Igoe No Go
Added by HNA? on 15/06/02
Sammy Igoe has avoided leaving Reading Football Club during the summer by accepting the new contract deal he has been offered by the club. Igoe, who signed in March 2000 from Portsmouth for £100,000, spoke out publically that he wasn't happy with the prospect of a new contract that run for just a single year. However, Igoe has failed to generate interest from other clubs, and has signed the new contract to keep him at Reading until the summer of 2003. The deal is great news with Reading failing to extend the squad in the summer. The departures of Keith Jones, Neil Smith, and Matt Robinson have reduced the options available to manager Alan Pardew - who will be delighted that Igoe has decided to stay at the club. There remains no news on the possibility of new signings, with Madejski stating that there's no money available for signing on fees or for extending the wage bill.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Kick-Off At Derby - Full Fixture List
Added by HNA? on 13/06/02
Reading will kick-off the new season in Division One with a tough away fixture at Derby County on Saturday 10 August 2002. Derby finished second to bottom of the Premiership last season and are sure to be looking to bounce back with a good start to the season. Reading's first home game takes place the following Tuesday, on 13 August with an 8pm kick-off, when Sheffield Wednesday visit the Madejski Stadium. Sheffield Wednesday struggled in the First Division last season, picking up just 50 points and just avoiding relegation, so the Royals will be looking to start the season at home in style in front of a big crowd. The Royals are at home again on the second Saturday of the season, playing Coventry City.
Once again Reading have been drawn away on Boxing Day. The trip to Coventry City on December 26th is a disappointment when we were expecting a home tie for once - however at least it's not Wales. Meanwhile, relegated Leicester City will visit the Madejski Stadium on New Years Day 2003. The other sides relegated from the Premiership last season will visit Reading on 19 October (Ipswich Town) and 28 December (Derby County). Having started the season away from home and playing away on Boxing Day we might have expected to finish the season at home. But unfortunately not. The Royals finish the season, on Saturday 4 May 2003, with a trip to promoted Stoke City. The last home game of the season will be a week earlier, against Grimsby Town on 26 April 2003.
The full new season fixture list is available now, in full, on the fixtures page of this website.

Evening Games Moved To 8pm
Added by HNA? on 11/06/02
Next season's evening games at the Madejski Stadium will kick-off at 8pm in an attempt to ease traffic problems that are normally associated with evening fixtures. The move makes kick-off times fifteen minutes later as Reading look to ease problems that could be caused by bigger crowds as Reading launch their Division One campaign. The new kick-off times should help make it slightly easier to get to the game on time, but could lead to some late nights - especially for the younger supporters. Meanwhile the club have raised car parking prices at the Madejski Stadium to £5 for the new season.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Got Your Free Sticker?
Added by HNA? on 10/06/02
Have you picked up your free Hob Nob Anyone? car sticker yet? We still have plenty of the stickers up for grabs. You can claim your by sticking a stamped addresses envelope in the post. Find out more by following the free car sticker link:

World Cup Discussion And Bets
Added by HNA? on 10/06/02
With everything quiet on the Reading front, while fans wait for Thursday's release of the Division One fixtures, you can discuss the World Cup on the Hob Nob Anyone? discussion forums. Drop in and have your say on England's campaign so far to help pass the pre-season wait for Division One action. Meanwhile, if you fancy a gamble, Sporting Odds are offering a good deal for on-line betting on England's crunch game against Nigeria on Wednesday. Two free £10 bets are on offer. Also, if you place a bet on the first goalscorer and England score in the first ten minutes all losing bets are refunded. This applies to bets placed after 12:30 on Wednesday (11th June). Full details are available from the link below. England are currently fourth favourites to win the World Cup outright behind Brazil, Italy, and Spain.

