No Christmas Cheer For Royals
Added by HNA? on 27/12/02
Another club leap-frogged Reading in the table on Boxing Day to push Reading out of the play-off positions and into seventh place in the First Division table. Coventry were the latest side to defeat Reading by two goals to nil to increase Reading's run of 0-2 defeats to three straight league games. The Royals were once again second best against a Coventry side that enjoyed most of the game in front of their home fans. Reading struggled to create many opportunities up front with the unusual pairing of Hughes and Cureton, with Forster out injured. Brown made his Reading debut in the centre of defence, and despite a good showing, was unable to keep City out as they continued to look dangerous coming forward. Coventry took the lead just before the half time break when a cross from the left was headed home past Hahnemann. City extended their lead after the break with a superb solo goal that left the Reading defence standing and was finished with style to earn the three points. Pardew introduced Tyson and Henderson in the second half in an attempt to give Reading something in attack - but we failed to put the Coventry keeper under any pressure in a weak attacking performance.

Forster Out For Two Weeks
Added by HNA? on 23/12/02
Reading striker Nicky Forster is expected to be out for two weeks after limping off during the first half of Reading's 0-2 away defeat at Nottingham Forest on Saturday. Forster has become a vital player for the Royals this season playing as the only striker in a 4-5-1 formation. The lack of Forster will force Reading manager Alan Pardew into changing the way Reading have been playing after a successful few months with Forster up front by himself. On Saturday Nathan Tyson came off the bench to play up front - but it seems unlikely that he would continue that role and Jamie Cureton and Martin Butler may have the opportunity to renew their partnership up front for the Royals. Forster is expected to miss the Christmas and New Year fixtures with his confirmed hamstring injury.
Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

Royals Well Beaten At Forest
Added by HNA? on 22/12/02
Reading suffered another Division One defeat this weekend with a conclusive defeat at play-off rivals Nottingham Forest. The home side entirely outplayed Reading throughout the game - and Reading can consider themselves lucky to escape with just the 0-2 lose. The defeat cemented the end of Reading's recent run of good form - the run has suddenly reversed itself with Reading unable to find the net and starting to leak goals. After a run of seven games without conceeding a goal and the departure of Matthew Upson, Reading have let in four in the last two games. The Royals have also failed to find the back of the net in the last three fixtures. Forest got off to an excellent start, putting Reading under instant pressure, and going a goal up after just three minutes. Reading lost possession in midfield and the defence fell to pieces when the ball was crossed from the right and hit home from the middle. Reading managed just a single shot on target during the whole first half when a Salako free-kick was easily saved. Further bad news followed when Nicky Forster limped off during the first half to be replaced by Tyson up front. Tyson worked hard but suffered from lack of service up front. The second half saw Reading struggle to make any impression on the game with Forest in full control as they always looked likely to extend their lead. It was 0-2 with 67 minutes on the clock and all over for Reading who failed to find a single meaningful shot during the entire second half.

Brown Signs
Added by HNA? on 19/12/02
Reading have filled the gap in the squad left by the departure of loan player Matthew Upson by completing the signing of Charlton's Steve Brown today. Central defender Brown signs on a free transfer with a contract that will keep him at Reading until the end of the 2004/2005 season. Thirty year old Brown has been at Charlton for the entire of his professional career - he signed a professional contract in 1990 after joining the club as a trainee. Brown is well known by Reading manager Alan Pardew as the two were former team mates during Pardew's Charlton playing days. Brown has played Premiership football with Charlton and made approaching 300 appearances for the side (including well over 200 starts) before signing for the Royals. He also managed to score 11 goals during his career with the Addicks. Brown started the season making appearances in the Premiership before getting edged out of the starting line-up in favour of players brought in to strengthen the squad. His last appearance was during September 2002 when he came off the bench during a 2-0 away defeat at Aston Villa. Brown will be available for immediate selection and could appear on Saturday as the Royals travel to Nottingham Forest for the First Division fixture.
Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

