Transfer News - Jones to sign
Added by Justin Beasley on 28/06/00
As expected, Charlton midfielder Keith Jones will complete a free move to Reading on Monday. The club have announced that Jones, 34, will sign a two-year contract at the Madejski.

Jones said "I couldn't wish for a better move. My first priority was to join an ambitious club, and seeing the Stadium and the aspirations Reading have got really sold it to me. I know Alan Pardew very well having played with him, and I know he's also extremely ambitious."

Adrians Williams and Viveash will also officially put pen to paper on Monday, bringing Pardew's total summer signings to three; Pardew is also likely to offer a contract to Millwall midfielder Ricky Newman but is thought to want to bring in one last new player, a left-sided attacker, before completing a deal with Newman.


Rumour Rating: Definite

Scott Taylor To Stay Put
Added by Graham on 28/06/00
Scott Taylor is set to sign a new deal to keep him at Wolves, meaning there's very little chance the player could now be on his way back to Reading. A couple of first Division clubs had expressed an interest in Taylor but Wolves are keen to hang on to the midfielder. Meanwhile it has been confirmed that both Gabbiadini and Beauchamp will not be joining the Royals. As expected Beauchamp has accepted a new contract offer to stay at Oxford, and Gabbiadini has accepted an improved offer from Northampton Town.

Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

Another Fixture Change
Added by Graham on 28/06/00
Reading's Division Two away tie at Wigan scheduled for Saturday 7 October has been re-arranged due to the England -v- Germany game on the same day. Reading's game will move to the day before, Friday 6 October, with a 7.45pm kick-off.

Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

Fixture Change
Added by Justin Beasley on 27/06/00
Reading's home match with Stoke City, planned for August Bank Holiday Monday (28th) has been moved forward a day to Tuesday August 29th, kick-off 7.45pm. This change was widely expected as the Bank Holiday Monday sees the mass exodus from the Reading Festival site, as well as other holiday events which place a strain on policing and the transport network.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Taylor To Follow Path Of Williams?
Added by Graham on 25/06/00
Ex-Reading midfielder Scott Taylor could be set to follow in the path of recently signed Adie Williams and return to Reading. Scott Taylor played with Adie Williams during Reading's most successful ever spell in history before leaving to follow McGhee around the country - playing for Leicester and Wolves. Like Williams, Taylor is out of contract at Wolves and looking to move on after making just 18 starts for the side. Taylor played over 200 games for Reading in midfield before signing for Leicester for half a million quid in the summer of 1995. The biggest obstacle to Taylor's arrival would be his wage demands - with Newman also on his way to Reading, and several other clubs from higher divisions expressing an interest in the player.

Rumour Rating: Slight Possibility

Swindon Is First Home Tie
Added by Graham on 22/06/00
The full fixture list for next season is now out - and Reading will face Swindon Town on Saturday 19 August as the first home league game of the season. The first fixture see's the Royals travel to Millwall on the first day on the season - Saturday 12 August.

Other key fixtures see the visit of Oxford on Saturday 28 October, while we go to their place to stuff them again on 16 April 2000 - in which could be a key game with just four fixtures remaining at the time. The Christmas period is going to be good with Luton Town at home on the 23rd of December, Bristol Rovers away on Boxing Day, and Swindon Town away on the 30th. Reading start year 2001 with a home tie against Northampton Town on New Years Day.

Full 2000/2001 fixture list.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Reading Third Favourites For Title
Added by Graham on 21/06/00
Reading are currently third favourites to win Division Two next season. The odds suggest that next year will be Reading's year to move back up to Division One. William Hill put Reading at 9/1 to win the championship behind Wigan at 9/2 and Stoke City at 13/2. Meanwhile Swindon are 15/1 and Oxford are one of the favourites for relegation to Division Three, at 41/1 to win the league. This time last season Reading were 16/1 to win the Championship. You can follow all the latest odds on Reading matches through the season on this site.

