Casper Leaves Club
Added by Justin on 27/03/02
Defender Chris Casper has left Reading FC after failing to overcome a leg injury sustained on Boxing Day 1999, the club have announced.
Chris, a former member of the Manchester United youth team, joined Reading in November 1998 after a successful loan spell but a tackle by Cardiff's Richard Carpenter broke his leg just two months later.
Chris has not ruled out a return to the game. HNA wishes him all the best for the future.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Promotion Race Gets Tighter
Added by HNA? on 23/03/02
Reading's fourth draw from five league matches made the automatic promotion race just that bit tighter this afternoon. Brighton were also held to a home draw, but with Brentford winning during the week and Stoke and Huddersfield both getting wins, there's plenty of pressure building up with just five games of the season left. Reading wasted the opportunity to pull two points further ahead from Brighton after Oldham Athletic twice came from behind this afternoon at the Madejski Stadium. Reading's 2-2 draw was a disappointing result in front of another big crowd of over 15,000. It looked like Reading were going to comfortably win this match earlier on after John Mackie gave the Royals the lead after just eight minutes of play. A short corner on the left saw Kevin Watson put over a superb cross to the far post where Mackie headed across the goalkeeper. Oldham equalised from a dubious corner on the half hour when a solid header in the middle beat Whitehead. Parkinson put Reading ahead again just before the break after Forster did all the hard work down the right wing, weaving in and out of players before cutting in and playing a short low cross. Reading seemed nervous in the second half and Oldham increased the pressure, making it 2-2 with fifteen minutes left after a cross from the right was cut back and put in with the Reading defence strangely absent. Reading have earnt seven points from the five most recent games - we'll have to do better than that over the final five games to guarantee a place in Division One.

Michael Branch Completes Loan Move
Added by Justin on 21/03/02
Manager Alan Pardew has moved to strengthen his hand for the promotion run in with the signing of Wolves attacker Michael Branch on a month's loan.
Branch, 23, started his career as a striker at Everton before moving on to Wolves where he has played wide right as well as up front in nearly 100 appearances. The wide right position, vacated by Sammy Igoe as he receives treatment for a groin injury, is the position Pardew almost certainly has in mind for the former England U21 international and he should fill it this Saturday against Oldham.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Promotion Run-In
Added by HNA? on 17/03/02
Reading have just six games left to play - and remain top of the league. The Royals are six points clear of Brentford in third place, and look set to claim one of the two automatic promotion spots. However, there are a number of teams that could still climb into the top two automatic promotion positions. Brighton, Brentford, Stoke City and Huddersfield Town are all within distance to climb into the top two with a good run of form - should either Reading or Brighton slip up. We've put together a promotion run-in page that shows the remaining fixtures for the top five teams, and added our predictions on how we think it'll all finish at the end of the season. It's definately going to be tight, and at the moment Reading look set to climb into Division One - but who will join them?

URZ Hats Now A Fiver
Added by HNA? on 17/03/02
URZ hats have now been reduced from six pounds fifty to a fiver. This means that ski hats and baseball caps are all now five pounds each. The purchase of any of these URZ products will automatically give financial support to our very own Reading FC Academy - the price of any of these products includes a cash donation to the Academy. Reading Football Club fully supports this initiative that helps support the club. You can buy your URZ stuff by finding the seller outside the East Stand on match days, or by mail order. To find out more, or to order by post, please follow the link below:

Victory At Chesterfield
Added by HNA? on 17/03/02
Reading ended a run of three straight league draws with an impressive away victory at Chesterfield yesterday. The Royals ended up 2-0 winners with first half goals from Nicky Forster and Jamie Cureton. It was a strange game to watch with Reading having already done enough for victory during the first half. Chesterfield worked hard during the second half but were unable to play the final ball to create many chances. Reading looked a class above the home side and never seemed to play at full pace and yet took the three points with ease. Both goal were superb long range efforts, with Forster giving Reading the lead on the half hour. Cureton made it two just before the break with a superb effort from the left of goal that flew into the top right corner of the net. Parkinson also had a great shot which was tipped over by the keeper. Down the other end Chesterfield nearly pulled one back with a shot that dipped and hit the crossbar. Kevin Watson made his debut under a full contract and put in an excellent performance in the centre of midfield. This was another great day out for the travelling fans with a comfortable, deserved, three points that takes up that step closer to the Championship.