Mackie Apology
Added by HNA? on 17/12/02
John Mackie has publically apologised for his comments made to Sheffield United's Carl Asaba following Saturday's 0-2 home defeat. Mackie admitted that he launched a verbal attack on Asaba after the game - an attack that included racial abuse in the heat of the moment. In a press conference held this morning at the club Mackie was flanked by John Salako and Tony Rougier as he read a statement that concluded he regretted his comments and was taking a two week wage fine that will be given to the Kick Racism Out of Football campaign. The action follows Sheffield United's statement yesterday that they were reporting Mackie to the FA and the PFA. The fine should allow Mackie to continue in the centre of defence without the risk of being dropped, which is good news for the team after Upson returned to Arsenal last week. Hopefully Mackie has learnt his lesson and can continue in the professional light in which he was regarded prior to his outburst at the weekend.
Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

United Report Mackie
Added by HNA? on 16/12/02
Reading defender John Mackie has been reported to the FA by Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock after incidents during and after the Royals 0-2 home defeat on Saturday. Mackie was called straight into the Reading side after Matthew Upson returned to Arsenal at the end of his loan period. Mackie had an excellent first half, despite his recent lack of first team action, before Reading's defence crumbled in the second half under pressure from the visitors. United are claiming that Mackie directed racial abuse towards ex-Reading player Carl Asaba after the game. The players appeared to clash in the tunnel at full time following an earlier incident between the players on the pitch when Asaba appeared to elbow Mackie in the head. Perhaps Mackie was unable to control his reaction to the incident after the game - but it would be no suprise to hear from Mackie that the incident went both ways.
Rumour Rating: Slight Possibility

Royals Lose Out To Play-Off Rivals
Added by HNA? on 14/12/02
Reading's unbeaten run finally came to an end today with a home defeat against play-off rivals Sheffield United at the Madejski Stadium. United won the match with the first goals scored against the Royals in well over 700 minutes of First Division football. After Reading's defence was finally beaten on the hour, the visitors sealed the win with a simple goal, with fifteen minutes left to play, when a cross provided a free header that was well taken, making it 0-2. The defence would be disappointed with their second half performance but Reading defended well during the first half but struggled against a well organised Sheffield United. Reading failed to find any space coming forward and passes failed to find their targets as chances were very few and far between. Reading improved at the start of the second half with a Hughes header and a Forster effort just wide - but couldn't respond to United taking the lead. Pardew put Butler and Cureton on in an attempt to get into the game but Reading were caught on the break as United continued to look by far the more dangerous side.

Walsall In Round Three
Added by HNA? on 08/12/02
Reading have been matched against First Division rivals Walsall in the draw for the third round of the FA Cup made today. Earlier this season Reading managed a 2-0 victory at the Bescot Stadium with two goals from Andy Hughes - something we'll be hoping to repeat after getting drawn away. The game will take place in Walsall on Saturday 4 January 2003 - just 14 days before Walsall are due to visit the Madejski Stadium for the return league fixture. The last time the two sides met in the FA Cup was in 1951 when Reading were 1-0 winners at Elm Park.

Defence Remains Unbeatable
Added by HNA? on 07/12/02
Reading completed another league fixture without conceeding a goal this afternoon and extended the perfect defensive record to seven games, as Matthew Upson played his last game on loan for the Royals. But the clean sheet wasn't enough to earn a victory as the winning run finally come to an end with league leaders Portmouth claiming a point in a 0-0 draw at the Madejski Stadium. The biggest crowd ever to watch Reading play at the Madejski, a huge 23,462, was treated to a lively fixture between two sides determined to play football. Although the game turned scrappy at times, and wasn't blessed with a massive amount of chances, it was good entertainment for a sold out Madejski Stadium, as Reading put in another solid Division One performance. Reading had the better chances overall and could well have taken the lead during the last ten minutes of the first half when they controlled the game with Forster and Harper both coming close to finding the net. Hislop needed to pull off an excellent save to keep the scores level, while Hahnemann wasn't troubled down the other end with a series of weak Portsmouth free-kicks. The second half saw fewer chances despite Reading ending the game with Forster, Cureton and Butler all on the pitch as they attempted to find the late winner. In the end it was a good point for both sides but Reading may consider themselves unlucky not to take the full three points.