Fixtures Published Thursday Morning
Added by HNA? on 10/06/02
Fixtures for Reading's 2002/2003 Division One campaign are released on Thursday morning. Thanks to Philpott Black Limited who have paid on our behalf, and Reading Football Club for giving permission, we have been licensed to display the fixtures on Hob Nob Anyone? Fixtures will be made available at exactly 10am on Thursday 13 June on this website. Check back then to see who the Royals kick-off the new season against.
Rumour Rating: Definite

RFSC Becomes STAR
Added by HNA? on 10/06/02
While everybody was focussing on the team getting promoted and then celebrating, things have been quiet on the STAR front since the launch in March. But two important announcements from STAR (Supporters Trust At Reading) can now be made:
1. An election for members of the Trust Board to run STAR was set up in April. In the event insufficient nominations were received for an election to be needed and the independent scrutineers deemed those nominated to be elected. In order to fill the remaining positions a number of fans have been co-opted onto the Board. The STAR Board members are Zoe Allen, Colin Bishop, Martin Brailli, Gary Deards, Jon Keen, Paula Martin, Gary Paice, Terry Reynolds, Roger Titford, Chris Witcher, Ian Wynn. A couple more appointments are expected soon. Board members will face re-election in due course. The Board consists of a mix of current RFSC Committee members and other supporters including some non-members of RFSC.
2. Following the ballot of all RFSC members in February that unanimously authorised the committee, the decision (also unanimously) was made in May to join forces with STAR from 1 July 2002. STAR will therefore be the successor to RFSC and the only democratic organisation representing Reading supporters. Next season’s membership of STAR is open to all Reading fans from early July. The benefits of membership will be similar to those offered by RFSC and the membership fee will stay the same at £5 for the first year only. There will also be a ‘limited edition’ Founder Member’s package available.

There is plenty of work going on behind the scenes to make the transition between RFSC and STAR as smooth as possible and to bring fresh ideas and faces into the new organisation for next season.
The final RFSC AGM will take place before the Fans Forum on 8th August.
Rumour Rating: Definite

World Cup Events
Added by HNA? on 23/05/02
Members of the Reading FC team will be attending a number of charity events this summer as England compete in the World Cup finals. The Renaissance Hotel in Reading will host a World Cup lunch for the England / Argentina match, and a World Cup breakfast for the England / Nigeria match. For ten pounds you can get access to watch either match on a big screen with an open bar and food included in the cost. Reading players will be in attendance to watch the games with the fans. Other events take place in the Thames Valley Suite at the Hotel for the game with a package that includes full meals, a guest celebrity, and of course the game on the big screen. Fundraising for Parky's testimonial charities will take place at each event. To find out further information, or to book tickets, call 0118 9419 289.
Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