Royals Complete Watson Signing
Added by HNA? on 14/03/02
Rotherham United midfielder Kevin Watson has at last signed a full contract with the Royals, after months of negotiation between the two clubs. Rotherham rejected various bids, including a recent offer of 100,000 pounds, until today when a deal worth 200,000 pounds was agreed. The signing fee is 150,000 but Reading will have to pay a further 50,000 after Reading get promoted into Division One. Watson agreed personal terms today and was more than happy to make the move after a depressing spell at United. Watson has been the target of abuse from the home fans and has struggled to hold down a place in the starting eleven at the First Division club. Watson successfully completed a loan spell at Reading in November and December of last year, making six first team appearances, and earnt a lot of respect for some impressive performances. Watson could make his full debut on Saturday as the Royals travel to Chesterfield looking for the first win in four games.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Frank Talia Arrives For Two Months
Added by HNA? on 13/03/02
Reading have signed Australian goalkeeper Frank Talia until the end of the season to assess the player as a suitable stand-in for first choice 'keeper Phil Whitehead. The player signs on a two month contract to take him into the close season at Reading, although it's likely he'll be restricted to reserve team appearances only. Talia made well over 100 first team appearances for Swindon Town after signing for 150,000 pounds in 1995 from Blackburn Rovers. Talia left the Wiltshire side in the summer of 2000 and was unable to find a regular spot in league football after spells at Wolves and Sheffield United.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Clash Of Top Two Ends Without Goal
Added by HNA? on 09/03/02
This afternoon's top of the table clash between Reading and Brighton and Hove Albion, at the Madejski Stadium, ended without a goal in front of over 22,000 fans. Brighton needed the victory to close the gap on the Royals - the result means that Reading remain five points clear at the top of the Second Division. The hugh crowd watched a tight fixture with neither side managing to find the net despite plenty of second half opportunities. The first half saw a limited numbers of chances with just a handful of corners and shots between the two sides. The second half saw both goalkeepers pull off some excellent saves to keep the scoresheet blank as the speed of the game picked up. The result will be disappointing for Reading, in the race for the championship, after losing at Brigton earler this season. However, Brighton looked to have won the game right at the end, deep in injury time, after putting the ball in the net - but the goal was disallowed for a foul on Phil Whitehead. Elsewhere, Brentford and Bristol City both won to close the gap on the top two, but Stoke City were beaten 1-0 by Wycombe Wanderers.

Brighton Close Gap To Five Points
Added by HNA? on 05/03/02
Brighton and Hove Albion closed the top to five points at the top of the table tonight after a 4-0 home victory over Wycombe Wanderers. Brighton welcomed Zamora back into their starting line-up and he promptly scored twice to cement their second place in the table. Brighton have a game in hand over the Royals who are top of the table by five points after tonight's 2-2 home draw against Bournemouth at the Madejski Stadium. Brighton are two points clear of third placed Stoke City who won 3-1 at Colchester United tonight. Brentford are fourth in the table after their 2-0 home win over Swindon, and are nine points behind the Royals with a game in hand. Saturday's sold-out game between Reading and Brighton is more crucial than ever - a victory is essential to give Reading the advantage in the race for the championship and automatic promotion.
Meanwhile, tickets for Reading's last game of the season at Brentford, go on sale to season ticket holders only tomorrow. Reading have 2,600 tickets and they are on sale for postal applications only on a one ticket per season ticket holder basis. The game is guaranteed to sell-out with both teams very much in the hunt for automatic promotion.
To apply for your ticket post the following details to The Reading FC Ticket Office, Madejski Stadium, Reading, Berkshire RG2 0FL: Your name, telephone number, address, season ticket seat number, and required ticket. Terrace tickets are 9 pounds for adults, 4 pounds for OAPs and 2 pounds for children. Seating is 15 pounds for adults, 10 pounds for OAPs and 2 pounds for children. Remember to enclose your cheque or credit card details and a stamped addressed envelope!

Royals Scramble Draw
Added by HNA? on 05/03/02
Reading eventually claimed a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth at the Madejski Stadium tonight, after going behind to the side four places away from the foot of the table. The game could have gone either way in the last few minutes with Bournemouth putting a penalty way over the crossbar and Jamie Cureton nearly winning it for the Royals with a great effort that hit the crossbar deep in injury time. Reading might be thankful to get a point in the end, but really should have won the game within the fast half. The Royals put the Cherries under loads of early pressure after Cureton put Reading ahead after just five minutes when his free-kick was deflected into the top of the net. Reading looked to be making up for Saturday's disappointing draw at Cambridge with some excellent early play. Shorey twice nearly scored with an effort that was well saved and one that hit the crossbar, and Cureton was clean through and could have added a second. Bournemouth came back into the game towards the end of the first half and Whitehead pulled off a couple of good saves. Reading nearly collapsed in the second half as Bournemouth looked the better side. After pulling level just after the break they took a lead from a corner as Reading's defence froze. Reading looked in trouble until Hughes scored from a Salako cross to make it 2-2 with ten minutes left to play. Mackie conceeded the penalty but Reading's luck held to let the sides share a point. Brighton, Stoke and Brentford all won to close the gap at the top of the table.