Last Few Tickets Left
Added by HNA? on 04/12/02
Saturday's top of the table clash against Portsmouth at the Madejski Stadium has nearly entirely sold out. There are now just a handful of tickets available for the Upper West stand which are expected to sell out today. Portsmouth sold out their full allocation early last week to make sure that Saturday should see a full house at the Madejski and perhaps the Stadium's biggest ever attendance watching the Royals. Reading will be looking to extend their run of wins to seven straight games, meanwhile Portsmouth will be on the hunt for their fifth consecutive victory to extend their lead at the top of the First Division table. Game, and atmosphere, of the season so far is expected.

Pardew Takes Manager Of Month Award
Added by HNA? on 02/12/02
As expected, and rightly so, Alan Pardew has picked up the November Nationwide Manager of the Month award for Division One. The award comes after an amazing month for the Royals under Pardew's management, which has seen us take five wins from five during the month without letting a single goal in. Reading started the month in tenth place and finished the month well inside the play-off positions after climbing to fifth in the table. Reading top the form table in the Division with table toppers Portsmouth the only side close to matching Reading's recent unbeatable form. Reading's defensive record remains the best in the Division with just 14 goals conceeded in twenty league fixtures. Saturday sees the Division's two most in form sides clash at the Madejski Stadium as Portsmouth visit with Reading looking to make it seven straight wins.
Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

Another 1-0 Win!
Added by HNA? on 30/11/02
Alan Pardew successfully completed a perfect November for Reading Football Club this afternoon with yet another 1-0 away victory, to cement Reading's position in the First Division play-off places. This latest win, which puts Pardew as firm favourite for manager of the month, made it six straight wins from six league fixtures - without conceeding a single goal in the process. Five of the run have come in November - and three of them have been away from home. It's an amazing run of form. Brighton were the latest team to find no way past Reading's unbeatable defence after John Salako scored Reading's only goal mid-way through the first half.

Royals Leap To Fourth
Added by HNA? on 27/11/02
Reading extended their amazing First Divsion record this season last night with a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. We're starting to get all too used to winning - and what a superb feeling it is. This latest victory made it our fifth straight win without letting a goal in - and made it eight league victories from ten fixtures. It really is championship winning form - and with nineteen games of the season played Reading are now riding high in fourth place in the table with the best defensive record in the Division. With only four teams in action last night, Reading leapt above Sheffield United, Wolves, and Nottingham Forest - and we still have a game in hand over the three teams above us. Palace, who had previously lost just four league fixtures all season, we're beaten by a Nicky Forster goal after 39 minutes after the striker made an impressive return from injury to start the game. Forster's low shot from the edge of the box was a rare chance during the first half for the Royals who looked well organised against a Palace side that were restricted to long range efforts. The second half saw another excellent performance from Hahnemann in the Reading goal as Reading held on to the single goal lead.

Butler And Cureton Set To Start
Added by HNA? on 26/11/02
Martin Butler and Jamie Cureton are set to continue up front tonight as the Royals travel to Crystal Palace for the re-arranged league fixture. Nicky Forster has recovered from a knee problem and could start - but he seems likely to being on the bench with Butler and Cureton keeping their place in a possible 4-4-2 line-up. Ricky Newman will also be available for selection as he returns from his one game ban that saw him left out of action during Saturday's 1-0 home win over Watford. Reading remain the most in-form side in the First Division, however Palace have only lost four league fixtures all season long compared to Reading's six.

