, it looked unlikely that Stuart would get back into the side before the end of his contract this summer. Stuart made 62 appearances for Reading, scoring twice.

Rumour Rating: Definite

No Deadline Day Signings
Added by HNA? on 22/03/01
Although there was plenty of activity across the country, Reading haven't signed any new players on transfer deadline day which passed today. As expected Alan Pardew felt he had no need to strengthen his squad with key players such as Adie Williams and Nicky Forster returning from injury this week. Reading's squad has shown itself to have plenty of players to deputise in key positions, and Pardew will have plenty of selection decisions to make as Williams and Forster attempt to break back into the first team. The only transfer involving Reading to be confirmed was the move of Adam Lockwood - who moves to Forest Green Rovers on loan. Lockwood has yet to break into the Reading first team.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Adie & Fozzie In Victorious Return
Added by Justin on 21/03/01
Reading Reserves defeated Wycombe by 3 goals to 2 at Adams Park today, in a match which saw the comebacks of injury victims Adie Williams and Nicky Forster.
The Chairboys took the lead in the first half before Royals equalised through Lee Hodges. Wycombe went ahead again but Andy Gurney pulled level for 2-2 before Forster slotted home a penalty to secure the points.
Both Williams and Forster played the first hour of the match without showing any ill effects, which is great news as the Royals prepare for the final assault on the automatic promotion slots in division 2. With Forster, Cureton, Rougier and Butler all fit, our remaining 11 opponents should be worried.

Rumour Rating: Definite

Deadline Day Rumours Hotting Up
Added by Justin on 21/03/01
With transfer deadline day looming, rumours are once again surrounding Reading FC. With Keith Scott gone to Colchester, and Stuart Gray seemingly on his way to Rushden & Diamonds, Alan Pardew will undoubtedly be eyeing up players to fill their places in the squad.
Favourite of these is a player with whom Reading have long been linked - John Salako. The former England winger, now 32, has made just 4 starts this season for Charlton is known to want regular first team football. Sky Sports reckon the deal is all but done but we'll have to wait and see tomorrow.
Another player strongly linked with the club is Notts County's attacking midfielder Andy Hughes, a player who Pardew is known to admire. Hughes is out of contract at the end of the season and has refused to sign a new contract at Meadow Lane. Any signing tomorrow would probably require a transfer fee so Pardew may opt to wait until the player's contract expires in June.
Rumour Rating: Slight Possibility

Royals Favourites For Promotion
Added by HNA? on 20/03/01
After Reading's impressive recent run of form, the Royals have now been made second favourites for the Second Division championship. The latest odds from William Hill put the Royals at just 2/1 to win the league - meaning Millwall and Reading are favourites for the two automatic promotion spots. Millwall have odds of 5/4 and Rotherham are expected to finish third with odds of 5/2. Just two months ago the Royals were long shots for the Championship - fifth favourites with big odds of 14/1. If you'd like to cash in on Reading's championship winning season perhaps now is the time to place your bet!

Gray To Follow Scott Away From Club
Added by HNA? on 20/03/01
Reading defender Stuart Gray looks set to follow striker Keith Scott, and shortly be on his way to another club. Keith Scott's contract was terminated earlier this week - the player is now at Colchester United after signing on a free transfer yesterday. Scott made five appearances whilst at loan at Colchester - and impressed despite only scoring the one goal. Scott managed eight goals for the Royals after we paid Wycombe 250,000 for the player. Meanwhile, Stuart Gray is set to move to Conference side Rushden and Diamonds - he is in talks with the club after joining the side last week for a loan spell. Gray could sign a contract after his loan period - but it's not clear whether the non-league side would be willing to pay a transfer fee or wait until the end of the season to get his signature. Gray joined the Royals for 100,000 quid in March 1998 from Celtic and went on to make 57 starts for Reading, scoring 2 goals.
Rumour Rating: Definite

All Ticket Reminder
Added by HNA? on 20/03/01
Reading Football Club are reminding fans that Friday's vital Division Two fixture with Bristol City at the Madejski Stadium is all-ticket for all fans. Tickets must be purchased in advance as none will be available on the night of the game. A big crowd is expected - and the East Stand is already close to selling out. A victory would bring the Royals to two points behind leaders Millwall - with a game in hand. Steve Mautone, in his new column exclusive to Hob Nob Anyone?, is predicting a 2-0 victory for the Royals.

Pardew Admits Reading Were Lucky
Added by HNA? on 18/03/01
Pardew owned up to the fact Reading were lucky to come away with the full three points after a narrow 2-1 victory at the Racecourse Ground on Saturday. After Wrexham pulled level to make it 1-1, it never seemed possible that the Royals could go on to win the game. However, a couple of second half substitutions from Alan Pardew, wearing the magic hat on the bench, saw Reading secure the three points when it seemed more likely the home side would go on to win. Speaking after the game Pards said: "It was character and grit that got us through, but whoever saw the match will know we were fortunate to come away with three points." Pardew was spot on - but it's all about getting the points, and Reading certainly deserved something after holding out under huge pressure from the home side. Whitehead made some great saves to keep Reading in the game, and Whitbread had to be on hand to clear off the line in the second half. However, it was Martin Butler who became the hero after popping up to score his 19th goal of the season for the Royals to earn the full three points. The defeat effectively ends Wrexham's play-off dreams - Wrexham manager Brian Flynn must have been gutted as he explained that "there was a stunned silence in our dressing room after the match. The players just couldn't believe we had lost." Reading now look to Friday and the chance to close in on the top two places in the Division with Bristol City visiting the Madejski Stadium.

