Question and Answers with a 40-Year Season Ticket Holder

Hi everyone! I’m super excited to share this special blog post with you. As a fourth-generation Reading FC fan, supporting our beloved club is in my blood. Unfortunately, my grandad passed away before I was born, so I never got the chance to hear his stories. But I did get to sit down with my dad, who’s been a season ticket holder for over 40 years! We had a fantastic chat about his memories, favourite players, and unforgettable moments. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed hearing it!

The Beginning of a Lifelong Passion

Q: What was your first game and when was it?

Dad: I started going to matches at Elm Park with my dad and sister back in 1978. We stood on the South Bank, and because I was small, Dad would seat me on the concrete advertising hoarding that went around the ground. We’d stand halfway between the away end and the halfway line.

Players I remember from that time are Steve Death, Richie Bowman (who your aunt had a major crush on), Martin Hicks, and Lawrie Sanchez.

Q: What are your earliest memories of games back then?

Dad: I vividly remember the excitement when the team went on an incredible 13-match unbeaten run at the start of the 1985/86 season. It was electric! Also, when Jim Leighton from Manchester United came on loan. That was a big deal because he was their number one goalkeeper the season before. He was fantastic between the sticks.

As my dad worked closely with Sir John Madejski and the staff at Elm Park, I got to meet a number of the players off pitch, which at the time I thought was fantastic.

Memorable Matches and Moments

Q: Any specific games that stand out?

Dad: Oh, definitely! One that comes to mind is when we played Manchester United in 1996, and Eric Cantona was playing. He’d been banned the previous season for that infamous kung-fu kick against a Crystal Palace supporter. Everywhere he went, he got a lot of stick, and our match was no exception. The script was written for him to score, and he did—then stood in front of the Tilehurst End supporters with his hands to his ears. Classic Cantona!

Another memorable player was Borislav Mihaylov, who was with us from 1995 to 1997. It was a big deal because he represented Bulgaria at the international level and took part in the World Cup. Reading didn’t have many international players back then.

The Simod Cup qualifiers were fantastic too. I was 15 at the time and still in school. I remember Mum wasn’t impressed when one of the games went to extra time. Luckily, Gillie scored to save it from going to penalties. The day out at Wembley was awesome!

A Notorious Encounter

Q: Were there any intense or unusual matches?

Dad: Yes, one game that really sticks out was against Bristol City on April 7, 1984. It was a top-of-the-table clash, and things turned ugly. The City fans started ripping up the concrete terrace and were lobbing chunks at our goalkeeper, Alan Judge, as well as at us fans. Concrete was narrowly missing us! We had to retreat. The game was stopped, and it only calmed down when their manager told them to stop, or they’d forfeit the game.

After that incident, Dad, who was a friend of Sir John Madejski, had our season tickets moved near the Directors’ Box. It was great because we sat near the players’ families, like Ady Williams’ dad and Trevor Senior’s dad. We often chatted with them and the regular press.

Saying Goodbye to Elm Park

Q: Do you remember the last game at Elm Park?

Dad: I remember it well. It was on May 3, 1998, against Norwich. We lost 1-0, but the emotion was more about saying goodbye to our old stadium and looking forward to the new, state-of-the-art facility built by Sir John Madejski.

That season, the manager Tommy Burns brought in seven last-minute signings, including five fellow Scots, known as “The Magnificent Seven,” costing £760,000. Despite the investment, we still went down at the end of that season, the last at Elm Park.

The fans were in high spirits, though. There was a crowd of around 14,800 in attendance, and Reading was in full song. The game was slow in tempo, and Norwich was poor on the day. It was frustrating because, despite our poor results, the fans felt the team should have signed off at Elm Park with a better performance.

After the match, it felt like someone had popped our party balloon. But soon, fans became looters, trying to take their little bit of Elm Park history for themselves. Seats, signs, even chunks of the pitch disappeared!

The Magic of Elm Park

Q: What was Elm Park like?

Dad: Looking back, it was great. It had a capacity of 14,800 when the stadium was closed, but it previously held up to 33,042 in 1977 against Brentford. This was before strict safety measures were introduced following the Taylor Report in 1990.