Royals Move Seven Points Clear
Added by HNA? on 03/03/02
Despite only drawing at the Division's bottom side yesterday, Reading have now moved seven points clear at the top of Division Two. Reading's 2-2 draw with Cambridge United was a better result that either Brighton or Bristol City could manage. The two sides had previously been Reading's closest rivals for the automatic promotion places, but Brighton went down 3-1 at Stoke City on Friday night, and Bristol City lost 2-0 at home to promotion rivals Brentford. The results mean that Reading are now seven points ahead of Brighton who remain favourites for second place in the table with Reading looking most likely champions. Brighton have a single game in hand over Reading having played thirty-six matches. Stoke have moved up to third place with their win - but are nine points behind the Royals having played the same number of games. With the season well in it's final quarter Reading and Brighton look most likely for the top two places with Stoke, Brentford, Bristol City and Huddersfield looking best for the play-off positions.

Reading Fight Back For Draw
Added by HNA? on 03/03/02
Reading came back from two goals down at bottom of the table Cambridge United yesterday to win with a point with an improved second half display. The home side took a two goal lead within thirty four minutes with Reading looking nothing like a side clear at the top of the table. The first goal saw Viveash beaten and the ball crossed into the middle where it was stuck home. The second goal saw more defensive errors from the Royals, as a poor back header couldn't be tidied up by Whitehead, leaving Cambridge with a simple second. After the break Reading changed tactics and it paid off when Viveash pulled one back ten minutes into the second half with a header. The introduction of Henderson caused more problems in the Cambridge defence and led to an own goal which pulled Reading level. However, it was Cambridge that could have still won the game after Viveash conceeded a penalty. Thankfully Whitehead pulled off an excellent save to allow Reading to leave the Abbey Stadium with a point.

Technical Problems Resolved
Added by HNA? on 27/02/02
The technical problems that blocked access to the Hob Nob Anyone? discussion boards have now been resolved, and everything is back up working again. To access the boards please follow the link below:

Wycombe Beaten As March Continues
Added by HNA? on 27/02/02
Reading's seemingly unstoppable march towards promotion continued last night with an impressive second half victory over Wycombe Wanderers. The game attracted Wycombe's record attendance at Adams Park, with the ground nearly full, but it was Reading that enjoyed the best support throughout from a packed away end. After a delay of fifteen minutes, with traffic at a stand-still all around the ground, Reading got off the best start with Forster nearly breaking through to put Reading ahead. The rest of the first half was a scrappy encounter with the strong wind playing a big part in a hugh number of misplaced passes. Reading followed up a goalless first half with a second half of class where they reversed the pattern of the game and tore the home side to pieces. The breakthrough came on 68 minutes when Forster worked the ball across to Cureton on the left who found the net off a Wycombe player. Henderson, a late substitution, wrapped up the victory right at the end of time after beating the off-side trap to take the ball around the keeper and tap home. The 2-0 victory was the least Reading deserved after a second half showing all the marks of a team on top of the division.

Technical Problems
Added by HNA? on 26/02/02
We're currently experiencing some technical problems that mean the discussion areas of the site are unavailable. Normal service should be resumed shortly. Apologies!
Rumour Rating: Definite

Stoke Beaten As Royals Stretch Lead
Added by HNA? on 23/02/02
Reading's highest league crowd of the season saw the Royals stretch their lead at the top of the table to four points with victory over Stoke City this afternoon at the Madejski Stadium. Both Brighton and Bristol City could only draw, without scoring, to allow the Royals to pull ahead at the top of the table. The impressive crowd, of just over 21,000, were treated to an excellent Reading performance as the Royals outplayed Stoke City who were reduced to ten men during the second half. Reading created plenty of chances throughout the game but somehow managed to only score the one goal. Jamie Cureton's strike won the game for Reading after Nicky Forster's shot was saved by the keeper after a corner from the right. Cureton put the rebound in from close range to make it 1-0 to the Royals. Despite plenty of other chances Reading were denied a larger win by the crossbar and a great performance from the Stoke goalkeeper. Stoke nearly grabbed an equaliser towards the end as Reading hung on to a nervous single goal win, but it was Reading that were the better side on the day.

Stoke Game Approaches Sell Out
Added by HNA? on 21/02/02
Saturday's top of the table clash with Stoke City at the Madejski Stadium is set to be a sell out. Extra tickets released for the East Stand have now been sold out, and the North Stand has also been entirely sold out. The only tickets remaining for home fans are in the West Stand with a small number of seats remaining in both the upper and lower tiers. Stoke City are expected to get close to selling out the away end, giving the Madejski Stadium a near capacity crowd. The Madejski Stadium's previous highest attendance was 22,034 for the visit of Wigan in the second leg of last season's play-off final. That attendance record of just over 22,000 is in danger of being broken by the visits of both Stoke City and Brighton - who visit on Saturday 9 March. The Brighton fixture could be the game that decides who the championship will go to if both sides continue their recent form. Brighton tickets are also selling well, with limited numbers of tickets available. If you're yet to get your tickets for either the Stoke City or Brighton games then you are advised to act quick!
Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

