Reading Favourites For Victory
Added by HNA? on 24/12/00
Reading are favourites for Boxing Day victory over Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Ground. Bristol Rovers are without victory all season at home in the league, despite five wins away from home Rovers lie in 19th place with just five points from nine games. While Rovers will be looking for their first home win Reading will be chasing what could be their fourth away win of the season so far. Reading look set to field an unchanged team from the side that beat Luton Town 4-1 at the Madejski Stadium.
Bristol Rovers -v- Reading - Preview

Rumour Rating: Definite

Talk Even More About The Royals!
Added by HNA? on 24/12/00
Hob Nob Anyone? now has a new chatroom for all those desperate to talk about the latest on the Royals. Check it out, have an on-line chat, and let us know if you'd like it improved in any way. Happy Christmas to all Reading FC fans throughout the world!
Reading FC Chatroom

Rumour Rating: Definite

Cureton Grabs Three As Luton Beaten
Added by HNA? on 23/12/00
Jamie Cureton returned to scoring ways this afternoon with his first goals for the Royals since Reading's 4-0 victory over Grays in November. Cureton scored a hattrick after Barry Hunter gave Reading a 1-0 lead over Luton Town at the Madejski Stadium. Cureton made it 2-0 with ten minutes of the first half remaining. Luton enjoyed plenty of the ball during the second half but could only manage the one goal - scored by former Reading player Lee Nogan. With ten minutes to go Reading made sure of the win when Cureton grabbed his second, and right at the end he scored this third of the match, and Reading's fourth, to seal a 4-1 home victory. Reading remain seven points off the top in fifth place with the other top teams also managing wins, but the result keeps Reading in touch as they look to close the gap over the Christmas period.

Viveash Banned For Millwall Game
Added by HNA? on 21/12/00
When Mark McGhee's Millwall visit the Madejski Stadium on the 6th of January the Royals will be without Adi Viveash. Viveash picked up a booking on Tuesday as the Royals went down 1-3 to York City in the FA Cup Second Round replay - after a challenge on York's Hulme who was sent off in the first tie for a foul on Viveash. Adi may have had his revenge over Hulme, who was eventually substituted, but he now picks up a suspension for what could be a vital game. If Adrian Williams is still not fit then the central defender pairing for the game looks set to be Barry Hunter and John Mackie.

Rumour Rating: Definite

Royals To Meet Hereford In LDV
Added by HNA? on 20/12/00
Reading will meet Hereford United in the second round of the Southern section of the LDV Vans trophy. Hereford pulled off an impressive 4-0 home victory against Yeovil in their first round tie last night, taking a two goal lead before the break and doubling it before full time. Yeovil, current leaders of the Football Conference, have lost just two games in the league all season with ten straight home wins, while Hereford have managed just three wins from twelve home games during their league season so far. Hereford are currently fourth in the Conference. Reading will be favourites for victory in the second round game, after receiving a bye in the first round of the competition - however as we well know being favourites means nothing.

Rumour Rating: Definite

York Somehow Beat Royals
Added by HNA? on 19/12/00
Reading dropped out of the FA Cup tonight after two off-side goals right at the end of the match gave York City a 1-3 victory at the Madejski Stadium. Reading took the lead just before the half hour when a Tony Rougier cross from the right found Caskey in the middle of the box. Caskey, called back into the starting eleven, stuck his leg on it to put Reading ahead - but the lead was short lived when six minutes later York equalised with their first shot of the night. Reading spent the rest of the game enjoying almost solid possession, but a determined away defence, some superb goalkeeping, and Reading's inability to take chances meant the score stayed at 1-1 with five minutes left to play. A few minutes later York broke, played the ball forward and took full advantage as the linesman's flag stayed down. The home fans hadn't recovered from the shock of the goal when York did it again - breaking through offside and getting a touch on it to send the ball rolling into the back of the Reading net. York may feel they deserve victory, but it would probably never had happened without the help of the referee. Meanwhile, Millwall lost their Second Round replay against Wycombe - which means Millwall will visit the Madejski in the league on the 6th of January while York City travel to Leicester in Round Three of the FA Cup.