Testimonial Success
Added by HNA? on 14/05/02
Last night's Parky Testimonial match was a fantastic success with a great turn-out both on and off the pitch. Despite the poor weather, 19,496 fans turned out to watch a great natured match between an Ex-England side and a Reading side that was a mix of both past and present players. The England side took a 2-1 lead at half time with Phil Parkinson putting away a penalty to open Reading's scoring on the night. The second half saw the Royals side pull back to 3-3 with a great headed goal from Archie Lovell after a cross from the left, and an amazing strike from run-run-run-run Gilksey that flew into the top corner from well outside the area. Those two goals alone were well enough for the night's entertainment. At 3-3 the sides mixed around with Shaka Hislop first coming on in goal before swapping with Dylan Kerr. Kerr showed his amazing goal-keeping skills off by letting in a Kerry Dixon goal, while Shaka actually looked like a decent outfield player. Run-run-run-run Hislop. An eight year old kid came on for England with a few minutes remaining and was set up a treat to break in the area on the left. He drew Kerr out of goal and calmly put it between his legs to make it 5-3 and seal the victory for the ex-England side. There will be questions about the kid's eligibility for the ex-England side, but far more questions will hang over Alan Pardew's performance on the night! This was a fitting tribute to Parky with the organising committee doing a great job in organising the event.
Reading scorers: Parkinson (pen), Lovell, Gilkes.
England Scorers: Pearce, Wise(2), Dixon, Igoe-Look-A-Like.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Huge Jump In Season Ticket Prices
Added by HNA? on 13/05/02
Season ticket prices have taken a massive jump in the new pricing scheme announced today. Last season saw adult season tickets increased to £240 for renewals and £260 for new tickets for all stands except the Upper West. That small jump in price would have done little to prepare fans for an increase of £85 this season. Existing season ticket holders will have to pay £325 for their season ticket, while new tickets will cost £345. The increase means that existing season ticket holders have to pay a massive 35% extra to watch the Royals play this coming season. The huge jump in prices is being justified by the promotion to Division One and the lack of money coming forward from the failed ITV Digital venture. The increase in prices is certain to bring more money into the club for next season, but also seems certain to reduce the number of new season ticket holders that might have bought their first season ticket.
North, East and Lower West Stands:
Adults: £325 renewals, £345 new tickets.
Concessions: £190 renewals, £205 new tickets.
Young Royals: £95 renewals, £110 new tickets.
Upper West Stands:
Adults: £365 renewals, £395 new tickets.
Concessions: £225 renewals, £245 new tickets.
Young Royals: £120 renewals, £135 new tickets.
Season ticket sales begin on Wednesday of this week. Existing season ticket holders have until the end of June to renew their ticket and keep their existing seat. After this date all seats will go on general sale to new season ticket buyers. The North Stand remains unreserved seating for next season. Meanwhile, single match tickets have increased in line with season ticket price increases. A match day ticket for the North, East, and Lower West stands is now a round £20.
North, East and Lower West Stands:
Adults: £18 in advance, £20 on the day.
Concessions: £10 in advance, £13 on the day.
Upper West Stands:
Adults: £20 in advance, £23 on the day.
Concessions: £13 in advance, £16 on the day.
Expensive business this football.
Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

Testimonial Teams Confirmed
Added by HNA? on 10/05/02
Teams for Monday night's Phil Parkinson testimonial match have now been released, ahead of the fixture which is expected to produce an attendance of over 18,000 at the Madejski Stadium. The night will feature a full eleven a-side game, a celebrity five-a-side match, and the presentation of Division Two runners-up medals to the current Reading side at the end of the night. The main event will be an Ex-England side taking on the current Reading side including a selection of ex-Reading players. The England side will include Stuart Pearce, Tim Flowers, Chris Waddle, John Barnes, Paul Gascoigne, Jamie Rednapp, Dennis Wise, and former Reading striker Kerry Dixon. A whole load of old Reading favourites will be taking part in the two games including Shaka Hislop, Trevor Senior, Martin Hicks, Kevin Bremner, Dylan Kerr, Steve Wood, Mark White, Lee Nogan and Micky Gooding. For full line-up information please follow the link below:

New Sticker!
Added by HNA? on 09/05/02
Hob Nob Anyone? is delighted to announce the release of a brand new Hob Nob car sticker. After the success of the last one we've put together a new design and it's available right now and entirely FREE. There's no catches, just stick an envelope in the post to us with your name and address on it and make sure you stick on a stamp so that the sticker finds its way back to you. The new sticker features Reading's traditional nickname, the Biscuitmen, and would look great in the back of your car!

New T-Shirt!
Added by HNA? on 09/05/02
The number 13 charity t-shirt produced by Hob Nob Anyone? sold out pretty quickly. But good news - a new t-shirt that celebrates Reading's rise to Division One, after the 2001/2002 promotion season, is now available to buy! The new shirt is co-branded with Hob Nob Anyone? and URZ. The purchase of this t-shirt will automatically give financial support to our very own Reading FC Academy - the price of the t-shirts includes a cash donation to the Academy. The shirt costs just eight pounds and is printed both front and back with the slogan "Reading FC - Drawn to success" rather cunningly printed on the reverse of the shirt. A large or extra large shirt will set you back just £8. To place your order please follow the link below:

Extra Buses For Parky Game
Added by HNA? on 09/05/02
Reading Buses are laying on extra football special buses to get fans to Monday night's Phil Parkinson testimonial match. Two extra buses will be running on the 79 service that runs between Reading station and the Madejski Stadium - meaning that they'll be a regular service running right up until kick-off. There will also be extra buses running on the 74 and 75 services that run from Emmer Green and Purley and Tilehurst. The match between Reading and an ex-England eleven kicks off at 7:45pm on Monday, although events are planned to start from 7:15pm with a ex-Reading eleven side taking on a celebrity eleven. At half time, of the main match, the current Reading side will be presented with their Division Two runners-up medals on the pitch. Ex-Reading players that are expected to join in one of the two scheduled matches on the night include Shaka Hislop, Kerry Dixon, Dylan Kerr, Trevor Senior and the mighty Martin Hicks. I'm willing to donate a tenner to the Parky fund to see Hicksy manage to kick the ball out of Reading's new home.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Full Bus Service For Parky Game
Added by HNA? on 08/05/02
It's now been confirmed that Reading Buses will be providing a full bus service for Monday night's Phil Parkinson testimonial game at the Madejski Stadium. The game will see Reading take on an ex-England XI in a game that looks set to benefit both Parky and The Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK. A big crowd is expected and the bus services will be operating as for a normal game with both shuttle and urban services running. The Madejski Stadium car park and the Speedway car park will both be open with a decent crowd expected for the game. Tickets are still available for the fixture and can be pre-purchased for the game by calling the Reading FC ticket office direct on 0118 968 1000. If you're yet to get your ticket then make sure you buy in advance to show your support for Parky and also have a good night out at the Madejski Stadium.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Ticket Prices Set To Rise
Added by HNA? on 07/05/02
The club are expected to release news of significant increases to ticket prices this week, in anticipation of the new season in Division One. Reading's promotion out of Division Two, combined with the lack of money coming through from the failed ITV Digital venture, looks set to result in a hike in admission prices to watch the Royals. Last season saw adult season tickets priced at £240 for renewals and £260 for new tickets in all stands except the Upper West. The new pricing structure should see a impact on the prices of both season tickets and single match tickets. Last season saw prices increased by a pound to £15 for a standard adult ticket bought on match day. Fans should expect another increase of possibly more than just a pound when the new prices are released. With increased prices and next season's near guaranteed increase in attendances at the Madejski Stadium, the club will be looking for a record turnover. The situation would of course be helped even further by any settlement by ITV digital, which would release funds to strenghten the squad.
Rumour Rating: Likely

Charlton And West Ham Lined Up
Added by HNA? on 01/05/02
Reading have arranged pre-season friendlies against Premiership sides Charlton and West Ham United in the warm-up to the 2002/2003 campaign in Division One. Both sides will visit the Madejski Stadium in August with Carlton taking on the Biscuitmen on Friday 2nd August, and West Ham United travelling to Reading on Monday 5th August. Reading will be looking for a couple of good performances before the new season kicks-off on Saturday 10th August. Reading's pre-season build up will also feature a tour of Bavaria during the last week of July.
Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

Redknapp Joins England XI
Added by HNA? on 26/04/02
Ex-Liverpool player Jamie Redknapp will feature in the England XI side that will face Reading in Phil Parkinson's testimonial game on Monday 13 May at the Madejski Stadium. Redknapp, who has recently signed for Spurs, after a season of injury problems, will join his new manager Glenn Hoddle who is likely to appear for the England side. Ian Wright has pulled out of the fixture due to commitments to Tony Adams. An added attraction for the game will be the presentation made to the current Reading side during the evening. A Division Two runners-up shield and medals will be presented to the team, after the Royals earnt promotion to Division One. Tickets are selling fast but are still available for the testimonial match. Get yours now!
Rumour Rating: Definite