Rotherham Hang On To Watson
Added by HNA? on 21/02/02
First Division side Rotherham have turned down Reading's latest bid to sign central defender Kevin Watson. Watson returned to Rotherham in December after a successful run of six games while on loan with the Royals. After impressing at Reading Kevin was called straight back into the Rotherham starting line up, where he seemed to have established a first team place until recently, when he's again fallen out of favour. Watson is understood to be keen to return to the Madejski Stadium, but his club are not keen to let him go until the asking price is increased. The Royals have so far offered 100,000 for the player, which Rotherham consider well below his value. Watson hasn't attracted a transfer fee during his career after starting off with Tottenham as a trainee. After loan spells at Brentford, Bristol City, and Barnet, Watson signed for Swindon on a free transfer before moving onto Rotherham for no fee in the summer of 1999.
Rumour Rating: Likely

URZ Products Available Now
Added by HNA? on 18/02/02
John Madejski's got his hands on some top quality URZ gear - have you got yours yet? A range of URZ merchandise is now available to buy, in a scheme that hopes to raise a bit of money for the club by selling unofficial hats, caps, and keyrings. The purchase of any of these URZ products will automatically give financial support to our very own Reading FC Academy - the price of any of these products includes a cash donation to the Academy. Reading Football Club fully supports this initiative that helps support the club. You can buy your URZ stuff by finding the seller outside the East Stand on match days, or by mail order. To find out more, or to order by post, please follow the link below:

East Stand Sells Out
Added by HNA? on 18/02/02
Reading's top of the table home clash against Stoke City on Saturday is certain to attract a huge crowd. Reading will be looking to return to winning ways to pull clear at the top of the table, while Stoke City need to win to keep in touch with the Royals at the top. A Reading victory will go a long way to ending Stoke City's bid for automatic promotion. The East Stand is already sold out for the fixture - and there only a limited number of tickets left for the North Stand. The North Stand is also expected to sell out before the day of the game, and fans without a ticket are advised to call the ticket office as soon as possible to buy advance tickets for the North and West stands. Meanwhile John Mackie is hoping to recover from an ankle injury in time for the game - but remains doubtful. However, both Adrian Williams and Adrian Viveash are close to returning to injury. With loan player Leo Roget available after making his debut at Swindon Town last Thursday, the Royals will have between one and four fit centre backs available for the visit of Stoke.

Parky's Testimonial Events
Added by HNA? on 18/02/02
After ten loyal years at the club, John Madejski caved in to fan pressure earlier this season to grant Phil Parkinson a testimonial after over 400 appearances for the Biscuitmen. The club and the fans are keen to pay tribute to a player that's Reading through and through. Parky's contract runs into 2003 and will almost certainly see him end his playing days at the club before staying on to help with the coaching and management side of things. There's plenty of events planned for Phil's testimonal season - and these include a testimonal match against an ex-England XI, a tribute book, and a virtual transfer! To find out more follow the link below to a full article on Parky's testimonial year:

Supporters Trust Meeting Postponed
Added by HNA? on 14/02/02
The Supporters Trust At Reading meeting planned to take place on Wednesday 20th February has been postponed. A new date will be announced soon.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Reading Battle For Point At Swindon
Added by HNA? on 14/02/02
Reading had to hold out for a point against Swindon Town tonight at the county ground after playing the whole second half with 10 men. Sammy Igoe was sent off just before half time for his second booking, and it left Reading with a hard battle to earn the point during the second half. Swindon had two players dismissed with straight red cards late in the second half as the game developed into a real local derby, but it didn't give the Royals enough time to grab the win. Reading started well and had an early "goal" ruled out for offside, before the game turned scrappy. The second half saw Reading threaten to take the lead when Hughes was put clean through - but it was Swindon who enjoyed most of the game until the last few minutes. Reading saw Phil Whitehead make a return in goal - and put in a superb performance to keep out Swindon who continually threatened to score during the second half and created some dangerous chances towards the end of the first half. With Mackie the only fit central defender available, the Royals also saw Stockport player Leo Roget make his debut after signing earlier during the day on-loan. In the end Reading will be happy to settle for a point, after a tough fixture between two determined sides.

Supporters Trust At Reading
Added by HNA? on 13/02/02
There will be a meeting on Weds 20th Feb from 7.30pm in the Jazz Café, Madejski Stadium to launch a Supporters Trust At Reading. It’ll be known by its initials - STAR. All Reading fans who are interested to know more are invited to attend the meeting. It will also be attended by the Mayor of Reading and Nicky Hammond of the Reading FC Academy. The development of the Supporters Trust proposal was started by the Supporters’ Club Committee. Other keen Reading fans have joined the dozen-strong working party, which is now putting forward its launch proposals publicly.