Upson Faces Recall?
Added by HNA? on 25/11/02
On-loan player Matthew Upson may be set to return to Arsenal before the end of his loan period. Arsenal are set to be without Sol Campbell who picks up a two game suspension and still have Martin Keown sidelined through injury. Meanwhile, it could be argued that Upson is in far better form than current Arsenal first choice Pascal Cygan. Rumour has it that Wenger may bring back Upson, who has made over 20 premiership starts for Arsenal in the past, to provide cover for his missing players. Upson has been superb during his time at Reading - making ten league starts and turning Reading's defensive record to the best in the Division.
Rumour Rating: Slight Possibility

Now Seven Wins From Nine
Added by HNA? on 25/11/02
Reading made it a stunning seven wins from nine league fixtures at the weekend with a 1-0 home victory over Watford. The game saw the Royals fourth straight win without conceeding a goal - and they had Marcus Hahnemann in goal to thank for that, after another excellent performance. Hahnemann saved a powerful first half penalty after Upson handled in the area and he dominated the Reading area as Watford threatened to take the lead. Reading's winner came on the hour after Watson eventually found the back of the net with his fourth or fifth long range effort of the game. His other attempts all flew high or wide or both - but this one found a Watford defender and deflected into the back of the net. Reading increased the pressure and saw Butler hit the crossbar after a period of pressure inside the Watford area, but the single goal was enough to win it.

Christmas Sale Of URZ Products
Added by HNA? on 21/11/02
With Christmas 2002 coming up, the full range of URZ products has now been reduced to provide a range of inexpensive stocking fillers! The URZ Promotion t-shirt is now available at half price - selling at just £4 per t-shirt. All hats and caps have also been reduced and are just £4 per item. Orders placed now will be delivered well before Christmas. The purchase of any of these URZ products will automatically give financial support to our very own Reading FC Academy - the price of any of these products includes a cash donation to the Academy.

Big Portsmouth Crowd Expected
Added by HNA? on 18/11/02
Reading are expecting the biggest home crowd of the season, and one of the Madejski Stadium's biggest gates, on Saturday 7 December when Portsmouth visit the Royals. The game is perhaps the biggest local derby for Reading this season and is sure to pull a huge crowd with Portsmouth currently seven points clear at the top of the table and Reading being in excellent recent form. Portsmouth have already fully sold out their allocation for the game ensuring a full away end. The game has been made all-ticket, with all stands reserved seating, and will kick-off at the earlier time of 12 noon on police advice. Reading's biggest home attendance so far this season was the 19,524 that saw the Royals stuff Ipswich Town 3-1 in October.
Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

Williams Gets Call Up
Added by HNA? on 18/11/02
Adrian Williams has been called into the Welsh International squad after a player was forced to drop out giving Williams the chance to add to his total of twelve caps for Wales. The last time Williams appeared for his country was in 2000, and he will be hoping to keep his place in the squad after recent improvements in his club performances. Wales face Azerbaijan in their European qualifying group on Wednesday having already won their opening two games so far (against Finland and an impressive home win over Italy).
Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

Fruitless Trip Up North
Added by HNA? on 16/11/02
Reading's game against Sheffield United, at Bramall Lane, was called off just an hour before kick-off this afternoon. A 2pm pitch inspection declared the pitch waterlogged - much to the massive disappointment of the travelling Reading team and supporters that had already arrived in Sheffield. There were huge question marks over the late postponement - and it was hard to imagine that the pitch really was unplayable with all other games in the area taking place. If the pitch really was flooded then the game should surely have been called off earlier and Sheffield United need to look seriously at their drainage. It was a normal wet November day and as we began our walk to the ground after parking up it had already stopped raining, making it a real shock to hear the game was off. Although Reading missed out on the chance to continue their excellent run of form, the Royals sunk just one place in the table as Wolves jumped to sixth place on goal difference. Reading are now seventh in the table but have two games in hand over the majority of the rest of the Division. Rather than simply turn around and drive another three and a half hours back to Reading we burnt it over to Millmoor to watch Rotherham take on Burnley - on a pitch in excellent condition despite being just ten miles away from the "flooded" Bramall Lane. The game was an interesting investigation into the teams just below Reading in the table - and gave us massive confidence that we'll be above both these sides come the end of the season.