Notts Inflict League Defeat
Added by HNA? on 17/12/00
Reading went down 2-3 at Notts County yesterday - despite pulling the game back to 2-2 in the second half and looking likely to take at least a point. The defeat was Reading's third in the last four league games and although the Royals remain in fifth spot in the table we're now seven points adrift of an automatic promotion spot. Mackie had a nightmare first half at County after being beaten for the first goal, after failing to make and a challenge, and then conceeding a penalty later in the half to gift the home side a two goal lead. Reading pulled a goal back just before the break when Viveash connected with a corner at the far post that was deflected in. The Royals looked much improved in the second half and deservedly equalised after Rougier crossed from the Reading left and Parkinson stormed into the area to head it home. At 2-2 Reading looked most likely with Rougier showing off some stunning skills down both wings to provide plenty of crosses. However it was County that managed to win the game right at the end - scoring in the middle from a corner to make it 2-3.

Dutch Midfielder On Trial
Added by HNA? on 14/12/00
Marciano Vink is set to arrive in Reading for a week's trial with the possibility of signing this weekend. Thirty-two year-old Vink, born in Holland, was a regular first team player for Dutch side Ajax in the early 1990's before an unsuccessful spell in Italy. Vink was apparantly recommended by two former Reading players - defender Elroy Kromheer and goalkeeper Peter van der Kwaak. Meanwhile Pardew is claiming Caskey has been dropped due to a dip in form this season and not due to his agent's large claims for a pay rise. The arrival of Vink could be a sign that the club are preparing for life after Caskey.

Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

Swindon And York Tickets On Sale
Added by HNA? on 12/12/00
Tickets for Reading's match at Swindon Town on the 30th of December are now on sale to season ticket holders only. The tickets go on general sale from next Monday - however it seems certain they'll be plenty left with a large allocation given to travelling Reading fans. We've been given the usual away end holding 2,100 plus a covered section holding a further 1,200. All seats are the same price - a huge 15 pounds for adults, 8 pounds for concessions and students, but a bargain 4 pounds for children. The game is all-ticket for Reading fans with no tickets available on the day.
Meanwhile, Reading Football Club have reduced admission prices for the FA Cup Second round replay at the Madejski Stadium on Tuesday 19th December. The Upper West stand will be closed for the game and all tickets will be 10 pounds if purchased in advance for adults and an extra two pounds if you pay on the day. For full ticket information view the match preview.

Leicester Drawn In FA Cup Third Round
Added by HNA? on 10/12/00
If Reading can get past York City in the replay of the second round they'll face a huge game away at Premiership Leicester City in the third round of the FA Cup. Leicester are currently fourth in the Premiership table with only Manchester United, Arsenal and Ipswich Town above them in the league. Reading fans will be hoping that York can be beaten to set up a exciting trip to Filbert Street to see a Leicester side managed by Peter Taylor. The third round game will be played the weekend of January 6th. If Reading overturn York on the 19th of December at the Madejski Stadium the league match with Mark McGhee's Millwall will need to be rearranged.

Rumour Rating: Definite

Royals Draw At York
Added by HNA? on 09/12/00
Reading will have to play a replay to see if they can progress to Round Three of the FA Cup this season, after a 2-2 draw in the Second Round at York City this afternoon. After a goalless first half Reading came out after the break and took a quick two goal lead with a blinding free-kick from Ricky Newman and a goal from Martin Butler a few minutes later. However York hit back with two goals to make it 2-2 with fifteen minutes left to play. York had a player sent off for a challenge on Viveash with ten minutes left to play but Reading were unable to get the winner. The replay will take place at the Madejski Stadium on Tuesday 19th December.

York Pitch Is Playable
Added by Andy on 09/12/00
Today's FA Cup Second Round tie between York City and Reading will go ahead as planned, after the Bootham Crescent pitch was declared playable this morning. After a pitch inspection yesterday failed to call the game off it all rested on a further inspection at 9am this morning. Thankfully there wasn't much rain overnight, although the pitch is bound to be a bit sticky as the Royals attempt to get into round three.

Rumour Rating: Definite

Royals Await Pitch Inspection
Added by Andy on 08/12/00
After further rain across the country, and more expected today, Reading are waiting for the results of a midday pitch inspection at Bootham Crescent today. With Reading fans set to make a long journey up North tomorrow morning it seems likely that if the game is going to be called off it will be called off today. If the pitch is passed as playable today then it seems certain the same will go ahead - tomorrow's forcast from the Met Office for the York area is sunny spells with the odd shower.