Rumour Rating: Definite

Adie Coming Back For Good
Added by Justin Beasley on 21/06/00
Former Royals defender Adie Williams has agreed a 3-year contract with Reading FC, as widely predicted after his successful loan spell from Wolves at the end of last season.
Alan Pardew said, "When Adie came back here on loan in February it was obvious to everyone that his heart is very much at Reading Football Club. He undoubtedly has the talent to play beyond this level, and I'm overjoyed to have secured his signature for the coming campaign. It's essential that we have quality players who will also give total commitment to taking this club forward, and Adie Williams fits that bill perfectly."
Adie started his career at Reading and led the side to the brink of the Premierhip in 1995 before leaving for Wolves in a £750,000 deal a year later. His career at Molyneux was stricken by injury which meant he was unable to hold down a regular place in the side, and surplus to requirements, he is able to join Reading on a free transfer at the end of June. Those who kept an eye on him during his time away from Reading might also have noticed his first international goal for Wales, scored against none other than Germany.
Unable to hide his joy at returning to the fold, Adie said: "I really enjoyed coming back to Reading towards the end of last season, and we were fairly successful in managing to finish in tenth position. Now I'm just looking forward to the new season and hopefully helping Reading to get out of the Second Division."

Rumour Rating: Definite

Latest Transfer News
Added by Graham on 20/06/00
It's all been very very quiet on the transfer front during the last week, with players and managers alike taking their holiday's ready to begin the pre-season build up. Joey Beauchamp confirmed he'd be staying at Oxford prior to disappearing with him Mum on a nice family holiday. The biggest rumours at the moment involve Darren Caskey - for a change. Caskey has been trying to extend his contract at the Madejski, and in the meantime it's fueled plenty of rumours about his departure up a Division or two. Names mentioned include Ipswich, and Aberdeen. Figures mentioned are around the million quid mark. But in reality it seems Darren Caskey will be staying put for now.

Alan Pardew is set to stop his hunt for players today so he can take his summer break - so it's possible we could see an extra signing before he leaves. Currently the most likely signings are contract extenions of existing players, on top of the confirmed signings of Adrian Viveash and Keith Jones.

Rumour Rating: Likely

Madejski Gets OBE
Added by Graham on 20/06/00
Reading chairman John Madejski was awarded an OBE from the Queen at the weekend in "recognition of his contribution to Reading Football Club and the Reading community". Reading's Madejski Stadium has become a feature of the town, and with the continued cash he's ploughed into the club he's become a well respected figure in the town. Congratulations Mr. Mad.

Rumour Rating: Definite

Season Ticket Deadline
Added by Reading FC Ticket Office on 15/06/00
Just to remind all Season Ticket holders that the deadline for renewing their seats at the discounted rate is Friday 30th June. From Saturday 1st July all seats will be released for general sale and will be sold at the non-discounted rate. Renewals can be made by post, by telephone, by e-mail (ticketorder@readingfc.co.uk)or by visiting the ticket office in person. We are open 9-5.30 Monday to Friday and 9.00 to 3.00 every Saturday during the close season.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Oxford To Keep Beauchamp
Added by Graham on 14/06/00
It appears that Joey Beauchamp couldn't face making the long-distance move between Oxford and Reading, and has opted to stay close to home at Oxford. Predictably enough Beauchamp will accept a revised Oxford contract offer, to stay at the club he's been with most of the time since 1989. After failing to fit in during his big money moves in the mid 1990's at West Ham and Swindon, he's playing it safe this time around and rejecting Reading's bid. It seems unlikely that Pardew will offer an improved contract for a player who is not keen on making the move. Meanwhile the usual Caskey rumour is going around: Aberdeen may offer £1 million to get Caskey, and Manchester United are rumoured to be putting together a bid of around forty-eight million for the Reading midfielder.

Rumour Rating: Likely

Beauchamp Thinks Over Move To Reading
Added by Graham on 13/06/00
Oxford United midfielder Joey Beauchamp is rumoured to be thinking over two possible contract offers. Oxford are trying to extend his contract at the club, while Reading are trying to prise him away with the offer of playing at a far better club. Beauchamp first signed for Oxford as a trainee in 1989 and has spent almost his entire career at the club making over 300 starts, after brief spells at Swansea (on loan), West Ham (without playing), and Swindon. He moved to Swindon in a deal worth 850,000 quid in the summer of 1994 but could only manage just a bit over a season before returning to Oxford for 300,000 quid in October 1995. If Beauchamp feels he can make the move way down South to Reading he'll prove to be a valuable asset to the Royals after a couple of superb seasons at the Manor.

Meanwhile Gabbiadini's move to Reading could be off after Doncaster Rovers are rumoured to have offered him a better deal as a player-coach.