Murty and Mackie Win Hob Nob Awards
Added by HNA? on 25/04/02
Congratulations to Graeme Murty and Jon Mackie, who are winners of this season's Hob Nob Anyone? end of season awards. The Hob Nob Anyone? end of season awards, in place since 1995, are a totally unofficial ballot of the fans' opinion taken at the end of the season. Both Murty and Mackie finished well clear of the rest of the squad in their categories with Graeme Murty being the fans choice for "player of the season" after playing a full season in style, and near injury free, in the full back position. Murty took the award with ease with over half of the vote. Nicky Forster finished runner-up in the player of the season award with over 21% of the total vote. Although Forster was well behind Murty, his goals this season earned him a clear second place. Last season's player of the season, Martin Butler, failed to feature in this year's voting after being out of action throughout nearly the whole season through injury.
Jon Mackie should be pleased at finishing third in the player of the season voting - but even more pleased with his amazing share of the vote in the "Improvement of the Season" award. Mackie stormed to the top of the pile with an amazing 62% of the vote. Mackie's near two thirds share was well deserved after earning a starting place in the centre of defence, after starting the season on the fringes of the squad. His performances just got better and better as he established himself as one of the first players to pick for the starting eleven. Two other young players, Nicky Shorey and Sammy Igoe also both took a good share of the vote to finish second and third.

Three Players To Leave
Added by HNA? on 23/04/02
Keith Jones, Neil Smith, and Matt Robinson are set to leave Reading Football Club during the summer after failing to earn offers of new contracts. All three players' contracts expire during the summer and they will be forced to look for new clubs. Keith Jones is approaching the end of his career after playing around 600 professional games - 45 of those for the Royals after signing in the Summer of 2000 on a free transfer from Charlton. Matt Robinson will be remembered for having a huge impact after arriving for 150,000 pounds in Janaury 2000 from Portsmouth. Robinson was immediately a first team regular as Reading staged a return to form with Robinson playing a vital part in defence. After a successful first season Robinson faded out and failed to make an appearance since last October when he was dropped from the side. Neil Smith was another player that showed plenty of promise but became surplus to requirements with the signing of midfield players placed above him in the picking order. Smith signed in the summer of 1999 from Fulham for 100,000 and will be looking to kick-start his football career with a club where he can hold down a first team place.
Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

End Of Season Awards
Added by HNA? on 22/04/02
If you're yet to vote in Hob Nob Anyone?'s unofficial end of season awards then make sure your get your vote in now! The awards have been running since 1994, as an entirely unofficial Internet based voting of the high and low points of the season. Previous winners of Hob Nob Anyone? awards have been Shaka Hislop and Mick Gooding. Last season Martin Butler was voted player of the season and Jimmy McIntyre voted most improved player of the season. Voting started last week - make sure you cast your votes using the form provided to make your opinion count before Thursday. Results will be announced on this site by Sunday 28th April 2002.

Thousands Gather To Celebrate
Added by HNA? on 22/04/02
Nearly 8,000 fans turned up at the Madejski Stadium yesterday afternoon (Sunday) to celebrate Reading's promotion to Division One. The team took to an open top bus and arrived at the Madejski Stadium at 4pm to an amazing promotion welcome. Fans spread across the West, North and South stands in a mass of blue and white as the players came out in turn to massive applause. The biggest cheers of the afternoon went to Jamie Cureton, Alan Pardew and John Madejski. Jamie Cureton's equaliser on Saturday that clinched promotion to Division One, as Reading drew 1-1 at Brentford, will earn him hero status at Reading for a very, very long time to come. There was clear excitement on the pitch as the players celebrated with Jon Mackie leading the celebrations as the players completed a lap of honour. Division One here we come!