URZ Caps Now Available
Added by HNA? on 13/02/02
The latest in the range of top quality URZ products is the URZ baseball cap - which is now available to buy. The caps cost just a fiver with the profits being put directly back into the club. To find out more, and to place your order please follow this link:

Brighton Dent Championship Bid
Added by HNA? on 12/02/02
Reading's run of eleven games undefeated, that stretched all the way back to before Christmas, came to an end last night, at the hands of Brighton and Hove Albion at the Withdean Stadium. The Royals were well beaten, eventually going down 1-3, to an impressive Brighton side that closed the gap at the top of the table to just 4 points. If Reading had won the match they would have gone 10 points clear at the top of the table - instead Brighton could close the gap to just a point if they win their game in hand. Brighton got off to the strongest start but Reading came into the game later in the first half to keep the scores level at 0-0 at the break. The second half was a different affair as Brighton pushed forward causing Reading all kinds of problems at the back. Zamora was at the centre of it all and broke the deadlock on the hour to put Brighton 1-0 up. He then played a part in the next two goals to make it 3-0, before substitute Jamie Cureton scored a consolation goal right at the end. Reading will be looking to return to winning ways on Thursday with the trip to Swindon, and have a chance at revenge over Brighton when the Seagulls visit the Madejski Stadium on Saturday 9 March.

Brighton Game On
Added by HNA? on 11/02/02
Tonight's game against Brighton at the Withdean Stadium will take place after an afternoon pitch inspection cleared the pitch as fit to play, despite the recent rain. The fixture was previously scheduled for December but was called off due to a frozen pitch. Tonight's sold-out fixture is perhaps the biggest of the season for Reading, with Brighton the only team looking likely to close the gap on the Royals at the very top of the table. A draw or a victory would be a huge result and see Reading remain far clear in first place as the season approaches its final stages. Reading enter the game on the back of a run of eleven games undefeated. Brighton have suffered two defeats in their last four league fixtures. The Royals are currently seven points clear of Brighton - however the Seagulls have a game in hand.

Late Cureton Goal Grabs Win
Added by HNA? on 09/02/02
An injury time goal from substitute Jamie Cureton saw Reading grab victory against Notts County this afternoon at the Madejski Stadium. The visitors looked set to take a well earned point from the game until Reading came flooding forward in the dying moments. Shorey looked to have scored, but his header hit the foot of the post and bounced across the face of goal, where Cureton stuck it home on the right to make it 2-1 to Reading. In the first half the visitors had taken an early lead after breaking through the Reading midfield on more than one occassion. Nicky Forster appeared to equalise for Reading a few minutes later when he met a cross with a header. The ball hit the crossbar and eventually went in off the Notts County goalkeeper to find the back of the net and make it 1-1. It wasn't the best Reading performance of the past few months, but it was a great finish and a superb result. With Bristol City and Brighton both losing away from home Reading returned to seven points clear at the top of Division Two.

Fans' Forum Summary
Added by HNA? on 05/02/02
RFSC have supplied details of the Fans' Forum that was held at Shooters at the Madejski Stadium last night (Monday 4 February). Alan Pardew and Kevin Dillon were both present to take questions from RFSC members. Meanwhile players Phil Parkinson and Graeme Murty were also on hand to answer questions about matters on the pitch. Full details can be found by following the link below.

Bury End The Winning Run
Added by HNA? on 03/02/02
Reading's winning run came to an end at Bury yesterday after the home side became the first side to score against the Royals this year. Bury took a first half lead on a soaking pitch, but John Salako earned a valuable point for the Royals with an impressive equaliser twelve minutes from full time. The draw kept Reading's unbeaten run going - this was our tenth game without defeat. With Bristol City only drawing at home and Stoke City losing, this was a great result that pulled us another point clear at the top of the table.

Pardew Wins Manager Of The Month
Added by HNA? on 01/02/02
As entirely expected Alan Pardew has won the Division Two manager of the month award for January 2002. The award was never really in any doubt after Reading completed a perfect month with a 3-0 home victory over Colchester United last Saturday. In January alone the Royals won all six of their fixtures without letting a goal in and scoring twelve. The month included impressive away wins at Huddersfield and Wigan. Reading will look to continue the run tomorrow looking for another win at Bury who traditionally cause Reading problems.

Brighton Game Moved
Added by HNA? on 31/01/02
As expected Reading's away game against Brighton and Hove has been moved a day earlier and will now kick-off at 7:45pm on Monday 11 February. The fixture change was agreed after ITV requested that Reading play Swindon Town on the Thursday night, so that the game can be screened live on ITV's Digital service. The change gives Reading an extra day to recover from the Notts County and Brighton games before travelling to Swindon to take revenge for the 1-3 defeat at the Madejski Stadium earlier this season. Meanwhile ITV have been sending standard replies to the large number of Reading fans that registered complaints at the short notice change to the match date. Expect the TV cameras to be diverted away from the Reading fans when the game is screened live!

