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{{Short description|Association football club in England}}
{{About|the men's football club|the women's team|Reading F.C. Women}}
{{Distinguish|Reading Town F.C.|Reading City F.C.|Reading Royals|Reading United AC}}
{{EngvarB|date=August 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Infobox football club
| nickname = {{nowrap|The Royals}} <br /> {{nowrap|The Ding}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Low |first=Jonathan |date=2021-07-04 |title=John O'Shea wishes Reading luck and says 'up the ding' after Royals exit |url=https://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/up-ding-john-oshea-sends-20962909 |access-date=2024-03-29 |website=Berkshire Live |language=en}}</ref> <br /> {{nowrap|The Biscuitmen (historic)}}
| capacity = 24,161<ref>{{cite web| title=Madejski Stadium information| url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/Stadium/0,,10306~418118,00.html| publisher=Reading F.C.| access-date=14 April 2011| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110507041941/http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/Stadium/0,,10306~418118,00.html| archive-date=7 May 2011| df=dmy-all}}</ref>
| current = 2025–26 Reading F.C. season
| image = Reading FC.svg
| upright = 0.8
| fullname = Reading Football Club
| founded = {{Start date and age|df=yes|25 December 1871}}
| owner = Redwood Holdings Limited
| chairman = [[Rob Couhig]]
| manager = [[Noel Hunt]]
| league = {{English football updater|Reading}}
| season = {{English football updater|Reading2}}
| position = {{English football updater|Reading3}}
| website = {{URL|https://readingfc.co.uk}}
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}}
'''Reading Football Club''' ({{IPAc-en|audio=en-uk-Reading.ogg|ˈ|r|ɛ|d|ɪ|ŋ}} {{respell|RED|ing}}) is a professional [[Association football|football]] club based in [[Reading, Berkshire]], England. They compete in [[EFL League One]], the third level of the [[English football league system]]. They play their home matches at the [[Select Car Leasing Stadium]].
Reading are nicknamed ''The Royals'' after the [[Berkshire|Royal County of Berkshire]], and were previously known as ''The Biscuitmen'', due to the town's association with biscuit maker [[Huntley & Palmers]]. Established in 1871, the club is one of the oldest teams in England, but did not join [[The Football League]] until 1920, and first played in the top tier of English football league system in the [[2006–07 Reading F.C. season|2006–07 season]]. The club competed in the [[2012–13 Premier League]] season, having gained promotion at the end of the 2011–12 season after winning the [[EFL Championship|Championship]], but were relegated after just one season back in the top flight.
Reading won the [[1987–88 Full Members' Cup]] and were one of only two Second Division clubs to lift the trophy, beating [[Luton Town]] 4–1 in the final at [[Wembley Stadium (1923)|Wembley]]. The club's best performance in the FA Cup was reaching the semi-finals which they achieved twice: in [[1926–27 FA Cup|1926–27]] and [[2014–15 FA Cup|2014–15]].
The club played at [[Elm Park (stadium)|Elm Park]] for 102 years, from 1896 to 1998. In 1998, the club moved to the new [[Madejski Stadium]], which was named after the club's former chairman [[John Madejski|Sir John Madejski]]. In 2021, the club announced that the ground would be known as the Select Car Leasing Stadium for the subsequent decade for sponsorship reasons.
The club holds the record for the number of successive league wins at the start of a season, with a total of 13 wins at the start of the [[1985–86 in English football|1985–86]] Third Division campaign. During their [[2005–06 Football League Championship]] season, Reading set a new record for the highest number of points gained in a professional league season, at 106. Reading then achieved their highest finish of eighth in the [[2006–07 Premier League]], their first season as a top flight club.
==History==
{{recentism|date=December 2023}}
{{Main|History of Reading F.C.}}
{{See also|Thames Valley Royals proposal}}
===Formation and gradual rise (1871–1991)===
Reading were formed on 25 December 1871, following a public meeting at the Bridge Street Rooms organised by Joseph Edward Sydenham, who would go on to be club secretary.<ref name=history>{{cite web | title=The History of Reading Football Club | url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/History/0,,10306~122791,00.html | publisher=Reading F.C. | date=2 May 2010 | access-date=29 November 2010 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100204044927/http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/History/0%2C%2C10306~122791%2C00.html | archive-date=4 February 2010 | df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="chronicle">[http://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/news/roundup/articles/2009/09/10/41406-discover-gems-of-our-heritage/print Discover gems of our heritage] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307093419/http://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/news/roundup/articles/2009/09/10/41406-discover-gems-of-our-heritage/print |date=7 March 2012 }}, ''[[Reading Chronicle]]'', 10 September 2009.</ref> The early matches were played at Reading Recreation Ground, and later the club held fixtures at Reading Cricket Ground, Coley Park and Caversham Cricket Ground.<ref name=history /> The switch to professionalism in 1895 resulted in the need for a bigger ground and, to this end, the club moved again, to the purpose-built [[Elm Park (stadium)|Elm Park]] on 5 September 1896.<ref>{{cite web|title=Elm Park Reading|url=http://www.oldgrounds.co.uk/elm_park_reading.htm|publisher=Old Football Grounds|access-date=24 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090630021437/http://www.oldgrounds.co.uk/elm_park_reading.htm|archive-date=30 June 2009}}</ref> In 1913, Reading had a successful tour of Italy, prompting the leading sports newspaper ''[[Corriere della Sera]]'' to write, "Without doubt, Reading FC are the finest foreign team seen in Italy".<ref>{{cite web | title=The Reading FC Tour of Italy 1913 |date=November 2002 | url=http://www.btinternet.com/~rfc1871/news/features/italiantour.htm | access-date=22 August 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011231925/http://www.btinternet.com/~rFc1871/news/features/italiantour.htm|archive-date=11 October 2012}}</ref> [[Attilio Fresia]] moved to Reading as a result of the tour, becoming the first Italian to play in English football.