Royals Go Top Six
Added by HNA? on 10/11/02
Reading moved into the Division One play-off positions this weekend with yet another league victory - winning 1-0 away at Gillingham. The win was Reading's sixth win in eight fixtures - and our third consecutive win without conceeding a goal. Reading's sixth place in the table is the highest we've been all season and is a massive achievement when you consider the positions of Stoke City (22nd) and Brighton (24th) who were also promoted from Division Two last season. Tony Rougier scored the only goal of the game at Gillingham with less than ten minutes left to play when Nicky Forster provided the cross which gave Rougier a simple finish six yards out from goal. Rougier's fifth Reading career goal was enough to win a fairly even encounter in which Reading's defence held out well against a few periods of Gillingham pressure. Reading, the most in form side in the Division, travel to Sheffield United next Saturday in what could now be considered a promotion clash.

Millwall Well Beaten
Added by HNA? on 02/11/02
Reading made it five wins from seven league fixtures this afternoon with a 2-0 victory over Millwall at the Madejski Stadium in front of just over thirteen thousand fans. The Royals put in another excellent performance to pull off another home victory and keep yet another clean sheet. Reading's defence looked solid throughout with Upson having perhaps his best game yet for the Royals. A packed Reading midfield allowed the Royals to prevent many dangerous Millwall attacks, and Nicky Forster again worked hard up front. Forster put Reading ahead after just five minutes when he headed home an excellent James Harper cross. Forster had other chances to increase the lead in the first half before Millwall enjoyed a better second half as Reading failed to finish them off. However, Andy Hughes put the result beyond any doubt in injury time with a great finish and matching goal celebration after a well worked free-kick.

Shorey Seals It
Added by HNA? on 29/10/02
Nicky Shorey popped up to score his first ever league football goal and earn the full three points for the Royals at the Madejski Stadium tonight. The only goal of the game came deep within the second half with Reading desperately trying to find the net to grab the victory they deserved against a poor Bradford City side. After a scrappy start Reading settled down to create a whole series of chances for Nicky Forster up front. Forster lacked the support and failed to find the net despite a series of shots across goal and a couple of efforts that were saved by the keeper. Forster earnt a penalty in the second half but his bad luck continued with the keeper pulling off a great save from the resulting spot-kick. Butler had a chance to put Reading ahead before Shorey eventually came to the rescue - scoring from his second chance after continued Reading pressure. Bradford went close in the dying minutes as Reading held on to the slim victory that took them back to tenth in the first Division table.

Royals Look To Bounce Back
Added by HNA? on 28/10/02
Reading will be looking to bounce back from Saturday's 0-1 away defeat at Preston, with the visit of Bradford City to the Madejski Stadium on Tuesday night (8pm kick-off). Reading went down to a single Preston goal midway through the first half on Saturday, that was scored against the run of play with Reading getting off to a decent start. Despite the goal Reading still looked likely to take something from the game against a very average Preston side, but failed to take hold of the game in the second half. Reading appeared to run out of ideas to break Preston down and fizzled out towards the end. Despite the defeat Reading remain in the top half of the table. Meanwhile, Bradford City managed a 2-1 home win over Norwich to go just a single place in the table behind the Royals. The game is now a real mid-table fixture - but with the home advantage Reading should be looking for the full three points to cement a place in the top half of Division One.