Casper Forced To Retire
Added by HNA? on 31/01/02
Reading central defender Chris Casper has been forced to retire from professional football after failing to recover from an injury that was inflicted on Boxing Day 1999 at Cardiff City. Casper continually threatened to return from injury but could never quite return to full fitness after breaking his leg over two years ago. The injury was horrific with a whole series of side effects to the break, and it was an injury that ended a very promising career for Casper who signed for the Royals in November 1998 for £300,000. Twenty-six year old Casper made 46 appearances for the Royals, plus a further 9 while on loan before winning a full contract with some excellent performances. Casper is likely to continue through the courts in order to gain compensation for the incident.
Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

Ex-England Eleven For Parky Match
Added by HNA? on 31/01/02
An ex-England side will visit the Madejski Stadium at the end of the season to take part in Phil Parkinson's testimonial match. After 10 years at the club, John Madejski caved in to fan pressure to grant Parky a testimonial - and it promises to be a huge event. The England side will take on a Reading side, including current and previous players, on Monday 13 May. Phil Parkinson should be joined by ex-Reading players Shaka Hislop and Dylan Kerr and the England line-up is expected to include Paul Gascoigne, Glenn Hoddle and Dennis Wise. The event is certain to be popular with such a list of big names - and it could follow shortly after Reading confirming promotion to Division One with any luck!
Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

Fans Outraged At Fixture Change
Added by HNA? on 30/01/02
Reading fans have shown their disgust at the short-notice alteration of the Swindon fixture by bombarding ITV with letters of complaint. The television channel forced the move of the game from a Saturday afternoon to two days earlier despite a large number of tickets already being sold for the game. The game will now take place on Valentine's Day with a 7:45pm kick-off. Reading Football Club, as a member of the Football League, signed over the rights to alter fixtures at short notice to ITV Digital, to allow them to show live fixtures at will without consideration of attending football fans. In a move fully in place with modern football the club will benefit financially from the deal, but fans are once again considered last. It seems unlikely that the fixture will be moved back, despite the complaints, leaving Reading Football Club the job of trying to move the Brighton away fixture which was due to take place on Tuesday 12 February. It's possible that the Brighton game could be pushed back to a different Tuesday night, or possibly played a night earlier on Monday 11 February.
Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

New Reading FC Book Available
Added by HNA? on 30/01/02
A new independant book covering the recent history of Reading Football Club is now available to buy. The new publication is written by Reading fan Peter Eley and gives a personal account of the Royals from 1965 to the first game at the Madejski Stadium. The book titled Friends, Royals and Nutters gives a fans view of matters both on and off the pitch during the last few decades at Elm Park. For more information, including how to order, follow the link below:

ITV Force Change To Swindon Fixture
Added by HNA? on 29/01/02
The curse of live TV football has resulted in Reading's trip to Swindon Town, due to take place in just over two weeks time, to be moved from a Saturday afternoon to a Thursday night - much to the inconvenience of the travelling Reading fans. The game will now take place on Thursday 14 Feburary with a 7:45pm kick-off, despite a large number of tickets for the game already sold. ITV's unpopular sports channel has decided to screen the game live, after the recent success of the Royals. Unfortunately the fans are once again put last after the Football League and it's members signed away more rights to a company with seemingly more money than sense.

Salako Deal Costs £200,000
Added by HNA? on 28/01/02
According to official reports from Charlton, the Royals will pay up to £200,000 to the Premiership club after completing the signing of midfielder John Salako on Saturday. Salako signs for an initial fee of £75,000 with a further £50,000 to follow when Reading complete promotion to the First Division at the end of the season. Further payments of £25,000 need to be made to Charlton when Salako completes batches of 15 games up to a maximum of 45 games - making a total cost of £200,000. Unfortunately the income from the club's official website was reported at 100,000 pounds - a huge sum but only half of the total needed to cover the full transfer. Hopefully the club's second payment later this year from NTL (Premium TV) will cover the shortful, with another large payout expected. The only thing that could put the extra money in doubt is reports in the weekend papers of the likely collapse of the massively in debt NTL group.
Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

Fans Forum Update
Added by HNA? on 28/01/02
RFSC have announced that they will be holding a Fans Forum next Monday (February 4th) starting at 8pm in the Jazz Cafe, Madejski Stadium. This forum has been called at the personal request of Alan Pardew as we enter a vital stage in our promotion push. Pards has some special messages for the fans and will also answer your questions on the season so far, and prospects for the rest of the year. As ever you must be an RFSC member to attend and no memberships will be taken on the door, you can join before the day at the Madejski Stadium ticket office or by sending a cheque and membership form to RFSC (see www.rfsc.co.uk for details). A big attendance is expected so please get there in plenty of time. Doors open 7pm. If you plan to be there please let RFSC know by mailing info@rfsc.co.uk,
you can also send your questions for Alan and the management team to that address.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Lead Extended To Nine Points
Added by HNA? on 26/01/02
Reading continued to pull away at the top of the Division this afternoon by going an amazing nine points clear after a 3-0 home win over Colchester United. Reading are now massive favourites to win the title after a long run run of wins, with the teams below steadily dropping points. With Bristol City not playing, Brighton going down 4-0 at Brentford on Thursday night, and Stoke only managing a home draw today, the Royals took full advantage with yet another impressive performance. After an early spell of dangerous play from the visitors Reading settled down to take full control of the game to make it seven straight wins without a single goal conceeded. The current run of wins without letting a goal in is a new club record, and came about after some more superb football from the Royals. The goals had more than a bit of luck about them, but were deserved after creating plenty of other chances that didn't find the net. Reading took the lead after Salako's first half penalty was retaken and Forster did a better job with the retake. The second half saw Reading put Colchester United under massive pressure with Hughes making it 2-0 after a cross found it's way into the back of the net when the keeper fumbled it off the crossbar. The Royals sealed it with twenty minutes left to play when Murty did all the hard work to provide Forster with the ball in the area. Forster finished well for his seventh goal in just four games.

