Harper Out Of Action
Added by HNA? on 30/12/01
James Harper is expected to be out of action for some while after limping off during the first half of Reading's 2-0 victory over Wrexham on Saturday. Harper went down with an ankle injury, and although the severity of the problem is not yet known, he seems certain to miss the first game of 2002, at home against Port Vale on Tuesday. Andy Hughes replaced Harper on Saturday but may not find himself straight back into the side after a poor run of form. Instead Joe Gamble may find a place for himself in the side as Reading look to build a run of form.

Royals Win In Wales
Added by HNA? on 30/12/01
Reading's first win in six fixtures took them to within four points of the top of the Second Division table yesterday. Forster and Salako were the two players on the scoresheet again as Reading were 2-0 winners over a poor Wrexham side in freezing North Wales. Forster gave Reading the lead after half an hour with a superb solo effort, and Salako wrapped up the points in the second half after scoring from an Andy Hughes cross. The only down side to the comfortable victory was a first half injury to James Harper.

Royals Work Hard For Point
Added by HNA? on 27/12/01
Reading won a vital away point at Cardiff City yesterday in a 2-2 Boxing Day draw at Ninian Park. The Royals were the better side throughout the ninety minutes and worked hard to twice come back from behind to take a point. Cardiff took a lead on the half hour to go in a goal up, but Reading hit back in an impressive second half performance. Forster made it 1-1 ten minutes into the second half after a Murty shot. Cardiff regained the lead after Hahnemann was caught off his line, but Salako sealed the point for the Royals after scoring from a Igoe cross with just over ten minutes left to play. It might be our fifth fixture without a win - but this game could signal a return to form for the Royals. Reading remain fifth in the table.

Reading Stumble To Draw
Added by HNA? on 23/12/01
Reading stumbled to 1-1 home draw against Wigan Athletic in the league yesterday, at the Madesjki Stadium. The season's biggest home crowd in the league were rarely treated to any major excitement as Reading failed to overcome a solid Wigan side. Reading had few excuses for not winning the game after taking an early lead through John Salako after just six minutes. Salako was set up by Cureton and steamed through to break the offside trap, he took the ball wide of the keeper and slotted home from the right, well inside the box. The rest of the first half was disappointing but the Royals should have gone two up after winning a penalty in the second half. The Wigan keeper was confused after starting to pick-up a back pass and Rougier was brought down as he chased the ball with the keeper in trouble. Forster's penalty kick was easily held by the Wigan keeper getting down well to his right. Moments later Wigan drew level after a successful one-two with the Reading defence saw a shot from the edge of the area go over Hahnemann and dip into the net. Reading had a few chances as time ran out but found it impossible to break through the Wigan defence.

Royals Fans On TV
Added by HNA? on 21/12/01
A group of Reading fans will be making another appearance on ITV Sport Channel's soccer quiz show 'Do I Not Know That' tonight (Friday). If you pick up the channel then look out for Reading's team of five in action as they take on Kilmarnock and Macclesfield Town from their group which also includes Barnsley, Chelsea, Ipswich Town, Norwich City, Stoke City and Sunderland. The programme runs throughout the entire football season and has supporters representing 108 professional clubs, including all Nationwide and Premiership sides. The Reading team is well placed after being victorious in two previous shows. Good luck!
Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

URZ Products Now Available!
Added by HNA? on 21/12/01
Watch out for some top quality URZ branded products on sale outside the East Stand before the Wigan match, Saturday 22 December 2001. The club approved URZ salesman, with genuine permit, will be located outside the Jazz Cafe (also known as Shooters), and will have on offer a range of hats and keyrings for purchase. All profits from the sale of these items will be put straight back into the Royals Academy - the future of Reading Football Club. The range of products is also available for mail order. For full details, including pictures and prices, please follow the link below:

Kids A Quid Reminder
Added by HNA? on 19/12/01
Fans are reminded that children's tickets bought in advance for Saturday's home tie against Wigan Athletic are selling for just a pound. A decent crowd is expected as it's been three weeks since Reading last played at the Madesjki Stadium, and a large number will be kids taking advantage of the one pound admission. The offer only applies to tickets bought in advance of the day - children's tickets purhcased on the day will cost the usual full price of nine pounds! Other concessions and adult ticket prices remain the same as normal.