PROMOTED!
Added by HNA? on 20/04/02
Automatic promotion! Reading are in Division One. This was a fantastic day out in Brentford as Reading took promotion in true Reading style to finish second in the table above Brentford. We needed a point to do it - and that's exactly what we got with an equaliser from substitute Jamie Cureton with only 13 minutes left to play. After a goalless first half Brentford took the lead early on in the second. Griffin Park went mental with the home fans thinking they were on their way to promotion. The Royals stepped up a gear, urged on by some amazing blue and white support packed on the terrace behind the goal. Cureton put Reading level and back on course for promtion with a fantastic goal that floated into the top of the net. Reading were back in it and could have sealed the win when Shorey set up Cureton again. Butler had a great chance but it went over. It made no difference though, Reading had battled back to earn the vital point. And it was all we needed to see us through to Division One. Reading's ninth draw from ten games was exactly what we needed. The final whistle saw some amazing celebrations get started. It must have been gutting for the home side and their fans who clearly wanted to voice their opinion. But the afternoon belonged to Reading and the fans that stayed on the terraces to congratulate a Reading team that will be playing in Division One next season. The right result to bring the right end to the season! Let the celebrations continue...

Brentford Favourites For Victory
Added by HNA? on 19/04/02
Brentford are favourites with the bookmakers for victory tomorrow and to secure the final automatic promotion place. William Hill make the Bees 11/10 for the home victory that would take them above Reading into second place on the final day of the season. Reading, of course, need a draw or a win to hold on to second place and get automatic promotion. The draw is 2/1, while a Reading victory is rated as the least likely with odds of 9/4. Reading will need all the support possible from the travelling fans to cause an upset, take the win, and seal promotion to Division One tomorrow. Remember your blue and white balloons and your Reading shirt and scarf, and prepare that singing voice! Meanwhile, both Butler and Igoe are expected to make starts as Reading look to take the win at Brentford. The changes could see Hughes and Rougier relegated to the substitutes bench. Reading can, and will, take the full three points tomorrow to finish the season on a high. Up the Biscuitmen!

Brentford Pub Info
Added by HNA? on 19/04/02
Reading fans are being advised that all the pubs around Griffin Park will close at 2pm tomorrow on police advice. The early closures suggest it might be worth getting to Brentford a bit earlier, and then getting into the ground just after 2pm to soak up a bit of atmosphere. The New Inn and Princess Royal pubs have been designated as away fan pubs for the day and are sure to be filled with Reading fans getting ready for the final push towards automatic promotion.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Make Brentford Blue And White
Added by HNA? on 18/04/02
Alan Pardew has put out a number of requests this week to turn Brentford blue and white on Saturday to show support for the team. We couldn't agree more! If there's a Reading FC supporting bandwagon to jump on then count us in! It's a massive game and if it'll boost the side, for what is effectively a play-off final, then it has to be done in style. If you've got a ticket for the game then remember to go dressed in blue and white and ready to show your support throughout the 90 minutes. Anything is possible. We'll be taking a whole load of blue and white balloons - make sure you do too - the team won't help but notice several thousand balloons appear from the away end as the teams come out. Let's do our bit towards sealing automatic promotion. Come on you Biscuitmen!

Fans Desperate For Tickets
Added by HNA? on 17/04/02
A small number of tickets for Reading's final fixture of the season are trading for up to five times face value as fans attempt to get tickets for the trip to Griffin Park. Reading's allocation sold out immediately to season ticket holders leaving many desperate fans willing to pay over the odds to get to the game - and a small number of people willing to take advantage. The fixture is now fully sold out - but it took Brentford until Tuesday morning to sell out their full allocation, making it likely that a large number of Reading fans will have purchased tickets for home areas. Meanwhile, Reading FC released an extra 1,000 tickets for the Madejski Stadium where the promotion decider will be screened live. These extra tickets are already in short supply, and are available from the club ticket office.
Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

