Bobby Mihaylov - Goalkeeper
Bulgarian international, and Hob Nob Anyone? sponsored last season, keeper signed at the start of the 1995/96 season from FC Botev for 300,000 quid. Readings first choice keeper, although infamously injury-prone.
Nicky Hammond - Goalkeeper
Signed last season for 40,000 quid to cover for injuries to Bobby Mihaylov and Simon Sheppard. Probably second choice keeper although currently sidelined due to back problems.
Sal Bibbo - Goalkeepr
Signed during the Summer of 1996 from Sheffield United on a free to cover for the Royals other two keepers.
Andy Bernal - Defender
Australian regular who usually plays as right back.
Michael Gilkes - Left full back / winger
Speedy bloke in his testimonial season. Infamous for only being able to play 20 minutes of each game. In those 20 minutes he can be a match winner.
Dariusz Wdowczyk - Central Defender
Polish international and classy first team regular.
Paul Bodin - Defender
Signed on a free from Swindle Town during the Summer of '96.
Barry Hunter - Defender CAPTAIN
Signed in the summer of 1996 as a replacement to Adrian Williams, and appointed Captain of the side for the new season. A 400,000 quid signing from Wrexham.
Dylan Kerr - Defender
Didn't get many games last season mainly due to injury. Popular full back currently transfer listed.
Steve Swales - Defender
Signed at the start of the season. Speedy little player who hasn't really managed to keep a first team place.
Michael Thorp - Defender
Played a few games this season but normally features in the reserve team. One for the future.
Keith McPherson - Central Defender
Played for the first half of the season. Regular the season before last with over 200 games for the Royals.
Mick Gooding - Midfielder / Manager
Half of our management team and playing every game. Famous for putting in more effort than anyone else on the pitch. A real influence.
Paul Holsgrove - Midfielder
Normally in the team. Mixed opinions really.
Phil Parkinson - Midfielder
Always plays unless suspended. If anyones going to get a card it'll be Parkie through his determined play.
Jeff Hopkins - Midfielder
Missed most of this season so far due to injury.
Martyn Booty - Midfielder
New signing who looks promising. A good crosser of the ball.
Darren Caskey - Midfielder
Reading's record signing from Tottenham for 700,000 pounds at the start of 1996. At just 21 years old this player is going to make it big. Apparently a great young player at Spurs, creative and determined if lacking in speed. Yet to make a really big impression at Reading.
James Lambert - Winger
Talented young left winger in the Gilkes way. Got trials for Monaco a few years back. He calmed down a bit last season and is normally on the bench if he doesn't make a start. Rumoured to be unhappy not getting a first team place and possibly on the move soon.
Martin Williams - Winger
Signed at the start of the 95/96 season but quickly lost his place in the team after a number of unimpressive games. Reserve team regular.
Michael Meaker - Winger
Also signed at the start of the season from QPR in an exchange deal for Simon Osbourn. Also failed to impressive, and unpopular with the fans, and was quickly moved into the reserves. However recently he's made a bit of a re-appearance and looks set to win back a first team place with a series of good games.
Neville Gordon - Forward
Regular in the reserve team but yet to start a game for the first team. Regular scorer in the Capital league.
Stuart Lovell - Forward
Played an important role in the 94/95 best ever season in his striking partnership with Lee Nogan. Played for most of the first half of this season before being dropped.
Lee Nogan - Forward
Popular and stylish centre forward. Became a household name last season after his performance in the play-off final and that most sexy goal. Hasn't really discovered his form of two seasons ago yet but still plays practically every game. Welsh international.
Jimmy Quinn - Forward / Manager
Other half of the management duo. Aging striker whose scored a million goals during his career. Was vital in our promotion season from Division 2 being the countries leading scorer. He's popped up quite a few times last season to be the club's leading scorer despite making very few starts. Possibly first team choice again this season.
Trevor Morley - Forward
Grabbed the headlines last year for his scoring comeback after his horrific injury which saw a number of metal plates inserted into his head. Played a few great games after injury but hasn't done much since.
Other Players In The Squad
These players haven't managed to stay regulars in the squad this season, although you may see them pop up in an occasional reserve game:
Alan Carey
Mick Murphy
Derek Simpson
Matthew Stowell
So overall more players to choose from than any season I can remember and enough to comfortably make up two teams. Cool eh?
To give you a complete guide to Reading players...
The Youth Team Squad List
Neil Holloway, Stuart Jones, Lee Rogers, Andy Forbes, Richard Curtis, Matt Bicknell, Nicky Bell, Bradley Ward, Russell Jones, Gareth Evans, Matt Jones, Jamie Medford, Neville Roach, Lee Lough, Stephen May, Ian Groves, Francis Duku, Guy Sanders, Luke Dowling, Andy Freeman, Ben Cascoe.
You can find some piccies of some of the first team players here!