Whitbread And Casper Ruled Out
Added by HNA? on 19/12/01
Adie Whitbread has failed to make a successful return from injury this week after suffering further problems with his knee during training. Whitbread's injury leaves the way open for John Mackie to start alongside Williams in the centre of defence as Wigan visit the Madejski Stadium on Saturday. Meanwhile Chris Casper has suffered further problems after making his comeback in a reserve fixture. Casper is likely to need a further operation on his leg to repair the damage. After being out for two years through the injury Casper remains a long way off ever making a return to the first team set-up at Reading.

Brighton Game Off
Added by HNA? on 14/12/01
Tonight's game away at Brighton in the league has been postponed. The match was called off due to a freezing pitch after a 2:30pm pitch inspection. Initially the game was kept on this morning, but the pitch failed the later inspection with temperatures expected to dip well below freezing again tonight.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Royals Sign Loan 'Keeper
Added by HNA? on 13/12/01
Reading are set to sign Fulham third choice goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann on a month's loan. The American international goalkeeper looks set to step straight into the Reading line-up at the expense of Jamie Ashdown as the Royals travel to Brighton on Friday night. Ashdown could find himself back on the bench after three straight starts. Hahnemann will cover for Phil Whitehead who is expected to be out for about a month, and is then likely to return to Fulham. Hahnemann has already enjoyed a successful loan spell with third Division Rochdale this season - making seven appearances and keeping an impressive five clean sheets. At Fulham he made four starts last season conceeding a goal in each match.
Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

Viveash Added To Injury List
Added by HNA? on 10/12/01
Reading's current injury problems were extended on Saturday after Adrian Viveash was forced to limp off during the 0-2 defeat at York City. Viveash was replaced by Mackie with twenty minutes left to play and the Royals already the two goals down. Viveash's groin injury was confirmed today, and the player could be out for up to six weeks. With Whitbread still not fully fit, Mackie looks set to start alongside Adrian Williams in the centre of defence on Friday when the Royals travel to table-toppers Brighton and Hove Albion. However, Whitbread could be fit enough to be included in the squad as Reading attempt to get something from what will be a very difficult game.
Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

Get Your URZ Freebie!
Added by HNA? on 10/12/01
Look out for some top quality URZ products available soon! A range of merchandise, carrying the URZ brand, is currently being produced by fans and will be available to buy shortly. By buying a URZ product you'll be contributing directly to the Royals Academy who will receive all profits. Full details, when available, will appear on this site. To find out more, and to claim your URZ freebie, please follow the link below:

Reading Exit FA Cup
Added by HNA? on 08/12/01
Reading's third straight defeat saw them exit the FA Cup at the second stage of the competition this afternoon. York City didn't need a replay this season and put Reading straight out without a second game at the Madejski Stadium. Last season the Royals were able to score two at Bootham Crescent as the sides played out a 2-2 draw. This season we just couldn't find the net despite loads of second half possession and ended up going down 0-2. Once again the opposition took their chances while Reading looked weak up front with Jamie Cureton clearly out of form. York took the lead after just four minutes when the ball was crossed from the left and driven home from the middle of the area. It was 0-2 just before the break when the ball was crossed from the right and the ball was prodded home from the rebound after Ashdown made the initial save. Reading did find the net in injury time of the second half, but the goal was ruled out for a foul by Henderson. This was another poor performance from the Royals where the defeat was all we deserved.

Henderson To Start
Added by HNA? on 07/12/01
Darius Henderson is set to start tomorrow as Reading face York City at Bootham Crescent in the Second Round of the FA Cup. With Nicky Forster out suspended for one match, leading scorer Henderson will partner Jamie Cureton up front. Reading will be unable to play Charlton loan player John Salako but Graeme Murty is expected to make a return in the full back position, leaving no place for Rougier who had such a poor game mid-week. Reading will look to go one better than last season when they drew 2-2 at Bootham Crescent at the same stage of the competition, only to lose the replay 1-3 at the Madejski Stadium.