York Game To Go Ahead
Added by Andy on 07/12/00
Reading's FA Cup Second round tie against York City is set to go ahead despite the continual rain around the Yorkshire area. City's home match against Darlington in the LDV Vans trophy was postponed on Tuesday night after rain during the day resulted in a waterlogged pitch. However the rain has eased off a bit and the forecast for the area for the weekend is a mixture of sunshine and showers. Reading fans making the trip would still be advised to check the forecast before setting off up North. Travelling Royals will be hoping any decision not to play the game is made the night before rather than an hour and a half before kick-off.

New Bournemouth Date
Added by Andy on 04/12/00
Reading's away trip to Bournemouth has been re-arranged for Tuesday 6th February at Dean Court, with a 7:45pm kick-off. Reading were due to play their away league tie last weekend but the game was called off just over an hour before kick-off after torren tial rain all morning resulted in a waterlogged pitch. Reading Football Club are advising existing ticket holders that can't make the new date to contact Bournemouth Football Club directly for a refund on the ticket. The Bournemouth ticket office can be reached on 01202 397939. The new date means the Royals get two fairly local away trips in the space of five days - with a visit to Brentford to follow on Saturday 10th February.

Rumour Rating: Definite

Royals Beat Cambridge
Added by Graham on 03/12/00
Reading returned to winning ways at the Madejski Stadium this weekend with a solid 3-0 victory over Cambridge United. The win was the first the Royals had managed in the league since the victory over Oxford at the end of October - following defeats against Walsall and Colchester and a postponement against Bournemouth. First half goals from Viveash and Parkinson and a second half free kick from Andy Gurney gave Reading the full three points. The win helped Reading close the gap on the leaders - the Royals stay in fifth place but are now just four points behind Milwall and Wigan.

Bristol Rovers Ticket News
Added by Andy on 01/12/00
Reading's trip to Bristol Rovers on 26 December will be all-ticket for travelling Royals supporters. For those escaping the family horror that is boxing day, tickets go on sale to season ticket holders on Monday (4th December), and on general sale the week after. There are approximately 1,100 terrace tickets available at a cost of £11 (or £5.50 for concessions).

Rumour Rating: Definite

Norbet Signing Delayed
Added by Andy on 30/11/00
The signing of Arsenal youth player Guillaume Norbet has been put on hold while the 20 year old midfielder recovers from a bad case of flu. When Norbet is fit he'll sign for Reading on a one month contract to allow Pardew to assess if he's worthy of a full contract. Meanwhile, another midfielder - Reading's Phil Parkinson has been named player of the month for November.

Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

Youth Side Beaten By Man Utd
Added by Graham on 30/11/00
Reading's youth side were beaten by an injury time winner last night in the Second round of the FA Youth Cup. A big crowd of almost 9,000 packed the Madejski Stadium to watch the Royals go down 0-1 thanks to the late strike from Daniel Nardiello. The victory was Manchester United's first victory in the competition since they won the cup in 1995.

Rumour Rating: Definite

Youngster Signed For A Month
Added by Andy on 28/11/00
Reading have signed Arsenal youth midfielder Guillaume Norbet on a one month contract, with the possibility of a future free transfer. The player is currently out of contract and looking for a move to a new club after recovering from a recent knee injury and Alan Pardew is keen to assess the player. Norbet, a twenty year-old Frenchman, failed to break in the Arsenal first team but made thirteen starts for their reserve side. It seems likely that Norbet will feature in some reserve term fixtures only for the short term. Speaking about Norbet, Alan Pardew said: "He has enough talent to make the grade, but I have to see if he has the other attributes needed in the Second Division"

Rumour Rating: Definite

Bournemouth Match Postponed
Added by Graham on 26/11/00
Reading's game against Bournemouth was called off after torrential morning rain resulted in a water logged pitch at Dean Court. The postponement was massive disappointment to Reading's away support who were already in Bournemouth, or nearly there, when the news broke. Anyone checking to see if the match was on before traveling would have known nothing about it - as it was only at 1:15pm that the referee declared the pitch unplayable. To add further disappointment to the decision, despite rain all morning it had stopped raining in Bournemouth by 2pm - which left a dry afternoon and time for the rain to drain away. The game will almost certainly be rescheduled to be played on a Tuesday night on a date to be announced. Original tickets will be valid, and anyone unable to make the new date will be able to get a refund from the Madejski Stadium ticket office. Meanwhile, Reading remain fifth in the Second Division table despite not playing with victories for many of the teams chasing for promotion. The Royals have a game in hand over the top four placed teams but are now seven points away from the new leaders Milwall who won 1-0 away at Oldham Athletic, and five points away from fourth placed Rotherham who managed a 3-0 home win over Peterborough. Elsewhere Wigan drew 1-1 at Bristol City and Walsall managed a 3-0 win over Northampton Town. The postponement means Reading have now gone over a month without a league win - after winning 4-3 against Oxford United on 28th October to go top of the league, Reading have lost two league games and slipped to fifth in the table.