Salako Signs Up!
Added by HNA? on 26/01/02
John Salako finally put pen to paper today to sign a permanent contract with Reading. Salako completed 14 games on loan with the Royals, before making his first appearance as a true Reading player in today's 3-0 home victory over Colchester. It was clear that Salako was going to sign after extending his loan period to a third month. Salako has clearly loved playing for the Royals and has quickly become popular with the crowd. The only stumbling block in getting his signature was negotations over the transfer fee and his salary, but these were eventually agreed allowing the announcement to be made before today's kick-off. The club claim that the deal was made solely with money made from the club's Internet site, after NTL paid out vast sums for sponsorship of official club sites. The transfer fee paid to Charlton was in the region of £50,000.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Run Continues With Victory At Wigan
Added by HNA? on 22/01/02
Reading's amazing table topping run continued with more style tonight with a 2-0 victory over in-form side Wigan Athletic. The victory extended Reading's lead at the top of the table to six points, and made it six straight wins without a single goal conceeded. Reading had Andy Hughes and Nicky Forster to thank for first half goals that sealed yet another three points. Hughes' goal came after an exchange of passes with Salako saw Hughes run onto goal to beat the keeper with an excellent finish. Just before the break Forster followed up Saturday's hattrick with a deflected shot that beat the Wigan keeper to make it 2-0. Reading looked impressive throughout and always most likely to pull off the eventually deserved victory. Meanwhile Stoke lost 2-0 at Cardiff allowing Reading to pull further clear of the chasing pack. Colchester United visit the Madejski Stadium on Saturday after losing 2-1 at Huddersfield Town tonight - the Royals will be looking for the seventh straight win to cement first place in the table.

Royals Pull Clear At Top
Added by HNA? on 19/01/02
Reading pulled four points clear at the top of the Second Division tonight after another excellent performance resulting in another three league points. The Royals made it five straight wins, and the fifth straight clean sheet, with an impressive 3-0 victory over Blackpool at the Madejski Stadium in front of a decent home crowd of nearly 14,000. It was an excellent day for the Royals with Brentford, Bristol City, and Stoke City all losing at home allowing Reading to move further away from the chasing pack. Even without the other results it was a great day with Reading playing some superb football to make Blackpool look a very poor side. Nicky Forster will be delighted with his hatrick which he completed after just 51 minutes of play. Igoe did all the hard work to let Forster head home the first of the day after 20 minutes, and a mix up in the Blackpool defence allowed Forster to tap home the second a couple of minutes later into an empty net. Forster grabbed the third in the second half with a great run down the right, beating the defence and the keeper to fire into the back of the net. Reading made plenty of chances to increase the lead and were unlucky not to win by more. Promotion is looking more likely at the moment then it ever has since our relegation from Division One - lets hope we keep it up and the sides below continue to slip up.

Royals Recruit New Keeper
Added by HNA? on 17/01/02
Reading have signed Charlton reserve goalkeeper Ben Roberts on a months loan to provide further cover for the injured Phil Whitehead. Reading were on the hunt for a new keeper after Marcus Hahnemann was recalled to Fulham at the end of his one month loan period with the Royals. Hahnemann impressed by letting in just three goals in six games as the Royals stormed to top of the league, but Fulham refused to extend his loan and no deal could be made. With Phil Whitehead still a long way from return to first team action, Pardew used his Charlton contacts to bring Roberts to the club to join fellow Charlton loanee John Salako. Jamie Ashdown will remain on the bench with Roberts making his debut on Saturday as Reading take on Blackpool at the Madesjki Stadium. Roberts has failed to appear for Charlton after suffering injury problems since his summer 2000 signing for the club. Charlton signed Roberts from Middlesbrough where he made 15 appearances between 1993 and 2000. The player has also had loan spells at Luton, Millwall, Bradford, Wycombe and Hartlepool.
Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

New Deal For Tyson
Added by Justin on 17/01/02
Reading FC yesterday moved to secure the future another promising academy youngster when forward Nathan Tyson signed an extension to his current contract which keeps him at the Madejski until summer 2004.
Nathan, who recently impressed during a loan spell at Swansea, joins other academy stars Joe Gamble, Darius Henderson, Nicky Shorey and Jamie Ashdown in committing himself to the club.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Prediction League Updated
Added by HNA? on 15/01/02
The popular Hob Nob Anyone? Prediction League, which has been running since 1994, has been updated today to reflect all the latest points and averages. The top of both the total points and highest average tables are very tight with Simon Hare and Immy respectively having the lead. If you're yet to enter the Prediction League then there's still plenty of time left to take part and build up an average that might win you the league. If you run a local business that would like to supply prizes for the league this season please get in touch to find out more!