T-Shirts Sold Out!
Added by HNA? on 05/12/01
Many thanks to everyone that has ordered a Hob Nob Anyone? charity t-shirt. We're pleased to announce that we've pretty much sold out of our initial batch and have a profit of just over 200 pounds which will be split between the Imperial Cancer Research Fund and the Royals Academy. If you didn't get a t-shirt this time round then don't worry as we hope to do a new design sometime in the new year with profits going directly to the Royals Academy. Further information will be posted on the site in the future. Meanwhile we have a very small number of medium t-shirts remaining - please e-mail if you are interested. Thanks again to everyone that has helped the charities involved by buying a t-shirt.

Royals Stuffed At Barnet
Added by HNA? on 04/12/01
Reading were outplayed by non-league side Barnet tonight as the Royals made their exit from the LDV Vans trophy at the Underhill Stadium. Barnet always looked most likely to progress to the next round with some fast football that caused Reading plenty of difficulties. The home side took the lead after a well worked free kick was met in the area and put home. Reading immediately equalised after Henderson scored when Forster's shot hit the post, only to see Barnet regain the lead during the first half. Henderson tarnished his massive progression this season by picking up a red card for a bad challenge before the break. The second half saw Barnet seal victory against 10-man Reading, by scoring a third from a high ball and a fourth just on full time after Viveash was beaten allowing a easy tap-in. Although the exit from the competition probably causes no worries for Reading fans, the manner of the defeat might well do. Barnet deserved their victory after scoring four well taken goals - Reading on the other hand failed to create enough chances and then failed to take them when they did.

Winning Run Comes To An End
Added by HNA? on 01/12/01
Reading's run of seven straight victories ended with a disappointing 0-1 home defeat against Chesterfield this afternoon at the Madejski Stadium. The victory was Chesterfield's second away victory of the season, and Reading's fourth home defeat. The Royals were massive favourites for the win before kick-off but found themselves a goal behind after just ten minutes. The ball was crossed from the left and headed home well inside the area with the Reading defence hoping for the offside flag to go up. Jamie Ashdown, making his first ever league start, put in an impressive performance but didn't have a massive amount to do as Reading dominated the remainder of the game.
Reading had all the possession in the second half but somehow failed to find the net despite creating plenty of chances and winning a load of corners. Despite the poor result it wasn't a bad performance from the Royals - it was just one of those days where it didn't seem to go right. Out of the top teams, Brighton won at Bury to stay top of the table, Stoke didn't play, and Brentford lost 5-3 to Wycombe who move to three points behind Reading. Reading remain fourth.

Ashdown To Make League Debut
Added by HNA? on 30/11/01
Reading reserve goalkeeper, Jamie Ashdown, is set to make his league debut tomorrow as Reading take on Chesterfield at the Madejski Stadium. Ashdown, 21 today, has been on the bench all season long but has been retricted to a single start in the second round LDV fixture earlier this season. Ashdown gets his chance after Whitehead was ruled out with a thigh injury earlier this week. Whitehead, Reading's first choice keeper, is set to be out for another five weeks, and Pardew has brought in Tony Malessa to have ready on the bench. Malessa has been at both Oxford United and Bristol City but has played just a handful of games while at Bristol City last season. Ashdown remains the first choice keeper while Whitehead is out injured. Meanwhile John Salako has signed up for a second month at Reading on loan with a view to a permanent deal. Both Salako and Watson are set to play tomorrow, but it will be Watson's last game for the Royals.

Hob Nob T-Shirts Still Available
Added by HNA? on 29/11/01
The Hob Nob Anyone? charity t-shirt is still available in medium and large sizes. The t-shirt, which features the fans' number 13, would make an ideal Christmas present for anyone familiar with the HNA? website. Orders placed over the following couple of weeks will be posted straight out in time to arrive before Christmas. We hope to be able to present a cheque to both the Royals Academy and the Imperial Cancer Research fund in January after completing the sale of the remaining shirts over the next few weeks. If you're yet to buy your t-shirt, with all money raised going to charity, please follow the link below to find out more.