Rumour Rating: Likely

Calling All South West Royals!
Added by Graham on 11/06/00
If you are a Loyal Royal living in the South West of England (Devon or Cornwall), then you have the chance to meet up with other Reading fans in that part of the country during the new season. There's plans underway to set up a Torbay Reading FC Supporters club, with the aim to meet up on a regular basis and arrange transport to games, for those supporting the Royals from that end of the country.
If you would like to find out more then get in contact with Tim on 0421 631774.

Rumour Rating: Definite

Ticket Office Staff Required
Added by Reading FC Ticket Office on 09/06/00
We are currently looking for a full time member of staff to work in the ticket office at Madejski Stadium. Hours are 9.00am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, and appropriate times on match days, with a good rate of pay for the right candidate. The applicant would ideally be a school leaver/someone returning to work, with keyboard and customer service experience. Full training will be provided for this busy and challenging role.

Match day staff are also required - again full training will be given. Hours 12-3 for weekend games and 5.30-7.45 for Tuesday evening games.

For further information, or to apply, please forward a current C.V. to David Luker, Ticket Operations Manager at The Stadium, or telephone on 0118 968 1006.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Martin Williams To Leave
Added by Graham on 08/06/00
Reading Football Club have withdrawn their offer to extend Martin Williams' contract after the player kept his options open by waiting to sign. Williams was looking for a better offer, which may be yet to come, and meanwhile Pardew has been looking at other options up front. With Reading set to sign Gabbiadini from Darlington, plus looking at Wigan's Stuart Barlow, there seems no place for Williams whose contract has expired. Reading will take the opportunity to take a slice off the wage bill but still have suitable reserve for Butler and Forster up front. Martin Williams made 118 starts for the Royals scoring 29 goals. Meanwhile Southampton are showing interest in Linvoy Primus, who also has failed to agree a new contract.

Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

Speculation mounts, Who Next To Join Royals
Added by Jeremy on 08/06/00
Rumour is rife that Alan Pardew is set to sign at least five new players in the coming month. The most likely of these signings seem to be Keith Jones, a tackling midfielder from Charlton, and Adrian Williams when his current deal at Wolves expires on July1st. Other names being touted are sky sports Division 3 player of the Season Marco Gabbiadini and Stuart Barlow who is also available on a Free Transfer from Wigan. The Royals are also said to be considering approaching 29-year-old Oxford winger Joey Beauchomp and Millwall central midfielder Ricky Newman who spent the last month of the season at the Madjeski on loan. Other names being rumoured are Gary Alexander from West Ham and Lee Fowler from relegated Cardiff.

Rumour Rating: Likely

Club Confirm London Irish To Share
Added by Graham on 06/06/00
The club confirmed today that London Irish will ground share with Reading FC next season at the Madejski Stadium. As reported last week, rugby at the Madejski Stadium next season will bring in much needed extra cash for the Royals - but possibly at the expense of the pitch which has been re-laid during the close season. Rugby side London Irish will move to the Madejski after being unable to renew their contract to ground share with Harlequins.

Rumour Rating: Definite

Gabbiadini To Sign
Added by Graham on 06/06/00
As reported last week on this site, rumour is hotting up that Reading almost have the signature of Marco Gabbiadini on a contract. Gabbiadini, once a multi-million pound player for Derby and Crystal Palace is looking to move up a Division after Darlington lost the Third Division play-off final (see below).

Rumour has it that Martin Williams still has not finalised his extended one-year contract the club have offered, and will look to move if Gabbiadini is signed. Williams has been looking around at his options and is waiting to see if any offers come in. Meanwhile Gabbiadini, with 54 goals in 95 starts for Darlington, will be in talks for at least a two year deal at Reading. However either striker will play reserve to Butler and Forster, and it's likely that it'll either be one or the other who signs up for next season.