Millwall Game All Ticket
Added by HNA? on 22/10/02
As expected, the Division One home fixture against Millwall has been made all ticket to prevent travelling fans from picking up tickets on the day. No tickets will be available to buy on the day of the game - so you must remember to buy your ticket in advance from the Madejski Stadium ticket office. The match takes place at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday 2 November and will also kick-off at the earlier time of 12 noon after police advice, to ensure that the game finishes in daylight.

Rougier Ruled Out
Added by HNA? on 21/10/02
Anthony Rougier has been ruled out for approximately two weeks after confirmation he broke a toe during Saturday's 3-1 victory over Ipswich Town. Rougier limped off during the second half after spending a good five minutes gesturing to the bench that he couldn't continue. Rougier's injury was allegedly caused after an Ipswich player "stamped" on his right foot. Scans performed this morning confirmed the injury, although the club are confident on a quick recovery. The injury remains a big blow for Rougier who had managed to earn himself a regular place in the starting eleven, and after finding the net during Reading's 1-1 draw against Stoke City last month. Rougier seems likely to miss Saturday's trip to Preston North End as Reading hope to continue their excellent league form.
Rumour Rating: Almost Certain

Forster Hat-Trick Wins It
Added by HNA? on 19/10/02
Reading over-powered Ipswich Town at the Madejski Stadium this afternoon in front of a huge crowd of nearly 20,000 - and had Nicky Forster to thank for three goals that earnt the victory. Reading's 3-1 win, against a side that were in the Premiership last season, cemented tenth place in the table for the Royals and made it four straight games unbeaten in the league. During a relatively even first half Reading went ahead just before the half hour when Forster put his head on a free kick at the far post to make it 1-0. Forster doubled the lead five minutes before the break with a fantastic goal from well outside the area wide on the right. His shot from distance flew across the face of the goal, beat the keeper, and powered into the far side of the net. Down the other end Marcus Hahnemann, back in goal for Reading, made a string of excellent saves to keep Reading ahead. Ipswich pulled one back in the second half from a free-kick but lost the game on 67 minutes when they were rightly reduced to ten men when Counago appeared to punch Adrian Williams. The rest of the game belonged to Reading who looked by far the better side, taking full advantage of the extra man. Forster wrapped up his hat-trick, and the win for Reading, with twenty minutes left to play when his pace cleared the defence and he broke into the area to score from the right. Reading were happy to play the ball around with time running out with Ipswich a well beaten side. This was an excellent win in front of a big crowd and Reading's season continues to go from strength to strength.

Notes From STAR Meeting
Added by HNA? on 17/10/02
Full notes from STAR (Supporters Trust At Reading)'s meeting with Reading Football Club are now available. The meeting, which took place earlier this week, covered topics that were requested by fans to be raised to the club. Once again the club failed to give real answers on the many-season-old issues of smoke in the concourses and the poor food that's available at the Madejski Stadium. These two common issues continually see the club agree there's a problem but fail to produce an answer. Hopefully continual pressure from STAR will eventually see a resolution - or at least some progress. Other issues covered included ticket pricing and policy and stewarding policies. Follow the link below for the full report:

Royals Remain In Top Ten
Added by HNA? on 12/10/02
Reading stayed in the top ten in the First Division today - despite the game against Crystal Palace being called off due to Palace's international call-ups. Six games in the Division did go ahead, which saw wins for Burnley, Watford, and managerless Ipswich Town - who the Royals face next week at the Madejski Stadium. Millwall remain in the bottom five in the Division after only managing a draw at home against fellow strugglers Wimbledon. The Royals now have a game in hand over a selection of teams in the Division and remain in the top half of the table with a quarter of the season already behind us.