Salako To Extend Loan
Added by HNA? on 29/11/01
On-loan player John Salako looks set to extend his loan spell at Reading for a further month when his first month ends tomorrow. Salako has been a key player in Reading's revival this season after arriving at the start of November alongside Rotherham midfielder Kevin Watson. Both players have played in every game except the FA Cup victory over Welling United. Charlton look likely to allow Salako to stay on at Reading, however Watson will play his last game for the Royals on Saturday after Rotherham expressed they wish to recall their player. The news means Salako may be available for selection alongside Watson as Chesterfield visit the Madejski Stadium.
Rumour Rating: Likely

It's York In Round Two
Added by HNA? on 27/11/01
Reading will face York City in the second round of the FA Cup, after City beat Colchester United at home tonight in the replay of their first round tie. Colchester forced extra-time and penalties after a late equaliser at the end of the second half to make it 2-2, however York were victorious by three penalties to two. Reading will travel to York on Saturday 8 December. City put Reading out of the FA Cup last season at the same stage of the competition - winning in the replay at our place after we drew 2-2 at York.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Whitehead Out For Six Weeks
Added by HNA? on 27/11/01
Reading goalkeeper Phil Whitehead could be out for as long as six weeks after sustaining an injury during Saturday's 2-1 victory over Peterborough. Whitehead has been in fine form all season, missing just the one game when Jamie Ashdown was given a game for the LDV Second round fixture. Whitehead's thigh injury is a big blow for the Royals but hands Ashdown a chance for some first team action. Ashdown, who celebrates his 21st birthday on Friday, could be set to step right into the first team for Saturday's league game against Chesterfield at the Madejski Stadium. In the meantime, Pardew will almost certainly be on the hunt for a new loan signing - to at least provide some cover for Ashdown.
Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

Henderson To The Rescue!
Added by HNA? on 24/11/01
Reading's amazing run of form continued today with a dramatic victory over Peterborough United at London Road. The Royals trailed 0-1 as the game entered the last ten minutes, after the home side had taken an early first half lead. Henderson's introduction from the bench, and the dismissal of a Peterborough player for a second booking, saw Reading somehow turn the game around to grab victory. Henderson pulled Reading level with a header from a Salako cross with seven minutes to play. With the game entering injury time it was Henderson again getting on the end of a Salako cross to send a beautiful header across the keeper and into the back of the net. The referee wasn't exactly popular with the home fans - but Henderson will be the most popular man in Reading tonight. Two goals from the super sub and the full three points for the Royals to take us within two points of the top of the table. This latest victory extends Reading's run to seven straight wins - five of those have been in the league. It's the best run we've had for years - expect a massive crowd for next Saturday's home tie against Chesterfield.

Gamble And Henderson Sign
Added by HNA? on 20/11/01
Joe Gamble and Darius Henderson put pen to paper tonight to sign extended contracts to keep them at the club until 2004. The players appeared on the pitch before the victory over Tranmere with John Madejski to announce the news. Both players look like they could play a huge part in the coming seasons, and it's great news they're getting tied down to Reading Football Club. Gamble has made one start for the Royals and come of the bench five times since signing in August 2000. Henderson has become a regular in the first team set up at Reading this season after signing a full contract in 1999 and has already made over thirty appearances. Darius has already scored an impressive seven goals this season despite only making a handful of starts. He capped off a great evening by scoring Reading's fourth goal tonight, in injury time after coming off the bench, to give us a 4-1 victory over Tranmere Rovers.

Reading Make It Eight From Nine
Added by HNA? on 20/11/01
Reading made it eight wins from nine matches - and six straight wins - with a 4-1 victory over Tranmere Rovers at the Madejski Stadium tonight. Reading strengthened their league position with a decent showing and with some moments of real class to overcome ten man Tranmere with ease. The Royals looked most likely well before Tranmere had a player sent off inside the first half after he appeared to punch Mackie. Reading took the lead a few minutes later after Neil Smith got on the end of a Forster ball into the area. Forster himself made it two before the break with a great individual goal. Tranmere made a good start to the second half but Reading looked far more comfortable and made it three after a long move, in which every Reading player must have touched the ball, ended with Forster scoring from a tight angle on the left. Tranmere pulled one back to make it 3-1, only for substitute Henderson to score in injury time, making it 4-1 after the keeper came racing out of his area. This was another great result, and a great performance, from the Royals as the promotion bid really starts to get some speed up.