Victory In Wales As Royals March On
Added by HNA? on 18/03/01
Reading pulled off a stunning victory against the odds yesterday to march on towards an automatic promotion spot. Wrexham, in the hunt for a play off spot, dominated the entire second half at the Racecourse Ground, but it was the Royals that came away with the full three points. Reading's 2-1 victory made the journey to Wales one of the most satisfying of the season as the Royals stretched their run to 11 games unbeaten - a run that includes 8 victories, and 4 coming away from home. With Millwall losing on Friday night, Reading would go into the automatic promotion places by winning their games in hand. If Rotherham slip up and Reading's current form continues then the championship is now well within our reach. Reading dominated the opening twenty minutes against Wrexham with Butler putting the Royals ahead after 12 minutes, with a lob into an empty net. However, the rest of the game was all one way traffic as Wrexham maintained solid pressure on the Royals looking for something from the game. They eventually equalised with twenty minutes left to play. With eight minutes left Martin Butler made the most of a Robinson cross from the left to give Reading victory against the run of play.

Oxford Tickets Selling Out
Added by HNA? on 15/03/01
Tickets for Reading's away game at Oxford on Tuesday 17 April are selling quickly. Tickets were first released to season ticket holders only, but are now on general sale. There's a few seats left, but the remaining terrace tickets are £12.50 for adults and 7 quid for kids. In theory it could be the last time we all get to visit the Manor Ground before they knock all those little lumps of stands down. Work on their new ground at Minchery Farm is apparantly well underway for their Third Division relegation campaign. The club are also reminding fans that the home game against Bristol City on Friday 23 March is all-ticket for all fans - so remember to buy your ticket before the day of the game.
Rumour Rating: Definite

McIntyre Goal Rules Out Wigan
Added by HNA? on 10/03/01
Jimmy McIntyre scored the only goal of the game last night to give Reading another vital victory in front of 12,307 fans at the Madejski Stadium - and many more watching on Sky Sports. Although it wasn't the best display of football from either side Reading did well to battle hard after Wigan made the better start during the first half. Rougier replaced Cureton at half time, and Reading immediately started to look the most dangerous side coming forward. Man of the match James Harper, making his second appearance for the Royals, set up the winner on 69 minutes. Harper made a great run down the right wing before crossing to the far past, where Jimmy McIntyre side footed it in from a tight angle. The victory effectively rules Wigan out of the automatic promotion race - the Royals are now four ahead of Wigan with three games in hand. The race for the automatic promotion places now seems a battle between Millwall, Rotherham, and Reading. Reading are doing everything right - this latest victory makes it ten games without defeat in the league - seven wins and three draws. All we need is Millwall and Rotherham to slip up as we continue to close the gap. Both Millwall and Rotherham kept up their winning ways today - Millwall beating Luton by a single goal, and Rotherham winning at Oldham.

Big Crowd Expected For Wigan Visit
Added by HNA? on 09/03/01
The club are expecting a decent crowd tonight as Reading entertain Wigan Athletic in front of the Sky Sports cameras at the Madejski Stadium. There is expected to be a large number of fans turning up without a ticket to pay on the night, with Reading in red hot form as they chase promotion. If you're buying a ticket on the night it's advisable to try to turn up early to avoid a long queue and the possibility of missing kick-off. For those exiled fans unable to make the game tune into Sky Sports 2 from 7.00pm GMT for full coverage of the match. The game kicks off at 7:45pm.

Evers Moves To Plymouth
Added by HNA? on 09/03/01
Sean Evers has moved to third Division Plymouth Argyle on a free transfer after an unsuccessful spell at Reading. The midfielder was signed in a big money deal by former Reading manager Tommy Burns in March 1999, but failed to ever make an impression at Reading. Reading fans were expecting big things from the player after we splashed out half a million pounds to Luton Town after Evers made well over 50 starts for the side, scoring seven goals. However Evers never looked comfortable at Reading and eventually was dropped from the first team after making just 15 starts in the league and cup and failing to find the net. Evers had a loan spell at Scottish side St. Johnstone at the end of last year but failed to earn himself a contract there. The move is good news for both the player, who can attempt to string together some first team games, and Reading FC who can substantially cut the wage bill.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Igoe Rescues Point At Wycombe
Added by HNA? on 06/03/01
Reading made it nine league matches undefeated with a late equaliser by Sammy Igoe at Wycombe Wanderers' Adams Park this evening. Igoe's goal three minutes from time, to make it 1-1, came after he pounced on the ball after a goal mouth scramble. It was his first touch after coming off the bench a minute before-hand to replace Viveash as Reading threw everything forward looking for a late goal. Wycombe took a first half lead, against the run of play, after Caskey conceeded a free-kick that was brought forward to the edge of the area. Whitehead seemed poorly positioned and could only get a hand to it as it flew into the net. Reading spent most of the second half on the attack, as the game turned scrappy, but failed to take the chances created by plenty of crosses into the area. In the end the Royals will be happy with an away point, despite dropping to fourth in the table with Rotherham winning to increase their hold on second place.

Royals 2nd Favourites To Win League
Added by HNA? on 04/03/01
Reading have been made second favourites to win the Second Division this season following Saturday's 2-0 victory over Rotherham United at the Madejski Stadium. The bookies have put the Royals at 7/1 to win the league - meaning that Millwall and Reading are officialy favourites for the two automatic promotion spots. Wigan are third favourites for the championship at 11/1 with Stoke and Rotherham following behind. Meanwhile Reading fans see James Harper as Saturday's man of the match in their post-match comments.

