Leading the Royals: A Journey Through Reading FC’s Club Captains

Over the past month we have seen Lewis Wing making headlines for his fantastic goals again. Seeing him lead the team out go me thinking of Andy Yiadom, and when we will see him return in a blue and white shirt, and although he attends most of the home matches, he isn’t front and centre. This made me think about the role of club captains throughout the years

Reading Football Club, established in 1871, has a rich history spanning over 150 years. Throughout this period, the role of club captain has been pivotal, with each captain leaving a unique mark on the team’s legacy.

Early Years and Formation

In the club’s formative years, leadership roles were often informal, with senior players guiding the team. One of the earliest known captains was Herbert Smith, a full-back who led the team in the early 1900s. Smith’s tenure was notable not only for his leadership on the field but also for his achievements off it; he remains Reading’s most capped England international, having earned four caps at the start of the 20th century. Additionally, he won a gold medal representing Great Britain in the 1908 Olympics held in London.

Mid-20th Century Leadership

As the club progressed through the mid-20th century, several captains stood out for their contributions:

Maurice Evans (1955–1967): Evans was a stalwart in Reading’s defence, making over 400 appearances for the club. His leadership was instrumental during a period of consolidation for the team.

Martin Hicks (1978–1991): Hicks holds the record for the most appearances in Reading’s history, with over 600 games. His consistency and leadership at the back were vital during his 13-year tenure.

Modern Era Captains

The modern era has seen captains who have led the club through promotions, relegations, and memorable campaigns:

Phil Parkinson (1992–2003): Joining from Bury in 1992, Parkinson became a central figure in Reading’s midfield. He captained the team to two promotions from the third tier and was twice named the club’s Player of the Season.

Graeme Murty (1998–2009): Murty joined Reading in 1998 and became club captain in the early 2000s. He famously led the team during their record-breaking 2005–06 Championship season, where they amassed 106 points to secure promotion to the Premier League for the first time in the club’s history.

Matt Mills (2009–2011): Mills captained Reading during the 2010–11 season, leading the team to the Championship play-off final. His leadership was highlighted by scoring in the final, although the team narrowly missed out on promotion.

Sean Morrison (2011–2014): Morrison took on the captaincy role in the absence of regular captain Jobi McAnuff. He extended his contract with Reading in 2013 and led the team during a challenging period in the Championship.

Liam Moore (2016–2022): Moore was named club captain ahead of the 2019–20 season. Under his leadership, Reading aimed to stabilize their position in the Championship and push for promotion.

Andy Yiadom (2022–Present): In July 2022, Andy Yiadom was appointed as Reading’s first-team captain. An experienced international, Yiadom has been with the club since 2018 and was awarded Player of the Season at the end of the previous campaign. His leadership continues to be a positive influence both on and off the pitch.

Conclusion

The role of club captain at Reading FC has evolved over the decades, with each captain bringing their unique leadership style and leaving an indelible mark on the club’s history. From the early days of Herbert Smith to the current leadership of Andy Yiadom, these individuals have embodied the spirit and resilience of Reading Football Club.

Up the Ding!