Blades Eye Cureton
Added by Craig on 17/04/02
Sheffield United are interested in Reading’s powerful striker Jamie Cureton. Neil Warnock’s side are looking to strengthen for next season, and feel that Cureton would be an ideal signing to partner ex-Reading player Carl Asaba up-front. Pardew has favoured Forster and Rougier as his first picks this season, playing them in vital matches, like the Peterborough game. Pardew hasn’t played down the rumours either, suggesting he would sell Cureton, if the price was right.
Rumour Rating: Slight Possibility

End Of Season Voting
Added by HNA? on 16/04/02
Hob Nob Anyone?'s end of season awards have been running since 1994, as an entirely unofficial Internet based voting of the high and low points of the season. Previous winners of Hob Nob Anyone? awards have been Shaka Hislop and Mick Gooding. Last season Martin Butler was voted player of the season and Jimmy McIntyre voted most improved player of the season. It's now time to vote for the 2001/2002 season Hob Nob Anyone? awards. Make sure you cast your votes using the form provided to make your opinion count before Thursday 25 April 2002. Results will be announced on this site by Sunday 28th April 2002.

Mackie Out For Final Showdown
Added by HNA? on 15/04/02
John Mackie, Reading's powerful central defender is out for the final showdown with Brentford on Saturday. Mackie sustained ankle ligament damage during the first half of Saturday's 2-2 home draw with Peterborough - an injury that puts him out of action for an estimated eight weeks. Mackie is expected to be back before next season starts, assuming no complications, but the injury is a big blow ahead of the visit to Brentford.
Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

Royals Need Point At Brentford
Added by HNA? on 13/04/02
Reading need just a point from next Saturday's final showdown against Brentford at Griffin Park. The point would give the Royals second place in the table above Brentford - and automatic promotion to Division One. Reading drew 2-2 at home this afternoon against Peterborough United, while Brentford also failed to win but collected a point against QPR. Reading's 8th draw from nine league games was enough to give Reading the advantage for the trip to Brentford. Although a win would have set us up nicely, today's draw makes no difference to the outcome of the season - although Brighton are now guaranteed the Division Two championship.
Everything rests on next Saturday's game, and Reading fans will be hoping for a repeat of today's second half performance rather than the first half. The Royals went in 0-1 down at half-time after a poor 45 minutes in which we managed just a single shot from Nicky Forster that was well over the crossbar. Peterborough took the lead after a mistake from Whitehead when he failed to hold a tame shot, and were well on top. Pardew took drastic measures at half time and made a double subtitution. The changes paid off with Igoe and Butler coming off the bench and having a major impact. Reading pulled level on 73 minutes and then went 2-1 up six minutes later with two goals from Nicky Forster after some great team play. Reading looked set to take the full three points with Forster and Butler linking together up front to nearly produce a third goal. However, the attacking play led to a defensive lapse and Peterborough were able to steal a goal with seven minutes left to play to take a share of the points.

Butler Set For Bench Against Posh
Added by Justin on 11/04/02
Martin Butler is set for a place on the bench against Peterborough this Saturday after coming through a second reserve game unscathed. Butts looks set to make his first appearance since breaking his ankle badly last November, and would no doubt love to score the goal that takes Reading into Division One, especially against his arch riavls from his Cambridge days.
Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

Brentford Game On Big Screen
Added by HNA? on 10/04/02
Reading FC will be opening up the Madejski Stadium on the final day of the season as the Royals take on Brentford at Griffin Park. Reading's ticket allocation for the game sold out straight away with the first batch of postal applications from season ticket holders taking all the tickets. After plenty of enquries, the club are planning to get a big screen in and show the game live at the Madejski for up to 4,000 fans. The popularity of the live screening could depend massively on this weekend's results - a Reading victory could seal promotion before the trip to Brentford on the last day of the season. However, the Brentford game could well be the one that decides which team takes second place in the table, making the screening more than a bit popular. Tickets appear to be more expensive than actually being at the game which is a bit strange. I remember paying nine quid for my place on the terrace at Griffin Park which is a pound cheaper than admission to watch the TV at the Madejski! The club are promising a big screen and the added bonus of an open bar. Concession prices are five pounds and tickets are on sale from the ticket office on 0118 968 1000.
Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