Three sides were standing areas, and one side was seated. The stadium wouldn’t have supported us in the Premier League or even the Championship today, but it was home. I remember walking in from Tilehurst Road, and the strong smell of urine from the gents’ loos mixed with fried onions from the burger van—it was unique!

You felt so close to the pitch and the players. There were so many great games there. It had character and charm that you don’t always get with modern stadiums.

First Impressions of the Madejski Stadium

Q: What was your first impression of the new stadium (now the SCL Stadium)?

Dad: Wow! And that was no exaggeration. I hadn’t even seen the stadium before our first visit because your grandma had queued up to get the season tickets for me, your grandad, and herself. Everyone who sat around us at Elm Park joined her, so we all got seats together on the halfway line in the West Stand.

For the first season, we parked in the main stadium car park. I remember driving up in disbelief at the sight of the stadium. We walked around it in awe. Going through the turnstiles at Gate 4, I felt a bit disoriented because it didn’t seem fully finished. The ceiling looked a bit untidy, with no covering on the walls.

But the toilets smelled better than Elm Park’s, and the catering was nice, albeit a bit pricier. When we walked from the concourse through G7 to the seats, we were all blown away. The view and the pitch were awesome. At Elm Park, there were roof supports you had to look around, but here, there were no obstructions, and the internal bowl looked fantastic.

That feeling of awe didn’t go away for a few seasons. I’m sure the players also struggled to find it as their home to start with, as results continued not to go our way.

Unforgettable Games at the Madejski

Q: What memorable games stick out for you at the new stadium?

Dad: Having seen us spend three years in the Premier League, there are many fantastic clubs I’ve seen visit the Madejski. Seeing the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United, and Arsenal grace our hallowed turf has been fantastic.

One game I’ll never forget is the Chelsea match in October 2006. Their keeper, Petr Čech, was seriously injured early in the game. Later, their substitute keeper, Carlo Cudicini, collided with our friend Ibrahima Sonko and was knocked unconscious. John Terry had to go in goal because they’d used all their substitutions. Over 10 minutes were added on at the end of the game. It was a surreal experience.

I also witnessed the “106” season when we accumulated 106 points to win the Championship in 2005/06. The happy pitch invasions at the end of matches, being sprayed with champagne by the then-Russian owner Anton Zingarevich—it was magical. He even gave me his Reading FC scarf after one match!

There were great cup runs too, like beating Bradford 3-0 in 2015 to play against Arsenal in the FA Cup Semi-Final. The pitch invasion that day was fantastic as fans celebrated reaching Wembley.

Another game that sticks in my mind was against Oxford United in October 2000. My good friend, Anthony Rougier, was on the bench. We were losing 3-2 with 12 minutes to go. It was an evening game, cold and wet—not ideal weather for a man from Trinidad and Tobago! I was living in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, at the time and knew the stick I’d get from Oxford fans nearby. But Rougier came through—two goals in 12 minutes gave Reading the victory, beating the U’s 4-3.

I also remember Phil Parkinson’s testimonial. We played an England XI, with many older England stars turning up, like Paul Gascoigne and Neil Webb. It was a great day celebrating a true club legend.

Reading FC Legends

Q: Who are the best players you’ve seen play for Reading?

Dad: That’s a really hard question. I’ve seen many wonderful players wear the beloved shirt over the last 45 years, and some that were easy to forget! However, a few stand out for different reasons:

Trevor Senior
•Position: Striker
•Years at Reading FC: 1983–1987, 1988–1989

Trevor Senior is one of Reading FC’s all-time top goal scorers! He joined us in 1983 and immediately started banging in goals. In his first spell, he scored an incredible 36 league goals in the 1983/84 season, helping Reading win the Division Four title. Trevor was unstoppable, scoring 134 goals in 362 appearances for the club. He returned for a second spell in 1988 and continued to find the back of the net. His goal-scoring record makes him a true Reading legend!