Scott Prepares For Colchester Move
Added by Andy on 23/11/00
Keith Scott could be set to sign for Colchester United on a short term contract as he looks to return from injury. Scott was on loan at Second Division Colchester, who beat the Royals two weeks ago at the Madejski Stadium, before a knee injury meant he had to return early to Reading for treatment. Scott is back in training and is reported to be keen to return to Colchester with no opportunity available to him at Reading to play first team football. Before the injury Colchester expressed an interest in signing 33 year-old Scott who scored one goal in five league appearances for the Essex side while on loan. Scott would be likely to move on a free transfer.

Rumour Rating: Likely

Newman To Miss Bournemouth Match
Added by Andy on 20/11/00
Reading will be without Ricky Newman for Saturday's league trip to Bournemouth. Newman has become a regular at full back with Robinson out injured - but Pardew will have plenty of other options to fill the defence after Gray returned to make a start on Saturday against Grays Athletic. Andy Gurney will be back from suspension and could play with Stuart Gray, meanwhile Robinson is well on the way back from injury.
The game is all ticket for Reading fans - tickets must be pre-purchased from the Madejski Stadium ticket office. The away end at Bournemouth is uncovered terracing, and tickets are 12 pounds for adults.

Rumour Rating: Definite

It's York In Round Two
Added by Justin on 19/11/00
Reading's opponents in Round two of the FA Cup are York City, after the Minstermen cruised to victory over Radcliffe at Gigg Lane this afternoon. York ran out 4-1 winners to set up the tie, which will be played at Bootham Crescent on December 9th.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Royals Drawn Away In FA Cup
Added by Graham on 18/11/00
Reading have been drawn away in the second round of the FA Cup in the draw made this afternoon after beating Grays Athletic 4-0 at the Madejski Stadium in the first round of the competition. The Royals will have to wait for the result of the first round tie between Unibond First Division side Radcliffe Borough and York City to see who the opposition will be. Third Division York travel to play Radcliffe tomorrow at Gigg Lane, Bury in their first round game.

LDV Vans Draw News
Added by Jeremy on 18/11/00
Reading received a bye in the first round of the LDV Vans Trophy, in the draw made this morning. The Royals will now have to wait to see who they will meet in the second round of the trophy which features eight teams from the conference this season as well as all second and third Division sides.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Youth Team Now Face Man Utd
Added by Andy on 14/11/00
Reading's youth side are set to play Manchester United in the third round of the FA Cup, after beating Bristol Rovers 6-0 away last night in the second round. Reading looked comfortable throughout the match and victory was helped on it's way by four goals by captain Ricky Allaway.

Rumour Rating: Definite

Reduced Prices And Squad For Cup Tie
Added by Andy on 13/11/00
Reading face Ryman Premier League side Grays Athletic on Saturday in the first round of the FA Cup at the Madejski Stadium. Grays will have to pull off a huge giant killing act if they are to beat the Royals - Reading are currently 5th in Division Two while Grays are rooted to the foot of the Ryman Premier league with results such as a 0-6 reverse at Aldershot already under their belt this season. The club will close the Upper West stand for the match - and admission prices are also to be reduced. Tickets purchased in advance will be £10 for adults and £5 for concessions, on the day prices rise to £12 for adults and £6 for concessions. Reading will be without Darren Caskey and Andy Gurney for the match who are both suspended after picking up yellow cards during Reading's 1-2 defeat at Walsall.