Promotion Charge Continues
Added by HNA? on 03/03/01
Reading took another great leap towards automatic promotion this afternoon with a vital victory over second placed Rotherham United at the Madejski Stadium. A decent crowd of 13,103 saw the Royals move up to third place in the table - just two points away from automatic promotion with a game in hand. Reading have gone from outsiders to favourites to grab second place in a matter of weeks with an amazing six wins from seven league games - taking 19 points from a possible 21. Reading were in the driving seat for most of the game after Rotherham were reduced to ten men, with a deserved sending off, after just thirty minutes. The away side had a second sending off in the final few minutes - but by then Reading already had the game won. James Harper came straight in the side and had an impressive debut - including giving the Royals the lead on sixty minutes from a corner on the right. Martin Butler wrapped up the three points with ten minutes to go when he headed home a Caskey free kick at the far post. Rotherham also had a player stretchered off with a suspected broken leg and made their disappointment at the 2-0 defeat, and the sendings off, clear at the final whistle. However, with other results all going Reading's way the home fans left in high spirits, with the knowledge that automatic promotion is now well within our reach.

Flu Hits The Royals
Added by HNA? on 02/03/01
Reading Football Club have been hit with a serious case of the flu ahead of the crunch promotion clash with Rotherham United at the Madejski Stadium. Several players have been ruled doubtful with the virus - although there shouldn't be any problem putting out a decent strength side. However, some players might end up playing despite not being fully fit. In defence Ricky Newman and on-loan player Adrian Viveash are both suspended and Whitbread looks set to be unfit; in midfield Caskey is doubtful, as is Keith Jones. The flu and suspension problems could mean that Barry Hunter and James Harper are both likely to be given starts for the Royals.

Reserves Beat The Swindon
Added by HNA? on 28/02/01
Reading's reserve team ran out comfortable 2-0 winners at Swindon this afternoon with goals from Mackie and Alcott. James Harper made his Reading debut and looked impressive putting in a determined performance with plenty of running. Harper stood up well to some tough tackles, which will please the Reading management after his injury problems at Arsenal earlier this season. He also got involved well, including helping create the first Reading goal. Mackie scored the first from a Harper free-kick, and Alcott finished off the second from a move which included Harper. The Reading side also included Gurney, Shorey, and Polston. Harper will be looking to feature on Saturday as Rotherham visit the Madejski for a vital promotion battle.

Royals Sign Harper
Added by HNA? on 28/02/01
Reading Football Club have today confirmed the signing of 20 year-old Arsenal midfielder James Harper for a fee of approximately 400,000 pounds. Harper signs for an undisclosed sum of money on a four and a half year contract. Harper signed as a trainee at Premiership Arsenal in the summer of 2000 but never managed to break into the Arsenal first team despite impressing in both the Youth and Reserve sides. Harper's first taste of first team league football came in January of this year after signing on a months loan at Cardiff City. Harper made three starts in midfield for third Division Cardiff, featuring in a draw and two home victories. He managed the full ninety minutes of his first two matches which included a 6-1 home victory over Exeter and a 1-1 draw at Southend. However, his loan spell came to an end after being sent off with half an hour still to play during Cardiff's 4-1 home victory over Plymouth at the end of January. Speaking about his latest signing, Alan Pardew remarked that two of Harper's best qualities were his "athleticism and arrogance on the pitch". Chelmsford born Harper can play in both the centre of midfield or out wide and is expected to make his debut for Reading Reserves this afternoon as the side travel to Swindon Town.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Whitbread To Sign Contract?
Added by HNA? on 27/02/01
Reading Football Club have called a Press Conference for tomorrow morning (Wednesday) to announce details of a new signing. With the club suggesting that contracts will be reviewed later in the season, it seems unlikely that the conference is to announce any new deals for existing players. With this in mind Darren Caskey may well have to wait a bit longer on his extended contract negotiation, although it's rumoured there could be something in the pipeline. It's not clear who the new signing might be but the favourite is loan signing Adrian Whitbread who continues to impress during his three month loan spell at the club. Whitbread has made four straight starts for the Royals which have included three away league victories. On accepting a loan at the club at the start of this month Whitbread made it clear he was looking for a contract - so perhaps he's done enough to earn it.
Rumour Rating: Likely

Wycombe Tickets Sold Out
Added by HNA? on 27/02/01
Reading's allocation for the game away at Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday the 6th of March is sold out - excluding a small number of tickets available for the family enclosure. All tickets behind the goal have gone and the only tickets are for a small section along the side of the pitch to which adults alone will not be allowed in. If you're yet to get a ticket, and have a little nipper to to take, then you'd best call the Reading FC ticket office immediately to get a couple of the few remaining tickets. The remaining tickets are 11 pounds for adults, 8 pounds for seniors and 4 pounds for juniors and are available by calling 0118 968 1000.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Haddow On Rochdale Trial
Added by HNA? on 26/02/01
Reading Football Club are reporting that Alex Haddow is training at Third Divison side Rochdale and will feature in the sides reserve team. It seems likely that Haddow is looking for a move to a club to secure regular first team football after failing to break into the first team at Reading - despite progressing through the youth setup. 19 year old Haddow has played just ten minutes of football for the Royals first team this season - coming off the bench during the 4-0 victory against Brentford to replace Andy Gurney. Haddow looked like he'd made the break into the first team at the start of the 1999/2000 season - making two starts in August 1999 and becoming a regular name on the subs bench. However Haddow has failed to progress from that position and seems unlikely to be named in the started eleven in the short term - a situation which must make the player keen to move on to kick start his career.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Win Up To 150 Pounds Worth Of Stuff
Added by HNA? on 26/02/01
There's still plenty of the season left - which means new players still have a chance to take part in the Prediction League to be in with a chance of winning up to £150 of Reading FC vouchers to spend in the club shop and ticket office. To have a chance of winning all you need to do is make sure you enter your prediction for at least 10 Reading games between now and the end of the season. To view the latest tables and find out how to enter visit the Prediction League area now.