Second Place Regained With Draw
Added by HNA? on 08/04/02
Reading regained second place in the table yesterday with a 2-2 draw at Tranmere Rovers. However, the result, Reading's seventh draw in eight league fixtures, means the Championship now seems set to go to Brighton. Reading went a point ahead of Brentford with two games left to play, but Brighton are now four points clear. A victory next Saturday could see Reading promoted if Brentford lose at QPR, but other results will see a dramatic promotion decider as Reading travel to Brentford on the last day of the season. The draw was perhaps a disappointing result after Reading have led the Division for most of the season, but it gives us the edge in the race for automatic promotion. It could have been a lot worse after Tranmere took a 2-0 lead just inside the second half. Reading had a couple of first half chances from Forster and Watson but the home side took the lead after a Tranmere cross wasn't cleared. It was 2-0 just after the break after an amazing shot from outside the area beat Whitehead. Reading pulled one back when Watson put the ball in the area and a Parkinson effort was saved and the rebound put in for a rare Rougier goal. Rougier's first goal for Reading since October 2000 was followed up by a Salako goal from a free-kick with eighteen minutes left to play to complete the comeback. Reading couldn't find the winner though and the draw was probably a fair reflection of the play.

Royals Drop To Third
Added by HNA? on 06/04/02
Reading suffered a disasterous day today, despite not even playing, as both Brighton and Brentford won their fixtures. Brentford's 3-0 home win over Huddersfield Town saw Brentford climb above Reading to take second place on goal difference. Reading drop to third in the table - the first time we've been outside the automatic promotion places since the start of the year. Brighton's 1-0 away win at Peterborough saw the side stretch their lead at the top to five points, ahead of Brentford and Reading. Meanwhile, Stoke and Huddersfield's defeats make it a clear three horse race for the automatic promotion places. The top two seem certain to be two of Brighton, Brentford and Reading. Reading have a big chance to make sure they aren't the team that misses out as they travel to Tranmere Rovers tomorrow. A victory or a draw for the Royals would see Reading regain second place with two games left for all teams. The away game at Brentford on the final day of the season remains the crunch game that could decide second place.

Royals Slipping Away
Added by HNA? on 02/04/02
Talk about losing the advantage... Reading's recent run of just one league win in seven fixtures has put the Royals automatic promotion chances in serious doubt. With six draws from the last seven games, Reading have dropped a multi-point lead at the top and have fallen to second in the table, just three points ahead of Brentford who have a better goal difference. There seems little doubt that it's now going to go to the final league game of the season - when Reading travel to Brentford in a game on which the whole season rests. The Royals have held the top spot since the middle of January and pulled clear until finally losing the lead to Brighton after the recent poor run - which included a home draw against the Seagulls. Brighton's final three games include trips to Peterborough and Port Vale, and a home tie against Swindon. Reading face Tranmere away and Peterborough at home before the clash with Brentford. Meanwhile, Brentford play Huddersfield at home and QPR away before entertaining the Royals. It's too close to call, but Reading simply must get some points at Tranmere at the weekend.

Cobblers Hold Reading To Goalless Draw
Added by Justin on 02/04/02
A bitterly disappointing and frustrating afternoon for all associated with Reading FC unfolded yesterday as Northampton repelled everything the Royals threw at them for ninety minutes. Kevin Broadhurst's men defended valiantly and were lucky that Reading's strikeforce had a monumental off-day - Nicky Forster was the major culprit, missing a glorious and easy chance to take the points with twenty minutes to play.
Brighton's last minute winner against Bristol City puts them top of the division, while the only bright point was Brentford's defeat at Bury which at least leaves Reading second on 81 points.

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