Colchester Or York In Round Two
Added by HNA? on 19/11/01
Reading have been drawn away against either Colchester United or York City in the second round of the FA Cup. The two sides drew 0-0 at Colchester on Saturday and Reading have to wait for the results of the replay to see where they travel on 8 December. York City put Reading out of the FA Cup last season at the same stage of the competitin - winning in the replay at our place after we drew 2-2 at York.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Victory In FA Cup
Added by HNA? on 19/11/01
A single Jamie Cureton goal was enough to give the Royals victory over non-league Welling United at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday. Reading always looked most likely to win the match but were helped out further when Welling were reduced to 10-men during the first half after a second booking for their number three. After a dull first half Reading made chance after chance in the second half as they looked to score a few goals. Cureton scored the only one after half an hour with a great header from a Shorey cross from the left. Reading had other opportunities to extend the league but Welling almost grabbed an equaliser when Whitehead saved a rare Welling shot with his legs.

Fans Forum Details
Added by HNA? on 16/11/01
Thanks to RFSC, details of last weeks fans forum are now available. The forum took place at Shooters at the Madejski Stadium and concentrated on matters on the pitch with Alan Pardew and Kevin Dillon present to take questions from the fans.
November 2001 Fans Forum
Rumour Rating: Definite

North Stand Closed For Welling Game
Added by HNA? on 12/11/01
The North Stand and the Upper West stand are closed for the visit of Dr. Marten's side Welling United on Saturday. The FA Cup first round tie is not expected to produce a large Madejski Stadium crowd with the game being the third in a series of four straight home games. Welling United normally attract around 500 people for their home games, so even if they bring them all the attendance should be Reading's second lowest of the season. Tickets have been reduced by two pounds for the fixture meaning adult tickets, purchased in advance, are eleven pounds instead of the normal fifteen.

Royals Return To Form
Added by HNA? on 10/11/01
Reading continued their excellent run of results with a 3-2 victory over Bristol City at the Madejski Stadium this afternoon, to make it six wins from seven matches. The game not only saw the right result for the Royals but a full return to form as Reading played some excellent football in a highly entertaining game. This kind of victory was impossible to imagine just a few weeks ago, but this latest win sees Reading tighten their hold on fourth place in the table. Reading got stuck in straight from kick-off and more than played their part in a frantic ninety minutes of football. Reading's direct on-the-ground football saw Mackie score in a crowded area to put Reading ahead after twelve minutes. City equalised after a defensive mix up only for Reading to re-take the lead after Lever put the goal in his own net after a Neil Smith long throw. In the second half a fantastic passing move saw Murty set up Hughes to cross for Salako to drive home from a tight angle on the left. City pulled one back with 30 minutes still to play but Reading remained in front for a deserved 3-2 victory.

Butler Suffers Serious Ankle Injury
Added by Justin on 07/11/01
Martin Butler, stretchered off during last night's win over Wrexham, has suffered serious damage to his ankle which will keep him out for four or five months, Reading FC have today confirmed. Butts broke his ankle and fibia and suffered ligament damage competing for a ball on the touchline after his foot stuck in the ground. Get well soon Martin.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Royals Jump To Fourth
Added by HNA? on 06/11/01
Reading jumped to fourth in the Second Division table tonight with a 2-0 home victory over Wrexham. The Royals pulled off a comfortable win without ever threatening to seriously entertain, in front of a below average Madejski Stadium crowd. Salako looked the sharpest in the first half with a decent shot on goal and then setting up Cureton who could have scored. Butler looked out of form as the Royals rarely threatened overall. Wrexham had a similar small number of shots on target as the game remained 0-0 at half time. Hughes put in a couple of crosses at the start of the second half but it took the introduction of Forster for the injured Butler to give Reading a spark as the game entered the last half hour. Reading had most of the game and were rewarded when Forster scored from the right with just over twenty minutes to play. Henderson could have made it 2-0 but came off second best when taking on the keeper. However he made up for a it a few minutes later with a strike from the right that went in off the far post to make it 2-0. The victory means Reading have now won four out of the last five league fixtures to jump ten places higher.

Barnet In Round Three
Added by HNA? on 05/11/01
Reading will play Conference side Barnet in the third round of the LDV Trophy, after last week's home victory over Colchester United at the Madejski Stadium. The game will take place on Tuesday 4 December at Barnet who have already beaten beaten Bournemouth 2-1 at home in the first round of the competition. In the second round Barnet travelled to Northampton to pull off a 1-0 victory. Meanwhile Reading will meet Welling in the first round of the FA Cup after the side beat Folkestone 5-1 in the replay of their qualifying round match.

