Reading

Club History

Who are Reading?

We’re not long past a major milestone in the life of the Royals; 2021 marking the club’s 150th birthday. But, while their story stretches right back to 1871, it took them a long time to climb the rankings. And that’s despite being called “the finest foreign team seen in Italy” in 1913. At that time, they hadn’t yet become a Football League side; joining Division Three South in 1920. The first few years were tough. Soon enough, however, they started to find life a little easier.

In 1926, the Royals were promoted to Division Two as champions; making it all the way to the FA Cup semi-finals a year later. The good times didn’t last, however. After avoiding the drop in 1930 on goal average, back down they went in 1931. There were a few runners-up medals after that: 1932, 1935 and again after the Second World War. But it wasn’t until the arrival of John Madejski in 1991 did the club return to the second tier.

And even that took a further three years.

It could’ve been even better for the Royals too. The 1994-5 season saw ’em finish second in the old new Division One. With the Premier League reducing the number of teams from 22 to 20, however, they didn’t get automatic promotion. The bitter pill was made harder to swallow when defeat in the playoff final cost them a shot at the top tier for the first time. It was a long 12 years – including four back in the third tier – until they finally achieved their aim of Premier League football. Not nice to be denied promotion on a technicality, is it?

Why do we know the Royals?

Well, it ain’t because our glorious spell as a Premier League team – is it? No, our reason for knowing the Royals is all rooted in cup football. Our first encounter with Reading would be our reward in the 2010-1 FA Cup Fourth Round for toppling Newcastle. Not sure it felt like much of a reward – with the greatest of respects. Somehow, the footballing gods thought it was so much fun to pair us together that we had the pleasure of their company again the following season. Mind you, there were three differences. It was at their place, it was a round earlier, and we won…

How to get to Reading

By Car

By Road

Getting to the Madejski Stadium is a simple affair by road, with the stadium pretty much located just off Junction 11 of the M4. From Stevenage, head south on the A1 and cut across on the A414 to join the M25 towards Heathrow Airport. At Junction 15, take the westbound M4.

It is around 23-and-a-half miles from the M25 to Junction 11, from where you need the A33 for Reading. Continue towards the town centre through three roundabouts, before taking the first exit at the fourth for Northern Way. Turn left onto Hoops Way and again onto Shooters Way.

By Rail

By Rail

Station: READING
Services to: LONDON PADDINGTON

Reading’s train station is located in the centre of the town, but connects with the stadium through the Fasttrack Park and Ride green bus. You could try the walk – but it is a three-mile trek and will take you the best part of an hour.

Parking

Parking

If you want, there is parking at the ground – Car Park 3 (Red Zone). But this will cost you a tenner to get a matchday permit and it is limited. You can also take ages to get out after the game. Booking in advance is the only way to get a parking space on matchday, subject to availability. To pre-book, Reading’s official site has all the details. Or call 0118 968 1313. Car Park 2 (Red Zone) is a family-orientated option for the same price.

There are also two options that aren’t at the stadium, should you be willing to consider. The first is Car Park 6, which costs £8 in advance or £10 on the day (cards only). It’s under a 10-minute walk to the stadium, just off the A33. You also have a Park and Ride option close to M4 Junction 11. Parking is free and F3 is the bus that takes you to onto the stadium. The bus fare itself can be found via Reading Buses.