Third Straight Away Win At Swansea
Added by HNA? on 24/02/01
Reading made it seven unbeaten in the league, and three away wins in a row with a vital away victory at Swansea City this afternoon. A Jamie Cureton goal, his third in successive games, just before half time after a cross from Jimmy McIntyre, was enough to give the Royals a 1-0 away victory. Reading remain in fifth place in the table but just three points off the second automatic promotion spot, with three games in hand, with both Wigan and Walsall losing today. Millwall increased their grip on the top spot with an away win and Rotherham beat Stoke to move into third. The results mean that Rotherham and Reading now appear as favourites to take second place in the table based on current standings and form. Rotherham visit the Madejski Stadium next Saturday for what could now be one of the most important games of the entire season. A victory next week would be a big step towards automatic promotion for the Royals.

Newman To Miss Swansea Trip
Added by HNA? on 21/02/01
Ricky Newman will miss the trip to Swansea this Saturday - and will also be out of action when Rotherham visit the Madejski Stadium for a vital top of the table fixture the following week. Newman is ruled out after picking up his tenth yellow card of the season - more than any other Royals player!

Victory At Oldham Puts Royals Fifth
Added by HNA? on 20/02/01
Reading pulled off a fantastic victory tonight at in form Oldham Athletic to go fifth in the table - with first half goals from Martin Butler and Jamie Cureton. Taking the full three points away from home, making it six from our last two outings, somehow makes the two points dropped on Saturday a lot easier to forget. The Royals have now won four and drawn two of the last six league matches - the kind of form that leaves automatic promotion well within our reach. Butler gave Reading a dream start after being set up by Caskey to score with the first real effort of the game after three minutes. Cureton almost made it 2-0 just before half time when he should have scored with a close range shot which was saved. However Cureton made up for it in first half injury time after beating a defender to score from a Butler cross. The Royals are just six points from second place with three games in hand.

Fans Forum Postponed
Added by HNA? on 20/02/01
The Reading Football Supporters' Club Fans' Forum scheduled for this coming Thursday night has been postponed. The forum allows members of RFSC a chance to put questions to management staff of Reading Football Club. Unfortuantely Reading FC are unable to provide a full set of management to attend the meeting, so the forum will be re-arranged to a new date to be announced.

Two Points Dropped At Home
Added by HNA? on 17/02/01
Reading dropped two points at home this afternoon after a disappointing 1-1 draw with Peterborough United at the Madejski Stadium in front of 10,342 fans. At half time Reading looked good for victory after Jamie Cureton headed the Royals into the lead on 24 minutes. A disallowed goal and a couple of other chances gave Reading the edge over Peterborough, despite failing to increase the lead. Reading's defence looked tight enough during the first half but was beaten ten minutes after the break when Viveash earnt a booking after conceeded a foul on the right. The free kick found Jason Lee with a free header in the middle to make it 1-1. Reading were in further trouble a few minutes later when ex-Reading player Martin Williams dived to get Viveash a second yellow card and a sending off. The away side could then have won the game but failed to take their chances, and the game finished as a draw.

Williams To Return With 'Boro
Added by HNA? on 15/02/01
Former Reading player Martin Williams is set to make a return to the Madejski Stadium on Saturday as Peterborough United face the Royals. Williams left Reading last summer when the club failed to renew his contract and has since struggled to find any real form. Williams joined Swindon Town and has made 22 starts for the side - only scoring three goals in the process. Last month Williams, who scored 29 goals for the Royals after signing in 1995, signed for Peterborough on loan where he's made four league starts without finding the net. Expect Jamie Cureton and Martin Butler to give Williams a lesson on how it should be done. Reading are firm favourites for victory as they look to build on three straight league wins.

Reserves Into Cup Final
Added by Justin on 15/02/01
Reading Reserves clinched a place in the Avon Insurance League Cup Final yesterday afternoon as they ran out 2-1 winners over Portsmouth. The game, relocated to Palmer Park due to waterlogging at Farnborough, was a high-paced battle for a Royals team comprised of several first-team squad members including Howie, Robinson, Gamble, Mackie and Hodges. Pompey went ahead on twenty minutes after a defensive mix-up allowed their forward to lob Howie.
Reading took advantage of some poor set piece defending to score twice with headers before half time - the first Headed in by Hodges from a Gamble free kick, the second by Mackie after Hodges flicked on from a corner.
Reading strung five across the back in the second half in an effort to hold on to the lead. Pompey took control of the game and Howie had to make some fine saves to prevent an equaliser and keep the Royals hanging on for the win.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Team Effort Defeats Brentford
Added by HNA? on 10/02/01
Reading's travelling fans enjoyed an excellent team performance from the Royals as they outplayed Brentford to run out 2-1 winners at Griffin Park this afternoon. It was hard to single out any player, with everyone working really hard to contribute in a valuable away win. Reading took the lead after a string of corners resulted in a Caskey corner from the left being flicked in by Phil Parkinson on the half hour. The Royals responded to a superb atmosphere generated by the Reading fans behind the goal with a second goal fifteen minutes into the second half when Cureton did all the hard work to set up Sammy Igoe who prodded it home. Brentford scored a consolation goal with five minutes left but, despite some nerves, Reading held on for a deserved victory. Other positive signs included a convincing debut by Adrian Whitbread in the centre of defence. The win was Reading's third in a row in the league - the Royals stay in sixth place, keeping the automatic promotion places in sight.