[[File:Reading Football Club 1926-7.jpg|thumb|left|The team from the 1926–27 season]]
Reading were elected to the [[Football League Third Division South]] of the [[The Football League|Football League]] in 1920. The club were promoted to the [[Football League Second Division|Second Division]], following a Third Division South title win in [[1925–26 Football League|1926]]. Reading's best performance in the [[FA Cup]] came in [[1926–27 in English football|1926–27]] when they lost to eventual winners [[Cardiff City F.C.|Cardiff City]] at Wolverhampton in the semi-final, a placement the club would not match again until 2015, when they lost to holders [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] in the semi-final. The attendance at the 1–0 victory over [[Brentford F.C.|Brentford]] in the fifth round set a new attendance record for Elm Park, at 33,042 people. This remains the highest attendance at a Reading home match. Reading lost their place in the Second Division in May 1931, and remained in Third Division South until the outbreak of [[World War II]]. The club won the Southern Section Cup, beating [[Bristol City F.C.|Bristol City]] in the two-legged final in 1938, and when taking part in the regional [[Wartime League|London War League]] and [[Football League War Cup|Cup]] competitions, gained another honour by beating Brentford in the [[London War Cup]] Final of 1941 by 3–2 at [[Stamford Bridge (stadium)|Stamford Bridge]].
When League football resumed after the war, Reading quickly came to prominence once again. The club's record victory, 10–2 versus [[Crystal Palace F.C.|Crystal Palace]], was recorded in September 1946, and Reading twice finished runners-up in the Third (South), in 1948–49 and 1951–52, but they were denied a return to Division Two as only the champions were promoted.<ref name=history /> Reading were relegated to the fourth tier of English football for the first time in the [[1971–72 Football League|1971–72 season]]. A return to the Third Division was achieved, following a third-placed finish in [[1975–76 Football League|1975–76]], but the club suffered immediate relegation. The [[1978–79 Football League|1978–79 season]] saw Reading win the Fourth Division to win promotion back to the Third Division.
Relegation was suffered in [[1982–83 Football League|1982–83]]. Towards the end of that season, [[Oxford United F.C.|Oxford United]] chairman [[Robert Maxwell]] announced that he had completed a deal to merge Oxford and Reading into a single club – [[Thames Valley Royals proposal|Thames Valley Royals]]. Maxwell claimed that both clubs were on the verge of bankruptcy and having a united team was required for the Thames Valley region to retain a Football League club. The proposed amalgamation was prevented by the actions of Roy Tranter, a Reading director, and [[Roger Smee]], a former Reading player. Smee disputed the legitimacy of the [[controlling interest]] in Reading held by the three board members that supported the merger plan. Tranter launched a legal challenge to the sale of certain shares on 22 April 1983. The supporters of the plan allies resigned under pressure from the rest of the Reading board in May 1983. At an extraordinary shareholders' meeting in July, Smee took over the club to end the amalgamation plans.
The side's moment of cup glory came in 1988 when they won the [[Full Members Cup|Simod Cup]], beating a number of top-flight sides en route to their [[Wembley Stadium (1923)|Wembley]] win over [[Luton Town FC|Luton Town]]. Reading were promoted to the Second Division as champions in 1986 under the management of [[Ian Branfoot]], but were relegated back to the Third Division in 1988.
===Onwards and upwards (1991–2005)===
The appointment of [[Mark McGhee]] as player-manager, shortly after the takeover by [[John Madejski]], in 1991 saw Reading move forward.<ref>{{cite web|title=Season 1991–92|url=http://www.royalsrecord.co.uk/seasons/1991.html|publisher=Royals' Record|access-date=7 May 2012|archive-date=15 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315133227/http://www.royalsrecord.co.uk/seasons/1991.html|url-status=live}}</ref> They were crowned champions of the new Division Two in 1994. Thirty-five-year-old striker [[Jimmy Quinn (Northern Irish footballer)|Jimmy Quinn]] was put in charge of the first team alongside midfielder [[Mick Gooding]] and guided Reading to runners-up in the final Division One table – only to be denied automatic promotion because of the streamlining of the Premier League, from 22 teams to 20. In 1995, Reading had eased past [[Tranmere Rovers F.C.|Tranmere Rovers]] in the [[1995 Football League play-offs#Semi-finals|play-off semi-finals]] and looked to have booked their place in the [[Premier League]] only to lose 4–3 against [[Bolton Wanderers F.C.|Bolton Wanderers]] in the [[1995 Football League First Division play-off Final|final having been 2–0 up and missed a penalty at half-time]]. Quinn and Gooding's contracts were not renewed two years later after Reading had slid into the bottom half of Division One. Their successor, [[Terry Bullivant]], lasted less than a season before being sacked in March 1998. Reading were relegated back to Division Two at the end of the 1997–98 season.