Cureton And Butler Score In 2-0 Win
Added by HNA? on 04/11/01
Reading's first game since the departure of assistant manager Martin Allen went a long way to settling some of the worry about Reading's season. This 2-0 victory at Northampton made it three straight away victories in the league and lifted us to eighth place - our highest position since mid-September. This was a good performance from Reading helped on by the performances of the two new loan signings who stepped straight into the starting eleven - Rotherham's Kevin Watson and Charlton's John Salako. After a quiet first half Reading took the lead seven minutes into the start of the second half when Salako set up Jamie Cureton who scored his fourth goal in four league matches. Northampton pressed to get back into the game during the second half and put Reading under plenty of pressure, but the defence held strong with a couple of clearances off the line to keep the lead. Reading's day was complete in injury time at the end of the second half when Martin Butler scored his first goal from open play of the season. It was a vital goal that killed Northampton off and gave Reading the full three points. The goal completed another away win with Cureton and Butler both on the score sheet - reasons to be very happy as Reading look to make up for the poor season so far.

Salako And Watson Arrive On Loan
Added by Justin on 02/11/01
Reading have today announced the signings of Rotherham captain Kevin Watson and Charlton winger John Salako, both on one-month loans.
27-year-old Watson, an ever present in midfield in Rotherham's promotion drive last season, has found it difficult to hold down a regular place this season and will be expected to improve the link up play between midfield and the front two. Salako, 33, has made five appearances for England but just four this season for Charlton, and will give Pardew's side extra options down the left side.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Martin Allen Sacked
Added by Alec on 01/11/01
Martin Allen has parted company from the Royals. He was ordered not to attend any more training sessions by the club yesterday, and was due for talks with Royals chief executive Nigel Howe at the Madejski Stadium this morning to finalise details of his pay-off. Among the main contenders to replace him is reserves and Academy boss Kevin Dillon, who is known to be the players' choice.
Rumour Rating: Definite

Royals Beat Colchester In LDV
Added by Justin on 31/10/01
A young Reading side overcame one of the Royals' bogey teams with a 2-1 win last night to progress to the second round of the LDV Vans Trophy. With Viveash taking the captain's armband, Shorey, Gamble, Mackie, Ashdown and Henderson all started and imnpressed as Reading adopted a more flowing attacking style than has been seen in recent weeks. Forster forced a great save from U's keeper Brown and hit a few long shots wide before Neil Smith headed Reading in front from a Shorey corner on the stroke of half time.
Viveash was forced to clear a McGleish shot off the line after Ashdown spilt the ball after an hour, but Reading made more and more chances as the second half went on and Henderson made amends for missing a couple of sitters by curling home a second goal on 73 minutes. United sub Micky Stockwell replied with a well struck shot low to Ashdown's right soon afterwards, but couldn't break through an energetic and determined Reading defence.

Next Update
Added by HNA? on 30/10/01
The next update to Hob Nob Anyone? will be on Sunday after Reading's trip to Northampton in the league. We're taking a short mid-season break to try and forget our recent league performances! This means that we won't have a report up right after the Colchester United game - but please send your opinion in for this game and the Northampton game as usual to the usual address (opinion@royals.org). Full reports and opinion on these games will appear in the next update. In the meantime, for the latest developments, please check out the discussion boards where you'll find everything you need to know...

Low Attendance Expected
Added by HNA? on 29/10/01
A low turn-out is expected tomorrow night as Reading face Colchester United in the Second Round of the LDV Vans trophy. The Royals received a bye in the first round and were then drawn at home against Colchester United after they beat Swindon Town 1-0 in their first round fixture. Both the North and Upper West stands will be closed as the club struggle to attract fans to watch the game. Prices have been cut to eight pounds for adults and just a pound for children for advance sales, but these prices have failed to attract much interest. Tickets on the night will be ten pounds for adults and five pounds for concessions. The previous lowest crowd for a competitive Reading match was two seasons ago in the first round of this competition when 1,561 turned up to watch a dull 1-0 victory over Orient. Pardew is expected to give a game to some fringe first team players in a game in which the result has little meaning.