Royals Sign Shorey For 25,000
Added by HNA? on 09/02/01
Reading Football Club have today confirmed the signing of left back Nicholas Shorey from third Division Leyton Orient. The Royals have initially paid 25,000 for the player but the transfer fee will increase if Shorey makes a certain number of appearances for the Royals. Shorey seems certain to be a good prospect for the future - however the 19 year old player has already been making plenty of appearances for Orient. Shorey signed a professional contract with Orient in the summer of 1998 and went on to make 16 appearances - 13 in the starting eleven - before moving to Reading today, signing a three and a half year contract. Shorey made his league debut nearly exactly a year ago when he came off the bench during a 1-0 defeat away at Shrewsbury, and went on to become a first team regular for the following month or so.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Whitbread Signs For Three Months
Added by HNA? on 08/02/01
Reading have signed Portsmouth centre-back Adrian Whitbread on a three month deal with a view to making it a permanent move for the 29 year old player. With Adrian Williams still out injured Whitbread has been brought in to provide defensive cover - and could come straight into the team on Saturday in place of Barry Hunter as the Royals travel to Brenford. Whitbread is well known by Reading assistant manager Martin Allen after making 144 starts for Portsmouth since signing for 250,000 quid in October 1996. Whitbread also made 13 league appearances while on loan at Portsmouth while on West Ham's books. His career started at Leyton Orient where he made 154 starts after signing as a trainee in 1989. This was followed by two 500,000 pound moves - firstly to Swindon in 1993 where he made 37 starts before moving to West Ham in the summer of 1994. Whitbread, at over six foot tall, is well known as a solid centre back, and comes to Reading after a 13 match loan spell at Luton Town which has just come to an end.

Bournemouth Game Off Again
Added by HNA? on 06/02/01
Reading's game with Bournemouth has been called off again this evening with the Dean Court pitch being declared waterlogged. It was near repeat of the "game" scheduled in November - and a near identical experience for the travelling supporters, with the game being called off just a couple of hours before kick-off. Like many Reading fans we left early and checked the game was on before leaving for Bournemouth. Once again it tipped it down all the way, and the game was only called off with a lot of fans already on their way to the match. At 6pm there were a few people wandering around the ground, a few people trying to get refunds at the ticket office, and plenty of cars driving away from the ground. With the gate open we took the opportunity to stand on the open terraces behind the goal on the away end. Although it had stopped raining there was plenty of surface water in the goalmouths and down the left side of the pitch. If the game had gone ahead it wouldn't have been much of a game and any further rain would have made it a farce - but that still fails to compensate for another late postponement. Two full journeys to Bournemouth this season and not even a minute of football played. So, another disappointment for both the team and supporters as Reading maintain their full set of games in hand.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Butler Likely To Start
Added by HNA? on 06/02/01
Martin Butler is likely to start this evening as the Royals travel down to Bournemouth on the hunt for a rare away victory. Butler came off the bench on Saturday to score the only goal of the game as Reading beat Port Vale at the Madejski Stadium. Butler's inclusion in the starting eleven could mean Rougier will find himself back on the bench after a hot and cold performance on Saturday. Andy Gurney is unfit after suffering an ankle injury from a heavy challenge from the Port Vale number 25, so Stuart Gray will almost certainly take his place. Murty is included in the squad after recovering from another mystery illness but will probably end up on the bench. Meanwhile Bournemouth are confident the game will go ahead this time. Earlier this season the game was called off just 90 minutes before kick off due to heavy rain - the recent weather conditions mean the travelling fans aren't going to be too confident until the game kicks off. Heavy showers are forecast for Bournemouth tonight - meaning Reading are going to have to do something special on the pitch to make up for us all getting soaked on the terraces. See the match preview for more info.

Butler Rescues Victory
Added by HNA? on 03/02/01
Reading claimed the full three points this afternoon with a 1-0 victory over Port Vale at the Madejski Stadium. However, the game needed a winner with just twelve minutes left from substitute Martin Butler - who had only been on the pitch for about twenty minutes. Reading always looked the most likely side in a poor game but despite most of the play looked like they might be unable to find the winner before time ran out. The Royals played some decent football during the first half but failed to make the most of some goalmouth chances, and were then denied by the crossbar after a Caskey free-kick. The game started to tail off during the second half with Port Vale looking more than happy to take a point. Butler rescued the full three points after winning the ball inside the area, beating his two markers, and firing the ball in off the post from the right side of goal to make it 1-0. Reading stay sixth in the table.

Cureton in FA Rap
Added by Justin on 01/02/01
Jamie Cureton has been charged with misconduct by the FA after his goal celebration in front of the away fans during last month's home win over Bristol Rovers. Ex-Rovers striker Cureton, who has endured months of scurrilous rumour from Pirates fans since his move last September, stood in front of the South Stand, smiling with his hands over his ears. This action, which is seen at grounds the length and breadth of the country, is suddenly considered incitement.