[[File:Elm Park Stadium 1.jpg|thumb|right|The last competitive match played at [[Elm Park (stadium)|Elm Park]] between Reading and [[Norwich City F.C.|Norwich City]] in May 1998]]
The year 1998 also saw Reading move into the new 24,200 all-seater [[Madejski Stadium]], named after chairman John Madejski. [[Tommy Burns (footballer)|Tommy Burns]] had taken over from Terry Bullivant but lasted just 18 months before being replaced by [[Alan Pardew]], who had previously been reserve team manager before being released. The club finished third in [[2000–01 in English football|2000–01]] qualifying for the [[2001 Football League play-offs#Second Division|play-offs]], losing 2–3 in the [[2001 Football League Second Division play-off Final|final]] against [[Walsall F.C.|Walsall]] at the [[Millennium Stadium]] in Cardiff.<ref>{{cite news|title=Walsall break Reading hearts|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/1352124.stm|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|access-date=7 May 2012|date=27 May 2001|archive-date=12 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112225627/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/1352124.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Reading returned to Division One for [[2002–03 in English football|2002–03]] after finishing runners-up in Division Two. The following season, they finished fourth in Division One and qualified for the [[2003 Football League play-offs#First Division|play-offs]], where they lost in the semi-final to [[Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.|Wolverhampton Wanderers]]. Pardew moved to [[West Ham United F.C.|West Ham United]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Pardew free to join Hammers|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/west_ham_utd/3120534.stm|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|access-date=7 May 2012|date=18 September 2003|archive-date=12 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112225627/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/west_ham_utd/3120534.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> the following October and was replaced by [[Steve Coppell]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Coppell seals Reading deal|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/reading/3177430.stm|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|access-date=7 May 2012|date=9 October 2003|archive-date=12 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112225627/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/reading/3177430.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Rise to the Premier League and yo-yo years (2005–2013)===
Reading won the [[2005–06 in English football|2005–06]] Championship with a league record 106 points, scoring 99 goals and losing only twice.<ref>{{cite web |date=11 July 2006 |url= http://stats.football365.com/2006/ENG/D1/overview.html | title=Championship Table 2005-06 | publisher=[[football365]] | access-date=25 June 2007 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929084223/http://stats.football365.com/2006/ENG/D1/overview.html | archive-date=29 September 2007 | df=dmy-all }}</ref> They were promoted to English football's top division for the first time in their history. The [[2006–07 in English football|2006–07]] season saw Reading make their first appearance in the top flight of English football. Reading defied pre-season predictions of relegation to finish the season in eighth place with 55 points.<ref>{{cite web|title=2006–07 Barclays Premier League Table|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/tables/_/league/eng.1/season/2006/barclays-premier-league?cc=5739|publisher=ESPNsoccernet|access-date=7 May 2012}}{{dead link|date=July 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Reading turned down the chance to play in the [[UEFA Intertoto Cup]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Royals need at least a draw on Sunday to have any chance of a European spot|url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1023993,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929211753/https://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1023993,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 September 2021|publisher=Reading Football Club|access-date=7 May 2012|date=13 May 2007}}</ref> In the run up to their second season in the Premier League, Reading took part in the [[2007 Peace Cup]] in South Korea.<ref>{{cite news | date=19 July 2007 | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/berkshire/content/articles/2007/07/11/tim_skorea_diary_feature.shtml | title=Peace Cup diary | work=[[BBC Berkshire]] | access-date=24 July 2007 | archive-date=17 September 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070917204242/http://www.bbc.co.uk/berkshire/content/articles/2007/07/11/tim_skorea_diary_feature.shtml | url-status=live }}</ref> This second season was less successful, however, and Reading were relegated back to the Championship.<ref>{{cite web|title=Murty's big game is hit by relegation|url=http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/readingfc/s/2028312_murtys_big_game_is_hit_by_relegation|work=[[Reading Post]]|access-date=7 May 2012|date=16 May 2008|archive-date=16 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120516044338/http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/readingfc/s/2028312_murtys_big_game_is_hit_by_relegation|url-status=live}}</ref>
Reading started the [[2008–09 in English football|2008–09 season]] with a 15 match unbeaten home run. They finished fourth and qualify for the [[2009 Football League play-offs#Championship|play-offs]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stats.football365.com/2009/ENG/D1/overview.html|title=Coca-Cola Football League Championship 2008–2009|publisher=[[football365]]|access-date=28 February 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090812051836/http://stats.football365.com/2009/ENG/D1/overview.html|archive-date=12 August 2009}}</ref> where they lost to [[Burnley F.C.|Burnley]] in the semi-final. Manager Steve Coppell resigned just hours after the game,<ref>{{cite news | title=Burnley 1–0 Reading | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8034388.stm | work=BBC Sport | date=9 May 2009 | access-date=9 May 2009 | archive-date=15 May 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090515104139/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/8034388.stm | url-status=live }}</ref> replaced by [[Brendan Rodgers]].<ref>{{cite news | title=Brendan Rodgers new Reading manager | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/championship/reading/5443718/Brendan-Rodgers-new-Reading-manager.html | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120914090203/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/championship/reading/5443718/Brendan-Rodgers-new-Reading-manager.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=14 September 2012 | work=The Daily Telegraph | date=4 June 2009 | access-date=10 August 2009 | ___location=London | first=John | last=Ley}}</ref> Rodgers left the club by mutual consent on 16 December 2009 and [[Brian McDermott (footballer)|Brian McDermott]] made caretaker manager the same day.<ref>{{cite news | title=McDermott as Caretaker | url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1907131,00.html | publisher=Reading F.C. | date=16 December 2009 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120805162910/http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1907131,00.html | archive-date=5 August 2012 | df=dmy-all }}</ref> In the [[2010–11 FA Cup]], Reading reached the quarter-final, where they lost 1–0 to [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] at [[City of Manchester Stadium|Etihad Stadium]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Man City 1 – 0 Reading|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/9421251.stm|work=BBC News|access-date=28 May 2011|date=13 March 2011|archive-date=12 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112225746/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/9421251.