Rumour Rating: Definite

Cureton Goal Scoring Hero
Added by Graham on 10/11/00
The Reading Chronicle is sinking to new depths in a poor attempt to sell a couple more papers this week. The back page, front page and boards outside Newsagents across the town centre have Royals Star In Child Sex Rumour slashed all over them. The story is reporting on a rumour about why Reading striker Jamie Cureton was sold to Reading in a cut price deal earlier this season. Quite apart from the fact the rumour has been going around for many months already, it's poor reporting when Reading are currently third in the league hunting down an automatic promotion spot in their best season for years. Instead of reporting the real news on the Royals, such as last week's unlucky defeat at Walsall, or providing an in depth article about Cureton's 10 goals in 12 starts for the Royals this season, it's rather embarrassing they feel they need to report like this. Meanwhile Cureton is expected to make a start for the Royals tomorrow against Colchester United at the Madejski Stadium after being left on the bench for the start of the 1-2 defeat at Walsall last Saturday. Reading have a habit of winning with Cureton in the starting eleven, so Jimmy McIntyre will probably be named as a substitute.

Reserves Win At Slough
Added by Graham on 08/11/00
Reading's reserve side won 3-1 at Slough Town last night with goals from Gray and two from Henderson. The home side took the lead before Reading hit back with three goals, the first before the break was set up by Jimmy McIntyre with Gray side footing it past ex-Reading keeper Steve Mautone. Henderson came on in the second half and grabbed two goals to give Reading victory.
Reading starting team: Howie, Lockwood, Murty, Smith, Hunter, Hall, Igoe, Gamble, McIntyre, Tyson, Gray.

Rumour Rating: Definite

Royals Face Slough In Friendly
Added by Graham on 07/11/00
Reading visit Slough Town FC tonight (7th November), in a friendly to be played at Slough's Wexham Park Stadium. The game kicks off at 7.30pm and should see a strong Reading reserve side take on a Slough side packed with old Reading players. Rougier, Hunter, Igoe and McIntyre will all feature for the Royals while Slough have former Reading players Keith McPherson, Dylan Kerr, Paul Holsgrove, Jamie Lambert and Steve Mautone in their squad for the game. Admission for the game is three pounds for adults and one pound fifty for children.

Rumour Rating: Definite

Club Announce New Ticket System
Added by Andy on 06/11/00
Reading Football Club today launched a new ticket system to cope with the increased attendances at the Madejski Stadium. Attendances at the Madejski this season are averaging close to a massive 12,000 fans per game - compared to an average of less than 9,000 over the whole of the last season. With Reading currently in second place in the Second Division table and looking good for an automatic promotion spot the average attendance could increase even further. This Saturday Reading face Colchester United at the Madejski Stadium as the Royals bid to retake the leadership of the Division. The crowd is set to be another big one with Mates Day planned - all fans are encouraged to bring along a friend or two to help get as close to 20,000 in the Madejski as possible.

The club's new system means that it's now possible to buy match tickets between 9am and 9pm during the week, 8am to 12pm on Saturday, and 9am to 8pm on Sunday. Since you save two quid by pre-booking over the phone, we strongly advise booking your Colchester United tickets for you and your mates by calling the ticket office on 0118 968 1000.

Ticket Information
Added by Justin on 03/11/00
Tickets are now on sale for the FA Cup 1st Round tie against Grays Athletic, who overcame Northwood in the week to earn a trip to the Madejski on Saturday 18th November. Ticket prices are £10 and £5 concessions. The West Upper tier will be closed for this game.

Not long now until Millwall bring their thrilling brand of passing football, child frightening and bus-smashing to the Madejski. Their visit on January 6th has been declared all-ticket, and all stands will be reserved.

Tickets for tomorrow's top-of-the-table clash with Walsall are sold out.

Rumour Rating: Definite

Pardew Tracking Woan
Added by Justin on 01/11/00
Reading FC have confirmed that Alan Pardew has been tracking Nottingham Forest reject Ian Woan with a view to a move. Woan has just joined our esteemed neighbours Swindon on loan, making his debut in their defeat at Notts County last weekend and proving instrumental in the Swine's 3-1 home win over Cambridge last night.

Left sided midfielder Woan was a regular in the Forest side of the early 90s but with loss of form went his place in the side and he has barely featured for about four seasons now. Whether he could command a place on the Reading left ahead of McIntyre, Hodges and Rougier seems extremely doubtful. Still, Pards seems keen, saying "I'll keep my eye on him because he'a a quality player who's not fixed up at the moment and he's hungry to get his career back on track."

Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

Reading To Meet Grays Athletic
Added by Jeremy on 31/10/00
Reading will face Grays Athletic in the first round of the FA Cup after they beat other possible opponents Northwood 1-0 in their fourth qualifying round replay. This means the Royals will face a team bottom of the Ryman (Isthmian) League Premier Division. Grays have just five points so far this season from a home win and two home draws, having lost every single match away from home - including a 0-6 stuffing at Aldershot! Put your money on an away win then!
Grays have faired a little better in the FA Cup this season after entering in the second qualifying round. The side drew at Chelmsford in the second round before winning 2-1 at home, and managed a rare away win in the third round at Mildenhall before defeating Northwood after getting a draw at their place. The game takes place at the Madejksi Stadium on Saturday 18th November.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Scott Returns To Reading
Added by Graham on 31/10/00
Reading striker Keith Scott has had to bring his loan spell at Second Division Colchester United to an early end after suffering a knee injury. Scott was replaced in the 70th minute of Colchester's 1-3 defeat at Peterborough on Saturday. Scott had been playing pretty well for the side after making five starts and scoring one goal. The injury will disappoint both Scott who was keen on a move, and Reading who have to fork out more wages for the player who could have otherwise been on the move.

Rumour Rating: Definite

Royals Draw Grays Or Northwood
Added by Graham on 28/10/00
Reading have been drawn at home in the first round of the FA Cup against non-league opposition. The Royals will have to wait for the result of the tie between Grays Athletic and Northwood to see who they will play in the fixture at the Madejski Stadium. The tie will take place on the weekend of 18th November.

Rumour Rating: Definite

TOP OF THE LEAGUE!
Added by Graham on 28/10/00
Reading went top of the Second Division this afternoon after a fantastic 4-3 home win over bottom placed local rivals Oxford United.
Walsall, who had been top, lost 1-2 at Brentford to leave Reading on top of the league after one of the most entertaining matches the Madejski Stadium has ever seen. The season's biggest crowd of 16,022 saw Reading take the lead from a Caskey penalty only to conceed a bizarre goal just before half time. Reading re-took the lead through Cureton only for a defensive mistake, and a goal from a corner to put the visitors a goal up. With time running out Tony Rougier came off the bench to pull Reading level at 3-3 - and with just three minutes to go he put in another at the far post to give Reading a dramatic 4-3 victory.

Mcintyre Off Transfer List
Added by Jeremy on 27/10/00
Jimmy McIntyre has been taken off the transfer list by Royals manager Alan Pardew after good early season form. The player looks like a changed man this season with a string of Performances that have been good enough to keep goal scoring sensation Jamie Cureton out of the team.

With Keith Scott seemingly set to join Colchester the sale of McIntyre would have left the Royals without much strength in depth after the injury to Nicky Forster.

Other News is that Nicky Hammond has been appointed Academy Director after the loss of Steve Keen to Fulham

Rumour Rating: Definite

Adie Out For Six Weeks
Added by Justin on 26/10/00
Adie Williams' knee injury sustained against Bristol City last Saturday, has turned out to be worse than first thought (surprise!!)

It appears he has suffered cartilage damage to his knee and will be out for around six weeks. John Mackie or Barry Hunter will deputise against Oxford this Saturday.

Rumour Rating: Definite

Walsall Ticket News
Added by Graham on 20/10/00
Tickets for Reading's away tie at Walsall on Saturday 4th November go on sale from the Madjeksi Stadium ticket office on Monday morning - to season ticket holders. Season ticket holders have been given priority for the all-ticket top of the table clash, with the remaining tickets going on general sale from next Thursday. The club are also keen for people to pre-book their Oxford tickets early so they can be posted or collected well before the match - to prevent a long queue, and upset supporters, on the day of the game. Reading are expecting their highest gate of the season for the match.

Meanwhile it seems that the usual Caskey rumours are out once again. It's all getting very dull, but we can confirm that Darren Caskey will not be joining Leicester today in a 1.2 million pound move. And no, Aberdeen, Wolves, Millwall, and Manchester United haven't put in offers either.

Rumour Rating: Definite

Walsall Match All Ticket
Added by Andy on 19/10/00
Reading Football Club have confirmed that Reading's visit to Walsall on Saturday 4th November is an all-ticket match for Reading fans. The top-of-the-table clash is expected to sell out for travelling fans with 1,900 seats available - and no tickets will be made available on the day. Tickets are on sale from the ticket office from next week, the price is 14 pounds for adults. Meanwhile, the Madejski Stadium East Stand is expected to sell out for the visit of Oxford on Saturday 28 October. The East Stand is reserved for the match, however the North Stand remains unreserved.