Jamie has 14 days to answer the charge, and the club are confident that he will be cleared due to mitigating circumstances surrounding the incident.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Fans Want Unreserved Seating
Added by HNA? on 31/01/01
A vote carried out on Hob Nob Anyone?, has revealed that the vast majority of Reading fans want both the North and East stands of the Madejski Stadium to remain unreserved seating next season. The club are currently considering changing the seating arrangements for next season - with both stands currently being unreserved seating. Nearly 600 fans voted, over twelve days, with 72% of fans voting for unreserved seating in the East Stand, and a majority of 55% voting for unreserved seating in the North Stand. The poll also showed that season ticket holders were slightly more keen on the possibility of reserved seating in the East Stand.

Swans Put Royals Out Of LDV
Added by HNA? on 30/01/01
Reading went out of the LDV Vans trophy tonight with a 0-1 defeat at the Vetch Field. The first half of the Southern Section third round tie saw no goals, but Swansea eventually did enough to go through to the semi-final of the section with a goal fifteen minutes from time by on-loan player Giovanni Savarese. After going out of the League Cup in the first round against Leyton Orient and then exiting the FA Cup in a second round replay against York, this latest cup defeat means the Royals now only have the league to play for. With no games to cause distraction lets hope the Royals concentrate on some decent league form to claim one of the automatic promotion spots.

Luton Game Called Off
Added by HNA? on 27/01/01
Reading's fixture with Luton Town scheduled for this afternoon has been called off after overnight snow and frost took their toll on the Kenilworth Road pitch. Despite last night's weather conditions the postponement seems a bit of a mystery with decent mild weather conditions forcast for today. It's a blow for Reading who were looking for a possible away victory, and now could slip further away from the top positions. It's also a blow for the near 2,000 Reading fans who were going to make the trip - they'll need to try and schedule the journey into another Tuesday night.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Support The Tannoy Two!
Added by HNA? on 25/01/01
If you purchased a copy of the latest issue of The Whiff from one of the respectable sellers outside the Madejski Stadium last Saturday, then you will have read an interview with Jonathan Richards. Richards resigned, along with assistant Simon Houlihan, under pressure from the club following remarks made over the PA system at the Millwall game as the teams came out. Reading fan Richards urged the home fans to remind McGhee of the loyal fans he'd left behind at Reading. These rather tame remarks were followed up by all kinds of media attention forcing Richards out his job for no good reason. Since Richards was only attempting to get the home fans to make some noise, and considering the splendid job he's done already this season for no payment - then it must be right to give him his job back. Richards is clearly a Reading fan doing his best to support the club - the club should repay him by accepting his apology and offering him and Houlihan their old jobs back. If you have the same opinion then contact the club directly, using the link below, to offer Richards your support.

Have Your Say On Reserved Seating
Added by HNA? on 25/01/01
Over 500 fans have already voted for either reserved or unreserved seating in the North and East stands in the Hob Nob Anyone? poll. Make sure you place your vote! Results will be published on this site next week and will be submitted to Reading Football Club at the same time. For more details and to place your vote click the link below.

Luton Tickets Still Available
Added by HNA? on 25/01/01
Tickets for Reading's away tie at Luton Town this Saturday are still available if you're quick - at the price of 14 pounds for adults and 8 pounds for concessions. The game is all ticket for Reading fans. Meanwhile, the bookies have made Reading favourites for victory, so it could be well worth the trip to see if they're right.

Luton Game All Ticket
Added by HNA? on 23/01/01
Just a quick reminder to everyone planning to go to Luton Town this Saturday that the game is all-ticket for Reading fans. Reading have been allocated 2,000 tickets for seating behind the goal. Although the game is all-ticket, and only seating is available, you're allowed to sit where you want on arrival at the game. You must buy your tickets in advance from the Madejski Stadium ticket office (call 0118 968 1000 and tell them Hob Nob sent you!) - adult tickets are 14 quid.

RFSC Coach Travel To Swansea
Added by HNA? on 23/01/01
Reading Football Supporters' Club will be running a coach to Swansea for next week's LDV Vans trophy match - the coach departs from the Madejski Stadium at 3pm. RFSC runs coaches to all away game fixtures (depending on demand) for members. To view full travel details, or find out how to join RFSC follow the link below:

Cureton Goal Beats Rovers
Added by HNA? on 20/01/01
A single goal by Jamie Cureton against his former side was enough to beat Bristol Rovers 1-0 at the Madejski Stadium this afternoon. Cureton took great delight in scoring in front of the away fans three minutes before half time - after hard work by Phil Parkinson allowed Rougier to cross from the left and Cureton to finish with style. Cureton earnt a yellow card for a prolonged celebration in front of his former supporters after scoring the goal that earnt Reading a vital three points. Neither side made many chances in a disappointing game and Bristol Rovers never looked likely to come back from a goal down.

Have Your Say On Reserved Seating
Added by HNA? on 18/01/01
Reading Football Club are currently in the process of surveying season ticket holders to see if fans prefer reserved or unreserved seating in the North and East stands. The club will use the results to determine future policy. A number of non-season ticket holding fans would also like to have a say. Hob Nob Anyone? is currently conducting an on-line poll to see how fans feel on the reserved seating issue. Throughout the rest of January we'll be collecting fans opinions submitted through this site and, at the end of the month, we'll submit your opinions to Reading Football Club. Hopefully this will give the club more information they can use before arriving at their decision regarding reserved or unreserved seating at the Madejski Stadium. To cast your vote please click below.

Royals Slip To Fifth Favourites
Added by HNA? on 16/01/01
The bookmakers are now making Reading fifth favourites to win the Second Division after the Royals form has dropped. Reading began the season as third favourites in the Division and eventually moved to favourites after an amazing spell of form took the Royals to top spot in the Division. William Hill are now offering 14/1 on Reading winning the Division - which might be worth a few quid if Reading can make a return to form.