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Reading eventually finished fifth in the Championship to qualify for the division's [[Football League Championship play-offs#2011|play-off]]s.<ref>{{cite web|title=League Tables|url=http://www.football-league.co.uk/page/DivisionalLeagueTable/0,,10794~20107,00.html|publisher=The Football League|access-date=28 May 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717154437/http://www.football-league.co.uk/page/DivisionalLeagueTable/0,,10794~20107,00.html|archive-date=17 July 2011}}</ref> After beating Cardiff City in the semi-finals, they lost 4–2 to [[Swansea City A.F.C.|Swansea City]] in the [[2011 Football League Championship play-off Final|final]] at [[Wembley Stadium|Wembley]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Cardiff 0 – 3 Reading (agg 0 – 3)|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13343340.stm|work=BBC News|access-date=28 May 2011|date=17 May 2011|archive-date=11 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111035313/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/13343340|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Wembley tickets sold, season ticket update|url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~2368168,00.html|publisher=Reading F.C.|access-date=28 May 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110530024817/http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~2368168,00.html|archive-date=30 May 2011}}</ref> In the [[2011–12 in English football|2011–12 season]], a streak of good form in the second half of the season, ensured promotion back to the Premier League on 17 April 2012 with 1–0 home win against [[Nottingham Forest F.C.|Nottingham Forest]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Reading 1–0 Nottingham Forest|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17661602|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|access-date=25 April 2012|date=17 April 2012|archive-date=20 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120420044429/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17661602|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 21 January 2012 it was reported that Madejski planned to relinquish control of the club by selling a 51% stake for £40 million to Thames Sports Investments, a Russian consortium headed by [[Anton Zingarevich]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Reading set for Thames Sports Investment cash boost|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/16666698|publisher=BBC News|access-date=25 April 2012|date=21 January 2012}}</ref> As part of the deal, Madejski would continue as chairman before becoming honorary life president. Madejski's ownership of the club ended on 29 May 2012.<ref>{{cite web|title=TSI 51% acquisition now complete|url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~2790654,00.html|publisher=Reading F.C.|access-date=29 May 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120531043827/http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~2790654,00.html|archive-date=31 May 2012}}</ref>
McDermott led Reading to their first Premier League win of the [[2012–13 Premier League|2012–13 season]] on 17 November 2012 at their 11th attempt, defeating [[Everton F.C.|Everton]] 2–1 at home.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20278425 |title=Reading 2–1 Everton |work=BBC Sport |date=17 November 2012 |access-date=13 February 2018 |archive-date=24 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121124181959/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20278425 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 11 March 2013, however, he left his position at Reading.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21748762|title=Brian McDermott leaves position as Reading manager|work=[[BBC Sport]]|date=11 March 2013|access-date=11 March 2013|archive-date=11 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130311182414/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21748762|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Nigel Adkins]] was then appointed as manager, though he was unable to save them from relegation after drawing [[Queen's Park Rangers F.C.|Queens Park Rangers]] 0–0 on 28 April 2013 at [[Loftus Road]].
[[File:Reading FC League Performance.svg|thumb|right|300px|Reading's progress through the [[English football league system]] from 1920 to present.]]
===Return to the Championship (2013–2023)===
The following season back in the [[Football League Championship|Championship]] saw Reading make two high-profile signings in [[Wayne Bridge]] and [[Royston Drenthe]] in hope of an immediate return to the Premier League. Reading, however, missed out on the playoffs because of a last minute winner from [[Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.|Brighton & Hove Albion]]'s [[Leonardo Ulloa]], which meant the Seagulls made the playoffs at Reading's expense.
The 2014–15 pre-season saw further arrivals of [[Jamie Mackie]] on loan, [[Oliver Norwood]] and the return of [[Simon Cox (footballer, born 1987)|Simon Cox]]. The club was under a high threat of [[Administration (British football)|administration]], causing departures of [[Sean Morrison (footballer)|Sean Morrison]] and [[Adam Le Fondre]] and a Thai [[consortium]] taking over the club.<ref name="Nation">{{cite news |title=Thai billionaire buys Reading Football Club |url=https://www.nationthailand.com/lifestyle/30236274 |access-date=21 June 2023 |work=The Nation |date=14 June 2014}}</ref> A good start to Nigel Adkins' second season in charge was followed by a poor run of results that ended with his sacking after a 6–1 away defeat to [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]] with [[Steve Clarke]] taking over the next day in the hope of a promotion push. However, a lack of goals and some poor form in the league meant the club faced some fears of relegation to League One, but safety was secured with few games to spare. Nonetheless, during that time, the club embarked on a successful FA Cup journey, reaching the semi-final where they lost 2–1 to Arsenal at Wembley. The [[2015–16 Reading F.C. season|following season]] saw the club bring in many players in the hopes of gaining promotion, but the club finished 17th.
In the summer leading up to the [[2016-17 Reading F.C. season|2016–17 season]] the club announced the departure of Brian McDermott and eventually he was to be replaced by former [[Manchester United Football Club|Manchester United]] defender [[Jaap Stam]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Jaap Stam appointed as manager|url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/jaap-stam-appointed-as-manager-of-reading-fc-3141627.aspx|publisher=Reading F.C.|access-date=13 June 2016|date=13 June 2016|archive-date=1 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701042205/http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/jaap-stam-appointed-as-manager-of-reading-fc-3141627.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> Under Stam, Reading achieved their highest finish since relegation back to the Championship by finishing third and reaching the play-offs, where they beat Fulham on aggregate before facing [[Huddersfield Town A.F.C.|Huddersfield Town]] in the final at Wembley where they lost on penalties following 0–0 draw after extra time. In 2017, Chinese investors [[Dai Yongge]] and Dai Xiu Li acquired the club.<ref name="Emerson-27Jun2022">{{cite news |last1=Emerson |first1=Steve |title=Who are the owners of Reading FC - Dai Yongge and Dai Xiu Li? |url=https://thebusinessmagazine.co.uk/companies/who-are-the-owners-of-reading-fc-dai-yongge-and-dai-xiu-li/ |access-date=21 June 2023 |work=The Business Magazine |date=27 June 2022}}</ref>