Rumour Rating: Definite

NTL Drop Out Of Premiership Deal
Added by Graham on 19/10/00
NTL, the communications company not well known for it's high quality services, have pulled out of a deal worth approximately 330 million quid to the Premier League. NTL were to pay the ridiculous sum of money to screen pay-per-view Premiership matches but have realised it just wasn't worth the money. Instead NTL are set to pump some of their cash into the Football League - a lower price to pay but still a sizable number of fans ready to be taken for a ride. The company will begin by pulling together all the official Football League club websites into one big commercial mess - seeing money making opportunities from the Internet instead of television. By restricting information that can be published through unofficial sites the Football League and NTL's plans could well be for pay-per-view access to commentary and pictures from "official" sites.

Rumour Rating: Definite

It's Now Five Straight Home Wins!
Added by Graham on 17/10/00
Reading made it five straight home wins against Wrexham tonight in front of a decent mid-week crowd of 10,350 at the Madejski Stadium. With leaders Walsall drawing, Reading remain in second place in the table but move to just two points from the top. Reading had the game won before the break after hitting four first half goals. Butler's double means he's now scored eight goals in the last five games - Darren Caskey hit the other two goals. Reading's four goals mean we've now scored 25 goals in just seven home league games this season. After taking a four goal lead into the second half Reading eased off allowing Wrexham back into the game - however their consolation goal early in the half was never likely to lead to a fight back against a composed Reading side.

Extra Parking Not Available Tonight
Added by Andy on 17/10/00
Reading Football Club have confirmed that the extra parking at Compaq on the Basingstoke Road will not be available tonight. The large multi-story car park was first used on Saturday at a rather expensive charge of four pounds per car, and although not available tonight it will be available for the next home game - the visit of Oxford.

Rumour Rating: Definite

Royals Go Second
Added by Graham on 14/10/00
Reading moved to second position in the Second Division table tonight after an impressive 2-0 victory over Wycombe Wanderers at the Madejski Stadium. Before the match Wycombe were one place above the Royals in third, but with Bury being beaten 4-0 by Mark McGhee's Millwall, Reading jump two places into an automatic promotion spot. Wycombe were well beaten by the Royals in the end after holding out for an hour, until Martin Butler put Reading 1-0 up. After Wycombe were reduced to ten men a few minutes later Reading sealed it with 18 minutes to go when Viveash scored from a tight angle on the left. The crowd of 15,443 was not only Reading's biggest of the season - but the biggest for the whole Second Division so far this season too.

Wycombe Band Refused Admission!
Added by Andy on 13/10/00
Wycombe Wanderers' visiting fans have been refused permission to bring their band into the away end for Saturday's match at the Madejski Stadium. Meanwhile the club have granted permission for Reading's famous Beard Band to entertain from the North Stand. The game looks set to bring in close to the biggest crowd of the season with both teams in top form in third and fourth places in the Second Division table.

Meanwhile organisation for Mates Day is well underway - so make sure you tell all your friends to keep Saturday 11th November free! Reading face Colchester United at the Madejski Stadium and the aim is for the first 20,000 crowd of the season.

Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

Scott Off On Loan To Colchester
Added by Justin on 12/10/00
Keith Scott has gone on a month's loan to Colchester, Reading football club announced today. The Us are short of striking cover since the departure of Lomano Lua Lua to Newcastle. Whether Keith can fill the void left by the pacy young Zairean forward remains to be seen.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Pardew And Allen Sign New Contracts
Added by Justin on 12/10/00
Royals management team Alan Pardew and Martin Allen have today signed new contracts which will keep them at the club until 2003. At a press conference at the Mad House this lunchtime, John Madejski praised the pair for turning the club round and made special mention of Pardew's ability to sign quality players at bargain prices.
Pards said: "The backing of the Chairman has so far been complete, and together the dream of the Premiership can be fulfilled. I'm pleased Martin Allen shares the dream, because we complement each other and form a strong management team. With our futures now secure, we can continue to build on stability and develop a sound structure throughout the club."
Mad Dog was similarly delighted, saying "I feel very privileged to be working at my home town football club and I'm very relieved that the results have been so good. It was less than a year ago that I was picking up leaves for less than £10 an hour and contemplating a career in gardening, so to be rewarded with a three year contract is a dream come true and a great honour, and now people may understand why I'm so desperate for success."