Tickets News
Added by HNA? on 16/01/01
Ticket news has been released for the game at Kenilworth Road, Luton Town, scheduled for Saturday 27 January. The game depends on Luton's involvement in the FA Cup - if they beat Queen's Park Rangers in their third round replay the game will be moved. As expected the game is all ticket for Reading fans with Luton being a short trip away and the away end (enter through someone's front door) holding just 2,000. Seated tickets are 14 quid for adults and 8 quid for concessions. Meanwhile if anyone fancies a trip to Wales then it's a bargain price for the third round of the LDV Vans trophy at Swansea City on Tuesday 30 January. Admission is a fiver or just two quid for kids - Reading fans can pay on the night.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Pardew Speaks Out About Cureton
Added by HNA? on 16/01/01
Speaking in the latest issue of Total Football, Alan Pardew goes on record about Jamie Cureton's lack of motivation in training - hinting at the reason behind Cureton's bargain 250,000 quid signing last August. In the same feature Madejski talks about the appointment of Pardew as team manager:

Chairman John Madejski on the signing of Alan Pardew as manager: "I dare say a lot of people were surprised. But in the past we've tried name managers and they've never really got it done as far as I'm concerned. Give me a guy that's fresh, wants to learn and is ambitious. They deliver a lot more.

"We had a few big names knocking on the door for the job, but their attitude was more, 'what are you going to do for me?' rather than what they were going to do for the club.

"Having gone with a celebrity and got nowhere fast I thought I would stick to my instincts. I think that I know a lot about people and what I saw in Alan Pardew was a man of conviction, strength and a man who was willing to succeed."

Pardew on his style of play: "To play a purely passing game in this division, all your players have to be top quality. Realistically, you need a physical edge to compete. This division is unique in that you can play a physical team one week, and then Bristol City who try to pass right through you the next. The team structure has to be able to cope with all these scenarios."

"The difference between us and Tommy Burns' side is that we've got quality players. We've paid too much for players in the past and some have been found lacking in their ability."

Madejski agrees: "I've had some absolute horror stories. Some of the foreign players in particular have been an absolute nightmare. Funnily enough it's more with the third world players than others. In some of the third world countries it's all about the dosh really. Some of their demands were disgraceful."

Pardew on Jamie Cureton: "[Cureton] was a good price for us. Ian Holloway had come to the end of his tether with him. But I've been a little disappointed with his take on professional football. The problem with Jamie is that I still have to motivate him to train and that's not how it is with most of my boys. He was coming into training and going home, that was it. There was no looking to improve himself, to get fitter or stronger. But as a finisher, he's as good as I've seen."

Cureton, in response, is remarkably calm: "I suppose it's just in my make-up - I'm not used to working as hard as at Reading. The manager did tell me he thought I needed to work harder and I think he's been quite pleased, so hopefully that keeps me in his good books."

You can read the rest of the feature in the new issue of Total Football magazine, out now.

Rumour Rating: Definite

Limited Time For Swindon Refunds
Added by HNA? on 16/01/01
The club have confirmed that there is a only a seven day period within which refunds for Swindon Town tickets can be claimed. Ticket holders who purchased tickets for the postponed game, originally scheduled for 30th December 2000, can get refunds by calling the Reading FC ticket office (0118 9681000). The refunded tickets will then go back on general sale for the rearranged all-ticket game scheduled for Tuesday the 27th of March.

Swansea Next In LDV Trophy
Added by HNA? on 14/01/01
Reading have been drawn away at Swansea in the third round (Southern Section Quarter Final) of the LDV Vans trophy, after the second win at Hereford. Reading won 2-1 at Hereford last week in the second round with goals from Cureton and McIntyre, meanwhile Swansea won their second round tie at Bournemouth with a single goal from Savarese. The date of the tie at Vetch Field is yet to be confirmed but is almost certain to be Tuesday 30 January.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Royals Earn Point At Stoke
Added by HNA? on 13/01/01
Reading earnt a vital point at Stoke's Britannia Stadium this afternoon after battling out a 0-0 draw in front of 14,154 fans. Despite chances for both sides, neither team managed to score meaning Stoke stay in fifth place in the table, and Reading stay in sixth. Pardew made a few changes from the regular line up with Stoke favourites to take all the points. With Robinson out injured Gray started at full back along with Rickey Newman. Murty and McIntyre played out wide with Rougier and Cureton started in the middle up front. Martin Butler was dropped to the bench but replaced Cureton midway through the second half.
Meanwhile Wigan lost at Millwall, Walsall lost at Oxford and Rotherham could only draw at home, meaning Reading's draw was a vital point, against another promotion challenger, to keep us in touch.

Rooster out for 8 weeks
Added by Justin on 11/01/01
Full back Matt Robinson looks set to be sidelined for the next 8 weeks after a second x-ray revealed a fractured rib. Robinson was injured by a challenge from Millwall's Tim Cahill in the first half of last Saturday's match at the Madejski.
Initial hopes were that Robinson had only suffered from bruised ribs but today came the news that a fracture had occurred.
With three defenders already out injured, this new injury to the squad means Alan Pardew will be keen to bring in some defensive cover, or perhaps bring young Alex Haddow into the first team squad.