The team languished towards the bottom of the table for most of the [[2017–18 Reading F.C. season|2017–18 season]]. On 21 March 2018, Stam resigned as manager after a nine-game winless run.<ref>{{cite web|title=Club statement|url=https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2018/march/club-statement/|publisher=Reading F.C.|access-date=21 March 2018|date=21 March 2018|archive-date=22 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322015142/https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2018/march/club-statement/|url-status=live}}</ref> Two days later, on 23 March 2018, [[Paul Clement (football manager)|Paul Clement]] was appointed as Reading's new manager; the club finished the season in 20th place, avoiding relegation by three points.<ref name="Reading Appoint Clement">{{cite web|title=Paul Clement appointed as new Royals boss|url=https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2018/march/paul-clementlappointed/|publisher=Reading F.C.|access-date=23 March 2018|date=23 March 2018|archive-date=23 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210923030125/https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2018/march/paul-clementlappointed/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Clement was sacked on 6 December 2018 after poor results left the club outside of the relegation zone only on goal difference.<ref>{{cite news|title=Reading sack manager after less than nine months|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/46467268/|work=BBC Sport|date=6 December 2018|access-date=15 December 2018|archive-date=9 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209224525/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/46467268|url-status=live}}</ref> He was replaced by [[José Manuel Gomes|José Gomes]] on 22 December, who steered the club away from relegation to finish 20th again.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2018/december/jose-gomes-confirmed-as-new-royals-boss2/|title=José Gomes confirmed as new Royals boss|publisher=Reading F.C.|language=en-gb|access-date=1 May 2019|archive-date=7 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407030326/https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2018/december/jose-gomes-confirmed-as-new-royals-boss2/|url-status=live}}</ref> However, after a slow start to the [[2019–20 Reading F.C. season|2019–20 season]], Gomes was dismissed after less than a year in charge with the team in the relegation zone in October 2019.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11831426/reading-set-to-sack-jose-gomes-after-less-than-a-year-in-charge | title=Reading sack manager Jose Gomes after less than a year in charge | work=Sky Sports | access-date=9 October 2019 | archive-date=9 October 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009194035/https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11831426/reading-set-to-sack-jose-gomes-after-less-than-a-year-in-charge | url-status=live }}</ref> Sporting director [[Mark Bowen (footballer)|Mark Bowen]] was promoted to the role as his replacement a week later and led the team to finish 14th before departing the club in August 2020.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11673/11835624/mark-bowen-agrees-deal-to-become-new-reading-head-coach | title=Reading appoint Mark Bowen as new manager following Jose Gomes sacking | access-date=14 October 2019 | archive-date=14 October 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014154912/https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11673/11835624/mark-bowen-agrees-deal-to-become-new-reading-head-coach | url-status=live }}</ref>
Former Chicago Fire boss [[Veljko Paunović]] was appointed manager on 29 August 2020.<ref>{{cite news |title=Veljko Paunovic: Reading appoint Serbian as manager, replacing Mark Bowen |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53958436 |access-date=29 August 2020 |work=BBC Sport |date=29 August 2020 |archive-date=17 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117213554/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53958436 |url-status=live }}</ref> The team got off to an excellent start to the [[2020-21 Reading F.C. season|2020–21 season]], winning seven of their first eight league games. However, the team's form faded after injuries to several key players and they eventually narrowly missed out of the play-offs, finishing seventh.
On 17 November 2021 it was confirmed Reading would be deducted six points due to breaching the EFL's profitability and sustainability rules.<ref>{{cite web |title=EFL CONFIRM POINTS DEDUCTION PENALTY |url=https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2021/november/17/club-statement---efl-confirm-points-deduction-penalty-/ |website=readingfc.co.uk/ |publisher=Reading F.C. |access-date=17 November 2021 |date=17 November 2021}}</ref> Over five years, the club reported pre-tax losses of £146m, way beyond the EFL's limit of a £13m annual pre-tax loss. In 2021, the club spent 234% of its revenue on player wages.<ref name="Coombes-25Jul2023">{{cite news |last1=Coombes |first1=Lewis |title=Reading FC: The rise and fall of a club and its elusive owner |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66291076 |access-date=25 July 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=25 July 2023}}</ref>
Following a 3–2 away victory over [[Preston North End F.C.|Preston North End]] in February 2022, manager Veljko Paunović left by mutual consent, with [[Paul Ince]] being placed in interim charge of the team alongside academy manager [[Michael Gilkes (footballer)|Michael Gilkes]].<ref name="Pauno out">{{cite web |title=CLUB STATEMENT ROYALS PART COMPANY WITH VELJKO PAUNOVIC BY MUTUAL CONSENT |url=https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2022/february/19/club-statement---royals-part-company-with-veljko-paunovi--by-mutual-consent/ |website=readingfc.co.uk/ |publisher=Reading F.C. |access-date=19 February 2022 |date=19 February 2022}}</ref> On 16 May, Ince became the team's permanent manager,<ref name="Paul Ince">{{cite web |title=PAUL INCE APPOINTED AS ROYALS MANAGER |url=https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2022/may/16/paul-ince-appointed-as-royals-manager/ |website=readingfc.co.uk/ |publisher=Reading F.C. |access-date=16 May 2022 |date=16 May 2022}}</ref> with Mark Bowen returning as head of football operations.<ref>{{cite web |title=MARK BOWEN RETURNS AS HEAD OF FOOTBALL OPERATIONS |url=https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2022/may/16/mark-bowen-returns-as-head-of-football-operations/ |website=readingfc.co.uk/ |publisher=Reading F.C. |access-date=16 May 2022 |date=16 May 2022}}</ref>
On 1 March 2023, the team was reported to be facing another six-point deduction for breaching profitability and sustainability rules.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fisher |first=Ben |date=2023-03-01 |title=Reading facing second points deduction for breaching financial rules |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/mar/01/reading-facing-second-points-deduction-for-breaching-financial-rules |access-date=2023-03-01 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> The club accepted the penalty on 4 April 2023, enforced with immediate effect.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2023/april/04/club-statement-six-points/|title=CLUB STATEMENT ROYALS ACCEPT IMMEDIATE SIX POINT PENALTY|website=www.readingfc.co.uk|date=4 April 2023|access-date=4 April 2023}}</ref> A week later, on 11 April, Ince left after a run of eight games without a win, leaving the club in 22nd place, one point from safety. Under-21 manager [[Noel Hunt]] was placed in interim charge until the end of the season.<ref>{{cite web |title=ROYALS PART COMPANY WITH PAUL INCE |url=https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2023/april/11/club-statement-royals-part-company-with-paul-ince/ |website=readingfc.co.uk |publisher=Reading F.C. |access-date=11 April 2023 |date=11 April 2023}}</ref> The club was relegated from the Championship on 4 May 2023 after 10 years in the [[EFL Championship|second tier]].<ref>{{cite news |date=4 May 2023 |title=Reading relegated: Huddersfield win sends Royals down to League One |website=bbc.co.uk |publisher=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65457810/ |access-date=4 May 2023}}</ref> Without the six point deduction, Reading would have finished on 50 points, escaping relegation.