Rumour Rating: Likely

Viveash to sign!
Added by Jeremy on 05/06/00
After weeks of speculation it appears certain that Adrian Viveash will pledge his future to the club on July 1st by signing a three-year deal as reported on the club's official page. This move almost certainly spells the end of Linvoy Primus' period with the club. Surprisingly Brentford who finished a lowly 17th last season are favourites for the centre backs signature after offering him a extremely lucrative deal that Alan Pardew could not afford to match, as the club strive to keep the wage bill down. Defender Viveash will be remembered by Reading fans for two loan periods at Reading - playing six games for the Royals in 1993, and another six games during the 1994-1995 season. In a twelve year playing career Viveash has never had a fee paid for his services, and this will continue with his move to Reading on a free when his contract at Walsall expires at the end of June. Viveash made 235 starts for Walsall, including almost every game last season, after signing from Swindon Town in November 1995. The Walsall opinion is that Reading are getting a popular hard-working player who, despite his age, is playing some of the best football of his career.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Reading Swoop To Sign Norwegian Youngster
Added by Jeremy on 01/06/00
Reading have signed Norwegian 17 year old midfielder Kenny Strandberg on a one year contract. It is also believed that he could soon be joined by other Norwegian youngster Espen Baerkland who is set to link up with the Royals for a six week trial period from July 1st. This move comes a day after the news that Alan Pardew is set to jet out to Denmark to run the rule over three other possible new signings. Other news is that the Royals are considering a move for Adrian Vivash, The Walsall skipper will be available on a free transfer from July 1st and this has also allerted interest from local rivals Oxford and Swindon to a possible move for the centre back. A move for the player only seems likely if fans favourite Linvoy Primus decides not to extend his contract though

Rumour Rating: Likely

Rugby To Return To Madejski?
Added by Graham on 01/06/00
Rugby looks set to return to the Madejski Stadium next season as Reading FC look to finalise a deal to let London Irish hire the ground. The club let Richmond use the ground two seasons ago - Reading's first at the Madejski, however Richmond went bust meaning Reading FC had the ground to themselves last year. London Irish are looking to be more successful, and it may pull in some much needed extra cash for the Royals - at the expense of the pitch.

Rumour Rating: Likely

Pardew Off On Danish Trip
Added by Jeremy on 31/05/00
Alan Pardew has embarked on a trip to Denmark to run the rule over three possible new signings. One is believed to be centre back Henrik Lykke who was in fact on trial at the club earlier in the season. Pardew then decided he would not make the grade, but a return to the Danish league has seen a improvement in the players form as he last season captained little known Herfolge to the championship and so a place in the Champions league. The other two players being tracked have remained unnamed but are believed to be playing in the equivalent of the English first division.
Rumour Rating: Likely

Reading Chase Gabbiadini
Added by Graham on 31/05/00
With most of the club's contract issues resolved Reading are on the hunt for one more signing to strengthen the squad ready for next season. Rumour has it that we're after one more striker to provide back up for Forster and Butler - news that will mean Martin Williams will have to fight like mad for a place in the team next season. Sources suggest that Reading are looking at Darlington centre forward Marco Gabbiadini.

Gabbiadini will be keen to move up a Division after Darlington missed out on promotion after a Third Division play-off final defeat to Peterborough last week. The ex-Derby and Crystal Palace striker moved to Darlington on a free in the summer of 1998 after a disasterous 1997-1998 season. However in two seasons at Darlington he's returned to form to hit 54 goals in 95 starts - goals which helped Darlington almost return to the Second Division this term.

Rumour Rating: Slight Possibility

Sarr Leaves Royals
Added by Graham on 30/05/00
Mass Sarr and Peter Van Der Kwaak have both left Reading FC after their contracts expired this week. Both players failed to make any impression this season and seemed very unlikely to feature next season, and so their contracts were not renewed. Mass Sarr probably put a few thousand on the gate in his early days at the club with his runs down the wing during Reading's first season at the Madejski Stadium. After impressing for a month or two it was all downhill, and he never returned to his best form. Many will be pleased to see the back of Sarr - who was rumoured to be one of the highest paid players at the club, despite never becoming a first team player and displaying a lack of dedication to the side. Van Der Kwaak never made a break into the first team after remaining as third choice keeper.

Rumour Rating: Certain

Reading Show Interest In Bound
Added by Graham at 25/05/00
Rumour in Wales has it that Reading are showing an interest in signing Swansea City central defender Matthew Bound. With Primus potentially on the move Bound would come in as a suitable replacement. Left sided central defender Bound made 51 starts for the Swans last season and featured in the Division Three PFA team.
Swansea signed the player from Stockport County for 55,000 quid in November 1997.

Rumour Rating: Slight Possibility

Martin Williams To Extend Contract
Added by Graham at 23/05/00 16:36:54
Martin Williams looks set to sign a one year contract to keep him at Reading Football Club over the next season. Williams was rumoured to be keen to move on with limited first team opportunities next season, however no club has come in with a suitable offer for the player. Williams had trained with Tranmere Rovers, but they failed to offer him a contract.

Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

Charity Match Ends In Draw
Added by Graham at 22/05/00 20:40:53
Sunday was a successful day for the Encephalitis Support Group, as a charity match between an Ex-Reading XI and an Ex-Southampton XI ended in a 3-3 draw at Palmer Park, Reading. A whole load of old favourites turned out in front of a good crowd, with Trevor Senior grabbing two goals for the Reading side.

Rumour Rating: Definite

Adie Williams Close To Signing
Added by Graham at 22/05/00 20:38:19
Ex-Reading central defender Adrian Williams looks set to accept the club's offer of a contract - and sign for two more years. After spending time at Reading during the club's most successful spell, Williams sets to return after spending the last few months of last season at the Royals, on-loan from Wolves. Williams is out of contract and so will sign on a free. Meanwhile, out of contract Primus looks set to depart if the right personal offer comes in. Barnsley, and another couple of First Division clubs are interested in signing him up.

Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

Former Royal Wins League Title
Added by David Spencer at 22/05/00 20:08:40
Former Reading defender Dariusz Wdowczyk is celebrating after guiding his team Polonia Warsaw to the league championship in Poland.
The surprise title win came after the weekends 3 nil win over Legia Warsaw.
Former teammate Phil Parkinson described it as a great acheivement.

Dariusz will be remembered as one of the best ever players to grace Elm Park, one of McGhee's bargain signings.

Rumour Rating: Definite

Allaways All Away?
Added by Graham at 19/05/00 11:56:47
Rumour has it that Reading FC youngster Ricky Allaway is on the verge of joining his brother Shaun Allaway at Leeds United. Goalkeeper Shaun moved to Leeds a few months ago in a deal worth a fair bit of dosh to the Royals. Reading are looking to cash in on Ricky now, with some more money from the same source. Ricky Allaway is rumoured to be off on tour with Leeds during the summer.

Rumour Rating: Slight Possibility

Players To Get Contracts
Added by Graham at 18/05/00 14:09:56
Reading's four out of contract players are all rumoured to have received extended contract offers. The four players whose contracts are about to expire are: Lee Hodges, Barry Hunter, Linvoy Primus, and Martin Williams. Lee Hodges is set to sign a one year contract, and Barry Hunter will sign for two years after a successful second half of the season.

Primus has been looking to better his contract offer made by Reading, but will probably sign unless a club from a higher division makes an approach for his services. Martin Williams is in a similar situation and may re-sign unless an offer comes in from another club. Adrian Williams, who spent a couple of very successful months on loan from Wolves at the end of the season, could also sign for Reading in the close season. He is out of contract at Wolves and Reading are keen to sign him - if the terms are good enough for Adie he'll be a Reading player when the new season kicks off.

Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

Reading Set To Sign Jones From Charlton
Added by Graham at 17/05/00 12:06:24
Reading are set to sign Charlton midfielder Keith Jones during the summer, as a replacement for Peter Grant who will move to Bournemouth. 34 year-old Jones is a similar type of player to Grant, and was present in Charlton's line-up at the start of last season until injury at Christmas meant he lost his place. Jones signed for Charlton from Southend in September 1994 for 150,000 quid and made 142 first team starts for Charlton. He would sign for Reading on a free, probably with a two year contract.

Rumour Rating: Likely

Skippy To Retire
Added by Graham at 15/05/00 15:27:51
Andy Bernal is set to retire from football as the club will not renew his contract in the summer. Defender Skippy, one of Reading's longest serving team members at the moment, has suffered throughout the season with a foot injury and needs another operation to put it right. With no guarantee Skippy will make a full comeback and with age against him, the club have no choice but to release the player. Meanwhile Keith Scott and Paul Brayson may be both be on their way over the summer. The two out of favour strikers wouldn't raise any money but would help cut the wage bill. Brayson could join Cardiff City where he finished the season on-loan, and Scott could be the target of a move back to Wycombe or to Leyton Orient.

Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

Season Ticket Prices Frozen
Added by Graham at 04/05/00 14:27:22
Reading FC season ticket prices have been frozen - for the second season running. Again, existing adult season ticket holders will save twenty pounds off the price of the ticket (ten pounds off for concession renewals) if they renew before the end of June. New season tickets in the East, North or lower West stands will cost 240 quid, concession tickets are priced at 135, with Young Royals season tickets priced at just 80 quid (100 quid in the West Upper). New adult tickets for the West Upper will set you back 340 pounds.

Rumour Rating: Definite

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