Rumour Rating: Definite

Royals Beat Hereford In LDV
Added by HNA? on 09/01/01
Reading successfully progressed to Round Three of the Southern Section of the LDV Vans trophy tonight with first half goals from Cureton and Caskey. The goals were enough for a 2-1 victory over Hereford, with a second half goal from Hereford. Reading took the lead just after the half an hour after Caskey set up Jamie Cureton who scored off the crossbar. A couple of minutes later Tony Rougier set up Jimmy McIntyre, playing in place of Martin Butler up front, after twisting past a couple of players and putting over a cross right in front of goal. McIntyre stuck it home from a couple of yards out to put Reading 2-0 up at half time.

PA Announcer Quits Over McGhee Remarks
Added by Justin on 09/01/01
Reading FC PA Announcer Jonathan Richards has resigned after comments made over the loudspeaker system before last Saturday's Millwall game.

Richards' words, which implied that Reading had not forgiven McGhee for walking out on Reading in 1994, understandably offended the lavishly proportioned itinerant Millwall manager. The club made a public apology yesterday and said they had no idea what mr Richards was intending to say.

McGhee's mood was more than a little sour, not only because of mr Richards' comments, but because of remarks made by Alan Pardew in Friday's Evening Post, which accused McGhee of leaving Reading without building the foundation of a youth system.

In return, McGhee refused to shake Pardew's hand after Saturday's match and was less than complimentary about the Royals' performance in a post-match interview, when he said (probably correctly) "5-0 would have flattered them".
Rumour Rating: Definite

Parkinson Out For Hereford Game
Added by HNA? on 08/01/01
Reading will be without Phil Parkinson for Tuesday night's trip to Hereford in the second round of the LDV Vans Trophy. Reading recieved a bye in the first round of the trophy and enter this tie as firm favourites to progress to round three. Adi Viveash is available for selection again after serving his suspension during Saturday's 3-4 defeat against Millwall at the Madejski. However, Pardew may use the game to give a couple of fringe players a chance in the first team.

McGhee's Millwall Take The Points
Added by HNA? on 06/01/01
Mark McGhee's Millwall took the full three points in front of 14,743 fans at the Madejski Stadium this afternoon, by beating the Royals 3-4. Despite a bright start from the Royals there seemed to be only one side likely to win it after a disasterous spell midway through the first half saw the away side take a three goal lead. After the break Mackie gave away a penalty which saw Millwall make it 0-4. With the game already won and forty minutes left to play Millwall sat back a bit and Reading eventually got into the game with an Igoe header on 65 minutes. Although it was clear it was always going to be too late Reading made the score respectable at least with a penalty from Darren Caskey and an injury time strike from Jamie Cureton. Despite the late recovery, the defeat is a massive set back for Reading and goes a long way in ruling out the possibility of automatic promotion. The Royals remain in sixth place, with other teams involved in FA Cup Third Round action, however Millwall are now 11 points above Reading at the top of the Second Division table.

Police Cautious Of Millwall Visit
Added by HNA? on 05/01/01
Thames Valley police have advised many town centre pubs to remain shut during Saturday afternoon, with league leaders Millwall visiting the Madejski Stadium. Extra police will be on duty around the stadium and in the town centre in anticipation of a large crowd, which could be near the largest in Division Two this season so far. The game is strictly all-ticket, and fans are advised not to turn up without pre-purchasing a ticket. Millwall Football Club have issued a statement to ensure known trouble makers can not obtain a ticket for the match. On their website they state that tickets are presently on sale from the Ticket Office on the basis of one per person. There is no general sale to non members or non season ticket holders.. Reading fans must buy their ticket before the day of the game (today!) by calling the ticket office directly. Pre-purchased tickets can be picked up on the day of the game from the relevant ticket office. For full ticket and match information please see the match preview.
Reading -v- Millwall - Preview
Rumour Rating: Definite

Evers Unwanted Up North
Added by HNA? on 05/01/01
Sean Evers has been rejected by Scottish side St. Johnstone after failing to impress during his loan spell at the club. Evers was eventually sent back to Reading early after failing to hold a place in the starting eleven. After five starts and one appearance from the substitutes bench Evers failed to make any real impact and it seems certain that no offer will be made for the player. Evers, who signed for a massive half a million pounds in March 1999, has made just 15 starts for the Royals and is now likely to have to fight in the reserves for the chance to set up another loan deal that could lead to a transfer.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Beard Day Goes Agricultural
Added by HNA? on 03/01/01
Details have been announced for the sixth annual Beard Day which will take place on Saturday 3rd February 2001, taking in Reading's home tie against Port Vale. The day will follow a familiar format - plenty of drinking at the Rose and Thistle from 11am, followed by travel to the Madejski Stadium to watch the Royals. Entertainment will be provided as usual by the popular Beard Band. Beard Day has gone cultural this year - agricultural to be precise with all kinds of activities at the Rose and Thistle including a Processed vegetable competition and Human Sheep dog trials. Everyone is invited to take part, but all participants are required to wear false beards between the hours of 11am and 5pm. If you can't get to the Rose and Thistle make sure you and your beard attend the match.

Royals Rescue Late Point
Added by HNA? on 01/01/01
Darren Caskey earned Reading a point this afternoon at the Madejski Stadium with an injury time free kick. After an entertaining, but disappointing, performance it looked like Northampton were going to snatch the full three points after a Gabbiadini goal with three minutes left to play put the away side a goal up. Reading looked like they'd scored two in the second half with Hodges and Rougier both having goals ruled out before Caskey salvaged a point which was more than deserved on the balance of play. Reading also had Phil Whitehead to thank for some great saves to keep Reading level at half time. Reading now lie in sixth place in the Second Division table.

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