=== League One struggles and club for sale (2023–present) ===
In June 2023, Reading were charged by the EFL with failing to pay their players on time and in full, in October and November 2022, and April 2023,<ref name="BBC-16Jun2023">{{cite news |title=Reading face three EFL charges for failing to pay players on time and in full |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65929124 |access-date=16 June 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=16 June 2023}}</ref> and with non-payment of taxes<ref name="BBC-23Jun2023">{{cite news |title=Reading: English Football League adds non-payment of tax to transfer embargo |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65999400 |access-date=26 June 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=23 June 2023}}</ref> – charges that meant Reading started their [[2023–24 Reading F.C. season|2023–24]] League One season with a points deduction.<ref name="Fisher-16Jun2023">{{cite news |last1=Fisher |first1=Ben |title=Reading face new points deduction after failing to pay players' wages three times |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jun/16/reading-facing-points-deduction-failing-to-pay-players-wages-efl-charges |access-date=16 June 2023 |work=The Guardian |date=16 June 2023}}</ref> Following the EFL's action, Reading fans groups united to launch a campaign, Sell Before We Dai,<ref name="BBC-21Jun2023"/> urging owner Dai Yongge to sell the club, calling his stewardship "an unmitigated disaster"<ref name="BBC-21Jun2023">{{cite news |title=Reading FC: Fan groups unite to demand owner Dai Yongge sells the club |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65975518 |access-date=22 June 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=21 June 2023}}</ref> and citing the club's "excruciating financial losses".<ref name="White-11Jul2023">{{cite news |last1=White |first1=Marcus |title=Dai Yongge profile: Who is the Chinese tycoon who owns Reading FC? |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66053700 |access-date=11 July 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=11 July 2023}}</ref> On 28 July, the club was placed under another transfer embargo because of the unpaid taxes.<ref name="BBC-28Jul2023">{{cite news |title=Reading put under new transfer embargo for failing to pay taxes on time |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66314265 |access-date=29 July 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=28 July 2023}}</ref> On 2 August, Dai Yongge was reported to be seeking new investors to bring financial stability to the club.<ref name="BBC-02Aug2023">{{cite news |title=Reading FC: Owners looking for new investors to provide financial stability |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66381677 |access-date=2 August 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=2 August 2023}}</ref>
Meanwhile, on 26 June 2023, Reading announced the provisional appointment of [[Rubén Sellés]] as their new manager,<ref>{{cite web |title=RUBÉN SELLÉS SET TO SIGN SUBJECT TO WORK VISA CLEARANCE |url=https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2023/june/26/rub-n-sell-s-set-to-sign-subject-to-work-visa-clearance/ |website=readingfc.co.uk |publisher=Reading F.C. |access-date=26 June 2023 |date=26 June 2023}}</ref> confirmed on 14 July, after his visa application was successful.<ref>{{cite web |title=RUBÉN IS A ROYAL - SELLÉS SIGNS TO COMPLETE MOVE TO RG2 |url=https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2023/july/14/ruben-selles-completes-move-to-reading-fc/ |website=readingfc.co.uk/ |publisher=Reading F.C. |access-date=14 July 2023 |date=14 July 2023}}</ref>
On 16 August 2023, after one win and two defeats in their opening three league fixtures, Reading had a point deducted (their third deduction in three consecutive seasons), and a further three-point deduction suspended, for failing to pay players fully and on time during the [[2022–23 Reading F.C. season|2022–23 season]]. Dai Yongge was ordered to pay 125% of the club's forecast monthly wages into a designated account.<ref name="BBC-16Aug2023">{{cite news |date=16 August 2023 |title=Reading deducted one point by EFL for failing to pay players on time and in full |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66522805 |access-date=16 August 2023 |work=BBC Sport}}</ref> After failing to comply, the suspended points deduction was applied on 13 September,<ref name="BBC-13Sep2023">{{cite news |title=Reading FC: League One club docked three points for failing to deposit wages |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66802229 |access-date=14 September 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=13 September 2023}}</ref> and Dai Yongge faced a misconduct charge.<ref name="BBC-20Sep2023">{{cite news |title=Reading owner Dai Yongge charged by EFL for failing to deposit wages |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66866582 |access-date=20 September 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=20 September 2023}}</ref> On 13 January 2024, Reading's match against [[Port Vale F.C.|Port Vale]] was abandoned after home fans invaded the pitch to protest about Yongge's ownership of the club.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Victor |first=Tom |date=2024-01-13 |title=Reading game abandoned as fans invade pitch after tennis ball protest |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/breaking-reading-match-abandoned-after-31874684 |access-date=2024-01-13 |website=The Mirror |language=en}}</ref><ref name="BBC-13Jan2024">{{cite news |title=Reading v Port Vale abandoned after pitch invasion protest |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67899988 |access-date=14 January 2024 |work=BBC Sport |date=13 January 2024}}</ref> On 27 February 2024, Reading received their second EFL points deduction of the season, being docked two more points for failing to make HMRC payments within an 80-day limit. At the end of April 2024, the club finished the League One season in 17th position.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68862402 |title=Resurgent Royals end Seasiders' play-off dreams |first=Matt |last=Newsum |website=BBC Sport |date=27 April 2024 |access-date=28 April 2024}}</ref> The ongoing financial difficulties caused the women's team to withdraw from the Women's Championship on 30 June.<ref>{{cite news |date=30 June 2024 |title=Reading withdraw women's team from Championship |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/czk0m4l87l9o |access-date=30 June 2024 |work=BBC Sport}}</ref>