Viveash Talks Continue
Added by HNA? on 11/10/02
Adrian Viveash's talks with Oxford United about a permanent move have "been going on all week" according to the Third Division club. Oxford are keen to bring Viveash back to the Kassam Stadium for at least an extended loan period - and were hoping to extend the loan to enable Viveash to stay on after his loan period ended last weekend. Viveash is contracted to the Royals until the end of the season and Reading may wish Viveash to remain under that contract. As it turns out Viveash is extremely unlikely to play for Oxford in their game this weekend after returning to Reading during the week. Viveash played eight straight games for Oxford including their League Cup victory over Premiership Charlton at The Valley.
Rumour Rating: Likely

Pardew Claims Hughes Is Wanted Man
Added by HNA? on 10/10/02
Reading manager Alan Pardew has claimed that midfielder Andy Hughes is a man wanted by at least half the Premiership, after his recent impressive performances for the Royals. Rumour has it that there were 10 Premiership scouts at Grimsby on Saturday watching Andy Hughes as he played a big part in Reading's 3-0 away victory. Hughes had another excellent game with a superb goal, after running through from the middle of the field, that put Reading on their way to picking up the three points. The rumours have been enough to link Hughes with West Ham United, Charlton and Aston Villa. It is very unlikely that Reading have received any potential offers leading Pardew to state that Hughes is definately not going anywhere.
Rumour Rating: Likely

Royals Win 3-0 Away From Home
Added by HNA? on 05/10/02
Reading pulled off an excellent 3-0 away victory this afternoon to topple Grimsby Town at Blundell Park and leap-frog Derby County to go ninth in the First Division table. Reading's excellent recent away from continued as Reading knocked up their third away victory of the season with a solid performance. The result seemed never in doubt with Reading getting stuck right into the game and outplaying the home side during the opening 45 minutes. Reading, who reverted to a 4-5-1 formation, went 1-0 up after just 13 minutes when Hughes ran through the middle and put the ball under the goalkeeper. The lively Nicky Forster, playing up front, made it 2-0 with 32 minutes on the clock when he took the ball round a defender and past the keeper before putting it into the back of the net. Grimsby enjoyed a better game in the second half but still failed to trouble the Reading defence. Reading sealed the win with a bizarre goal with the final piece of action of the game. Henderson was tackled just inside the Grimsby half and the ball flew off the defender and looped all the way into the back of the net flying over a confused Grimsby keeper. It was an amazing freak goal that gave Reading a superb away victory.

Oxford Look To Sign Viveash
Added by HNA? on 04/10/02
Third Division Oxford United are aiming to complete the permanent signing of Adrian Viveash next week when his loan period comes to an end at the club. Viveash has made seven starts for Oxford since joining on a months loan - five of those games coming in the league. Adrian has impressed throughout, and is certain to start tomorrow for his final game on loan as Oxford take on Scunthorpe. The Oxford manager has stated that Viveash has been "excellent" and that the club would "love to make the move permanent". It remains to be seen if Reading would be interested in disposing of Viveash's services. However, the full signing of Matthew Upson from Arsenal could signal the completion of Viveash's move to the inferior Thames Valley side.
Rumour Rating: Likely

Hahnemann Should Start
Added by HNA? on 04/10/02
Despite some doubt over the appearance of Marcus Hahnemann for the trip to Grimsby tomorrow, the American keeper remains confident he should make a start. Hahnemann has been struggling this week with an injury to his calf muscle - but it's not too serious and Marcus hopes to shake it off in time for the trip up North against the side just a place off the bottom of the Division. If Hahnemann does fail his late fitness test, Reading could see the appearance of Ashdown between the sticks after his return from loan at Bournemouth. Meanwhile, Mackie is out suspended which means Nicky Shorey should get a recall to the starting eleven as Reading revert to the 4-4-2 formation. Reading will be looking to take at least a point from Grimsby. The last time the two sides met was in the 1996/1997 season when Reading managed a point at home but went down 0-2 at Blundell park.

Palace Game Off
Added by HNA? on 02/10/02
Reading's trip to Selhurst Park to play Crystal Palace, which was scheduled to take place on Saturday 12 October, has been called off due to Palace's international call-ups. The game will now kick-off on Tuesday 26 November with an 8pm kick off.