Fulham Reject Hahnemann Bid
Added by HNA? on 14/01/02
Premiership side Fulham have denied Reading's request to extend the loan period of goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann. Hahnemann's month at the club ended after the victory at Huddersfield on Saturday, when the Royals went top of the table for the first time this season. Hahnemann has played six games for the Royals - two draws and four wins - and let in just three goals. It was widely expected that the player would stay for another month to continue his excellent run in the side with Whitehead out injured. Despite various approaches from Reading, Fulham have refused to extend the loan period for another month leaving Reading with a goal-keeping problem ahead of Saturday's home game against Blackpool. The only way Reading could secure Hahnemann's extended services would be by making an attempt to buy the player - something that could happen with negotiations underway. Reading will be on the hunt for cover for Jamie Ashdown who could be set to make a return to the first team if no deal can be made with Fulham before Saturday.
Rumour Rating: Likely

Reading Retain Lead
Added by HNA? on 13/01/02
Reading retained the lead of the Second Division after Stoke City failed to win at Northampton Town this afternoon. Stoke would have gone top if they'd won, and looked likely to do so after taking the lead, however Northampton scored an 82nd minute equaliser to take a share of the points. Reading's 1-0 victory at Huddersfield yesterday put the Royals three points clear at the top of the table. With Bristol City beating Swindon Town today, Reading are now a point ahead of Bristol City with Stoke in third place two points down on the Royals.

Royals Go Clear At Top
Added by HNA? on 12/01/02
Reading went three points clear at the top of the Second Division table this afternoon after an impressive 1-0 away victory at Huddersfield Town. Huddersfield were on the back of a good run of form but were thoroughly out-played by a determined Reading side that deserved the full three points. The victory was Reading's fourth straight league win - a run that has seen the Royals move from fifth place to leading the table for the first time this season. Reading created plenty of first half chances with both Parkinson and Forster nearly finding the net, and continued in the same manner in the second half until Forster made the breakthrough after 56 minutes of play. Forster appeared to have won a penalty later in the game, which would have sealed it, but the appeal was turned down. It was a great day for the Royals with Brentford and Brighton both losing allowing Reading to pull further clear at the top of the table. Meanwhile Stoke play tomorrow at Northampton with a chance to regain the leadership of the Division.

Hahnemann Loan To Be Extended
Added by HNA? on 08/01/02
Reading on-loan goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann is set to sign an extension of his loan to keep him at Reading for a further month. Hahnemann's loan spell ends after Reading's away tie against Huddersfield Town on Saturday and both the player and the club are keen for him to continue. Reading's first choice goalkeeper Phil Whitehead has been ruled out for an extended period after problems with his injury, giving Hahnemann the chance for a long run in the starting line-up with Ashdown left on the bench. Hahnemann has played five times for the Royals in the league - and Reading have drawn two and won the other three of those fixtures.
Rumour Rating: Likely

Reading Win Battle Of The Hoops
Added by HNA? on 05/01/02
Reading went second in the Division this afternoon - our highest position in the table so far this season - after an impressive home victory over Queens Park Rangers at the Madejski Stadium. Reading's biggest league attendance of the season, 19,329, saw the Royals outplay the visitors to take a deserved victory with a second half goal from Andy Hughes. The Royals enjoyed most of the play throughout the game, and despite a few good efforts from QPR, always looked most likely to win with a determined team performance. The winner came after an hour of play, when superb work by man-of-the-match Rougier on the left saw him beat his man to cut the ball back to Hughes in the middle of the area. Reading had chances to extend the lead but saw Salako just fail to prod home a second. Forster and Cureton both also had good chances during the game to score, while Hahnemann pulled off a great save down the other end to keep Reading ahead towards the end of the match.

Cureton Double Seals Win
Added by HNA? on 01/01/02
Jamie Cureton came off the bench to play the last twenty minutes of today's home game against Port Vale - and scored the two goals that sealed the full three points for the Royals. The game was deep inside the last ten minutes when Cureton put Reading ahead from the penalty spot after a handball. Cureton wrapped up victory with a couple of minutes left to play when Forster broke free and beat the keeper, and Cureton scored after the first shot came back off the post. An uneventful first half saw Reading's injury problems deepen when Graeme Murty was stretchered off with what looked like a serious injury. The game picked up in the second half as Reading pushed for the win. Reading's victory moved them up to fourth place in the table - three points behind new leaders Stoke City who beat Blackpool 2-0 at home. The two games were the only ones to take place with the rest of the Division Two fixture list frozen off.

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