Rumour Rating: Definite

Evers On St. Johnstone Trial
Added by Andy on 11/10/00
Sean Evers is looking to set up a loan spell at Scottish side St. Johnstone in order to kick-start his career. Evers is on a short term trial which is hoped will lead to a longer loan period of two or three months. Last month Evers failed to make an appearance for Grimbsy after arranging a trial for a reserve game that was postponed. The trial, and potential loan, at St. Johnstone will allow Evers to put in a good run of first team action which could lead to a transfer away from the Royals. Evers was signed in March 1999 for half a million pounds, but has only made 15 first team starts.

Meanwhile youngster Neville Stamp could be on his way from Reading after setting going to York City on a one month loan.

Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

Mad Dog To Stay Put
Added by Andy on 10/10/00
After recent speculation about assistant-manager Martin Allen's future at Reading Football Club, he has gone on the record to say he plans to stay put at Reading. Allen ruled out a possible move to managerless Oxford United, saying he was dedicated to Reading's promotion push this season. However, Allen remains in contract negotiations with the club. A three year contract has been offered but turned down - further negotiations continue.

Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

Allen Rubbishes Quit Rumours
Added by Justin on 10/10/00
Martin Allen today hit out at rumours of him leaving Reading to take a managerial position elsewhere. In an interview with the Evening Post, Mad Dog says he is going nowhere and claims to be surprised by the rumours linking him to Oxford and Plymouth when his commitment to Reading is so well known.
Negotiations for a new contract at the club are ongoing and Allen says he hopes to have something finalised by the end of this week.

Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

Allen Set To Leave
Added by Tommy on 06/10/00
There is strong rumour the Martin Allen is set to leave Reading, Allen has made is clear in the past that he wishes to go into management. It is belived that Allen applied for the Milwall job and is in the running to take over local rivals Oxford. There are also sources saying that Allen has fallen out with a number of Royals players due to his sometimes over the top personallity.
Rumour Rating: Likely

Hunter Out For Friday Night
Added by Andy on 05/10/00
Central defender Barry Hunter is set to miss Friday night's trip to Wigan after picking up a groin injury during his last performance against Swansea. Hunter also missed Saturday's match at Rotherham due to suspension. Matt Robinson will also still be out of the squad after making a return to training today. Although Robinson is well on the way to recovery after an achilles injury he won't be ready for first team action for at least a week or two.

Tony Rougier and John Polston are also expected to be back from injury and available for selection next week. However, Reading have no problems in defence with Adrian Williams back to full strength after returning last Saturday - he will make a start in the centre of defence for Friday's match.

Mad Dog Holds Off On Contract
Added by Andy on 05/10/00
First team assistant manager Martin Allen is still in negotiation with the club over an extended contract offer. Both Alan Pardew and Martin Allen have been offered three year contracts to remain at the club. Pardew is willing to pledge his future after the most successful month in his management career, but Mad Dog is keen on keeping his options open. It seems likely that Allen may sign a modified contract with a clause to allow him to leave if he receives an offer to take charge of another league club.

Meanwhile reserve team manager Nicky Hammond is set to take control of the Royals academy after the departure of John Stephenson. Stephenson has left the club to continue working in the information technology industry.

Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

Reserves Lose At Peterborough
Added by Andy on 02/10/00
Reading's second string travelled to Peterborough this afternoon to take on their reserves. The home side ran out 1-3 winners over the Royals with central defender John Mackie scoring the Royals' goal, which had put the Royals level at 1-1. Graeme Murty, Sean Evers and Keith Jones all managed to play the full ninety minutes to remain in contention for Friday's visit to Wigan.

Reading team: Howie, Murty, Mackie, Chris, Haddow (Awbery), Gamble (Henderson), Evers, Jones, Smith, Gray, Tyson.

Rumour Rating: Definite

Pardew Named Manager Of Month
Added by Andy on 02/10/00
Reading manager Alan Pardew has been awarded the Second Division manager of the month award for September after Reading hit an amazing run of form.

In the league Reading won five out of six games during the month - the only defeat coming in the unlucky 0-1 loss at Peterborough. Reading started the month with a 1-0 away win at Port Vale and followed it up with three home wins scoring fourteen goals and conceeding just the one. To round off the month the Royals, under the guidance of Pardew, left Rotherham with all three points on Saturday after winning 3-1.

Reading started September in 19th place in the table and with risen to 3rd with 15 points from a possible 18.

Rumour Rating: Definite

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