An attempted takeover by former Wycombe Wanderers owner [[Rob Couhig]] collapsed in September 2024,<ref>{{cite news |title=Couhig's deal to buy Reading falls through |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cp3wnxn57ewo |access-date=20 September 2024 |work=BBC Sport |date=18 September 2024}}</ref> a bid by former Reading chairman Roger Smee ended in December 2024,<ref>{{cite news |last1=George |first1=Dan |last2=Coombes |first2=Lewis |last3=Dellor |first3=Tim |title=Ex-Reading chairman Smee has takeover bid rejected |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c0mv0zk2d71o |access-date=5 February 2025 |work=BBC Sport |date=3 December 2024}}</ref> and negotiations over another (unnamed) takeover bid expired in February 2025.<ref>{{cite news |title=Proposed Reading takeover in doubt as exclusivity ends |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cg5ynj5zgdeo |access-date=5 February 2025 |work=BBC Sport |date=4 February 2025}}</ref> In late February 2025, local MP [[Yuan Yang (politician)|Yuan Yang]] backed a supporters' group petition calling for an inquiry into the club's governance since May 2012,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Briant |first1=Nathan |title=MP joins Reading supporters calling for inquiry |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwydlzxlpwwo |access-date=21 February 2025 |work=BBC News |date=21 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Briant |first1=Nathan |title=Thousands back fans' club ownership petition |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4gdp420gp0o |access-date=25 February 2025 |work=BBC News |date=24 February 2025}}</ref> while the club entered into exclusive talks with another potential buyer.<ref>{{cite news |title=Reading enter talks with new potential buyer |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c9dep3gje84o |access-date=25 February 2025 |work=BBC Sport |date=24 February 2025}}</ref> In March 2025, Yongge was given until 4 April 2025 to sell the club after the EFL disqualified him under its Owners' and Directors' Test.<ref>{{cite news |title=Yongge disqualified & told to sell Reading by April |url=https://www.footballnewstoday.co.uk/efl-grants-reading-fc-owner-dai-yongge-more-time-to-finalize-club-sale-amid-financial-uncertainty |access-date=21 March 2025 |work=FootballNewsToday |date=21 March 2025}}</ref> The sale deadline was subsequently extended to 22 April 2025;<ref>{{cite news |title=Reading owner Yongge given extension to sell club |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cly12lv11y0o |access-date=3 April 2025 |work=BBC Sport |date=3 April 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Harby |first1=Chris |title=Reading in talks with new bidder as deadline looms |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cn4jj8j2e3lo |access-date=9 April 2025 |work=BBC Sport |date=9 April 2025}}</ref> on that date, the club said it had agreed terms with a buyer, and the EFL extended its deadline to complete a deal to 5 May 2025.<ref>{{cite news |title=Reading agree terms with buyer over sale |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/clyw5yyzx69o |access-date=22 April 2025 |work=BBC Sport |date=22 April 2025}}</ref> On 3 May, it was announced that a [[Agreement in principle|sale in principle]] had been agreed with Couhig; the EFL deadline was initially extended into early May.<ref name="BBC c8493nkjlyyo">{{cite news |title=Reading takeover: American businessman Rob Couhig agrees deal to end Dai Yongge era |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c8493nkjlyyo |access-date=3 May 2025 |work=BBC Sport |date=3 May 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Lancaster |first1=Curtis |title=Reading sale on track as EFL deadline extended again |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn0g2pg0gkeo |access-date=12 May 2025 |work=BBC News |date=9 May 2025}}</ref> On 14 May, Reading and the EFL confirmed that Redwood Holdings Limited had completed its takeover of the club.<ref>{{cite web |title=Redwood Holdings complete takeover |url=https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2025/may/14/club-takeover-complete/ |website=readingfc.co.uk |publisher=Reading F.C. |access-date=14 May 2025 |date=14 May 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Reading Football Club under new ownership |url=https://www.efl.com/news/2025/may/14/reading-football-club-under-new-ownership/ |website=efl.com |publisher=English Football League |access-date=14 May 2025 |date=14 May 2025}}</ref>
In March 2025, 12 months late, Reading finally submitted financial accounts for the 2022–23 relegation campaign, revealing a loss of over £20m. The late filing of accounts resulted in an EFL transfer embargo, which could be reinstated if Reading failed to publish their 2023–24 accounts by 31 March.<ref>{{cite news |title=Reading reveal they lost £21m in relegation season |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cly64g63mryo |access-date=27 March 2025 |work=BBC Sport |date=25 March 2025}}</ref> Accounts revealing a further loss of £12.1m were filed in May 2025 and the transfer embargo was lifted.<ref>{{cite news |title=Reading announce losses of £12.1m for 2023-24 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c1w37y0vrlxo |access-date=12 May 2025 |work=BBC Sport |date=9 May 2025}}</ref><!--This section is meant to be just a summary. Please do not add too much detail – the "History of Reading F.C." article is intended for detailed additions-->
==Crest and colours==
{{Commons|Reading F.C. kits}}
[[File:Reading FC crest (1987-96).svg|thumb|left|80px|Reading F.C. crest (1987–96)]]
{{Football kit box
| align = right
| pattern_la =
| pattern_b =
| pattern_ra =
| leftarm = 3399FF
| body = 3399FF
| rightarm = 3399FF
| shorts = 3399FF
| socks = FFFFFF
| title = A change from 1965 to 1969 saw Reading wear sky blue.<ref name=colours />