Jimmy Quinn
•Position: Striker / Player-Manager
•Years at Reading FC: 1992–1997

Jimmy Quinn was not just a fantastic striker but also took on the role of player-manager! He joined Reading in 1992 and scored 71 goals in 187 appearances. In the 1993/94 season, he helped the team win the Division Two title, earning promotion. The following season, he led Reading to second place in Division One, just missing out on promotion to the Premier League. Jimmy’s leadership and goal-scoring prowess were vital to the team’s success.

Terry Hurlock
•Position: Midfielder
•Years at Reading FC: 1980–1986

Terry Hurlock was known for his tough tackling and fearless style of play. He made over 200 appearances for Reading FC. Terry was the kind of player who never backed down from a challenge and always gave his all on the pitch. His determination and grit helped solidify Reading’s midfield during the 1980s. Fans admired his fighting spirit and commitment to the club.

Shaka Hislop
•Position: Goalkeeper
•Years at Reading FC: 1992–1995

Shaka Hislop was our star goalkeeper in the early ‘90s. He made 104 appearances for Reading and was a key player in the team that won the Division Two title in the 1993/94 season. Shaka’s amazing saves and commanding presence helped us come very close to reaching the Premier League in the 1994/95 season. After leaving Reading, he played in the Premier League and even represented Trinidad and Tobago in the 2006 FIFA World Cup! I got to know Shaka through Tony Rougier. Shaka was, and still is a lovely man, with a heart of gold and still very grounded.

Steve Richardson
•Position: Midfielder
•Years at Reading FC: 1981–1991

Steve Richardson is one of Reading FC’s most loyal servants, having spent a full decade at the club. He made over 400 appearances for the Royals, showcasing remarkable consistency and dedication. As a midfielder, Steve was known for his hard work, reliability, and ability to read the game. He was a key part of the team that won the Third Division title in the 1985/86 season, helping Reading secure promotion. His commitment on the pitch made him a fan favorite.

Dean Horrix
•Position: Forward
•Years at Reading FC: 1985–1987

Dean Horrix was a talented forward who made a significant impact during his short time at Reading FC. Joining the club in 1985, he quickly became known for his pace, skill, and goal-scoring ability. Dean scored 17 goals in 71 appearances, playing a crucial role in Reading’s successful 1985/86 promotion season. Tragically, Dean’s life and career were cut short when he passed away in a car accident in March 1987 not long after his move to Bristol City. His untimely death was a profound loss for the club and its supporters.

Adam Le Fondre
•Position: Striker
•Years at Reading FC: 2011–2014

Adam Le Fondre, affectionately known as “Alfie,” was a goal machine for Reading FC. He scored 41 goals in 110 appearances. Adam was crucial in our 2011/12 Championship-winning season, helping the team get promoted to the Premier League. He was famous for coming off the bench to score important goals, earning the nickname “Super Sub.” His knack for scoring late goals made him a hero among fans.

Ibrahima Sonko
•Position: Defender
•Years at Reading FC: 2004–2008

Ibrahima Sonko was a towering presence in Reading’s defense during one of the most successful periods in the club’s history. Joining the Royals in 2004, he quickly became a fan favorite for his strong tackles, aerial dominance, and commitment on the pitch. Sonko was instrumental in the record-breaking 2005/06 Championship season, where Reading amassed an unprecedented 106 points to secure promotion to the Premier League.

In the Premier League, Sonko continued to impress, helping the team achieve an eighth-place finish in their debut season—a remarkable achievement for a newly promoted side. His partnership with Ivar Ingimarsson at the back was formidable, and they became one of the most reliable defensive duos in the league. Off the pitch, Sonko was known for his friendly personality and community involvement, endearing him further to the fans.  Ibu was lined up to be your godfather before we realised that we were of different religions. As religion was never really spoken about, we didn’t realise he was a different faith.

Phil Parkinson
•Position: Midfielder
•Years at Reading FC: 1992–2003

Phil Parkinson is considered one of Reading FC’s greatest leaders. He played 361 games for the club, scoring 25 goals. As the team captain, Phil led by example with his hard work and determination. He helped Reading achieve promotion and was twice named the club’s Player of the Year. After retiring as a player, he went on to have a successful managerial career, and have seen him at .

Ivar Ingimarsson
•Position: Defender
•Years at Reading FC: 2003–2011

Ivar Ingimarsson was a rock at the back for Reading FC. He made 282 appearances, scoring 12 goals. Ivar was instrumental in our record-breaking 2005/06 Championship season, where we amassed 106 points to secure promotion to the Premier League. His calmness, positioning, and leadership in defense were key factors in the team’s success.

Dylan Kerr
•Position: Left-Back
•Years at Reading FC: 1993–1996

hearing the name ‘Dylan Kerr’, I automatically think of his song, ‘Dylan Kerr m’Lord’. Dyl was a dynamic left-back known for his energy, enthusiasm, and attacking flair. He played 95 games for Reading FC, scoring 5 goals. Dylan was part of the team that won promotion in the 1993/94 season, playing a crucial role on the left side of defense. His overlapping runs and ability to deliver quality crosses made him a fan favorite. Off the pitch, Dylan was known for his vibrant personality and connection with the supporters. He is such a funny and jokey guy. His sense of humour is so infectious.

Personal Connections

Q: You’ve personally known a few players and staff over the years, haven’t you?

Dad: Yes, that’s correct. I’ve already mentioned Anthony Rougier and your proxy godfather, Ibrahima Sonko. With Rougier I ran his website for him, as well as undertaking a charity head shave with him too. Shaka Hislop was also a friend during that era. In fact, I remember your grandad and I going to West Ham to watch his team play against Manchester United, then heading to the players’ bar afterward to catch up with Shaka and see the United and West Ham players of the day, which included Beckham and Ronaldo!

I also still catch up with Dylan Kerr on occasion. What a player he was!

Your grandad did a lot of work with Sir John Madejski, and I got to know him back in the day too. I also got to know Jackie, who is still at the club. When we first met, she was working part-time in customer services, but she’s now the Operations and HR Director. She’s done really well, and you can see how passionate she is about the club.

Over the years, I had a good relationship with Tony, who was the communications person between the Thai owners and the club, and also Brian Tevreden of the same era, who became the Technical Director before heading to Belgium to head up one of Dai’s other clubs. He’s now doing well as the General Manager for the Suriname FA, as well as in player management.

Thoughts on the Current Team

Q: What do you make of the current team, and how does it compare to some of the teams of the past?

Dad: This season, due to the predicament the club has found itself in, is different from any other. Although we’re fielding a very young team, put together from free transfers, the academy, and a loan player, the team has been outperforming a lot of the expectations we had at the start of the season.

What’s also good is that there’s a real bond forming between the players, club, and supporters—something that has been missing, in my view, since around 2007.

It’s great to see that the players we have are keen and hungry to play. Often in the past, we’ve called out player X or Y for just going through the motions or perceived that they’re not trying. That can’t be said for today’s players, who look like they have to crawl off the pitch because they’ve left nothing in the tank.

The players seem to get on well, and the perception is that their wives and partners do too. We haven’t seen that since Karen Murty and the team did lots for the club and community.

We appear to have no big egos out there, which is great for team morale. Even when we visit behind the scenes, the players are messing about and getting on well with each other.

What’s strange to see are the cars that turn up to training or on a match day. Gone are the Bentleys and big Mercedes. Most of the young lads wouldn’t even get insured on them! Even the manager arrives in a VW Tiguan.

While we all long for the days of old, back in the Championship, I really think the team we have now is fantastic. Given the circumstances, they’re doing a great job. We all hope that the ownership situation gets sorted out soon so we can build upon what Rubén and his staff have done.

Closing Thoughts

Sitting down with my dad and hearing these stories has been an incredible experience. It makes me proud to be part of a family that’s supported Reading FC for generations. From the days at Elm Park to the modern era at the Madejski (now the SCL Stadium), our love for the Royals has only grown stronger.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this trip down memory lane as much as I have. Here’s to many more years of cheering on our team, celebrating victories, and creating unforgettable memories!

Come on, you Royals!

Thanks for reading! Feel free to share your own memories or favourite moments in the comments below. Let’s keep the spirit of Reading FC alive!