}}
The Reading Coat of Arms was used as the crest of the club on early match day programs.<ref>{{Cite news |last=William |first=Owain |date=July 4, 2017 |title=The History Of Reading FC Badges |url=https://thetilehurstend.sbnation.com/2017/7/4/15908124/the-history-of-reading-fc-badges |work=The Tilehurst End |pages=}}</ref> It is recognised as the first crest of the club. The first crest to appear on a Reading [[Kit (association football)|kit]] was in 1953, it featured just the letter "R". There was no crest seen again until 1981 when there was a crest featuring three elm trees and the rivers [[River Thames|Thames]] and [[River Kennet|Kennet]]; this only lasted two seasons. From 1987 to 1996 the crest used the new kit colours of yellow, sky blue, royal blue and white.<ref name="colours">{{cite web | title = Old Reading colours | url = http://www.historicalkits.co.uk/Reading/Reading.htm | publisher = Historical Football Kits | access-date = 14 January 2010 | archive-date = 19 September 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090919142857/http://www.historicalkits.co.uk/Reading/Reading.htm | url-status = live }}</ref> A brief return to a design based on the 1981 crest was reintroduced for the 1996–97 and 1997–98 seasons. Commenting on the need for a new crest to coincide with the move to the Madejski Stadium, as well as moving into the new millennium, Sir John Madejski said: "I know some traditionalists will say we should keep the old badge but they should bear in mind the need to move forward."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.royals.org/millwallbadge.html|title=Vote to choose the new Royals badge|access-date=23 January 2015|newspaper=Reading Evening Post|date=27 November 1995|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924092300/http://www.royals.org/millwallbadge.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The current crest was first seen on the kits for the [[1998–99 Reading F.C. season|1998–99 season]].<ref name=colours /> It is based on the club colours—blue and white—and includes a crown to represent the Royal County of Berkshire and the [[Maiwand Lion]] to represent Reading.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.onlysport.co.uk/profile/80 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20120907215849/http://www.onlysport.co.uk/profile/80 | url-status = dead | archive-date = 7 September 2012 | title = New crest design | work = onlysport.co.uk | access-date = 23 January 2015 }}</ref>
The club's home kit for the [[2022–23 Reading F.C. season|2022–23 season]] saw [[University of Reading]]'s [[Ed Hawkins (climatologist)|Ed Hawkins']] stripe design included on the sleeves with the stripes representing the average temperature for a single year since Reading's foundation to raise awareness for climate change, the shirt itself being made of recycled plastic bottles.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2022/july/25/home-kit-2022-23-showyourstripes-hoopsforthefuture/|title=Home kit unveiled : Show your stripes and share our hoops for the future|website=www.readingfc.co.uk|date=25 July 2022|access-date=27 July 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-62292080|title=Reading FC: Club's new kit includes climate change design|publisher=BBC News|date=25 July 2022|access-date=27 July 2022}}</ref>
==Stadium==
{{Main|Elm Park (stadium)|Select Car Leasing Stadium|l1=Elm Park}}
The club played at Reading Recreation Ground until 1878, before moving on to Reading Cricket Ground (1878–1882), [[Coley Park]] (1882–1889) and [[Caversham, Berkshire|Caversham]] Cricket Ground (1889–1896).
[[File:Elm Park, the former home of Reading FC.jpg|thumb|[[Elm Park (stadium)|Elm Park]] was Reading's stadium for 102 years, pictured here in 1981.]]
In 1889, Reading were unable to continue playing at Coley Park as W B Monck (the local [[squire]]) no longer allowed football due to "rowdyism [by] the rougher elements".<ref name="Yeo 1976 192">{{harvtxt|Yeo|1976|p=192}}</ref> With club membership exceeding 300 by the time the club went professional in 1895, Reading required a proper ground. A meeting the following year determined that funding would be difficult.<ref name="Yeo 1976 192" /> £20 was donated by J C Fidler, on the proviso that "no liquors were to be sold" on site.<ref name="Yeo 1976 192" /> The rest of the cost was financed through donations by wealthy supporters, as well as one large individual donation.<ref name="Yeo 1976 193">{{harvtxt|Yeo|1976|p=193}}</ref> A former [[gravel pit]] in [[West Reading, Berkshire|West Reading]] was identified as the site.<ref name="Royals Record 2011a">{{cite web|title=Reading's Grounds|year=2011a|publisher=Royals Record|url=http://www.royalsrecord.co.uk/seasons/ground.html|access-date=3 June 2011|archive-date=16 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190516171745/http://www.royalsrecord.co.uk/seasons/ground.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The first game at Elm Park was held on 5 September 1896 between Reading and [[Arthur Roston Bourke|A Roston Bourke]]'s XI. The visitors were a [[scratch team]] from Holloway College.<ref name="1871 2003">{{cite web|title=The Home Grounds of Reading FC|year=2003|publisher=1871 – The Ultimate Reading FC Website|url=http://www.btinternet.com/~rfc1871/madejskistadium/elmpark.htm|access-date=2 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120622044320/http://www.btinternet.com/~rfc1871/madejskistadium/elmpark.htm|archive-date=22 June 2012}}</ref> £44 was taken on the gate, with an attendance of approximately 2,500.<ref name="Yeo 1976 193" />
In 1908, the club's [[annual general meeting]] proposed moving to a new ground near [[Reading railway station]]. A board meeting the following year decided that the move would not be possible, as "there was no chance of a move to the ground near to the [[Great Western Railway|GWR]] railway stations due to the actions of the Great Western Railway".<ref name="1871 2003" />
[[File:Madejski Stadium - geograph.org.uk - 3023491.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Madejski Stadium]] has been Reading's home ground since 1998.]]
In 1994, the [[Taylor Report]] made an [[all-seater stadium]] compulsory in the top two divisions (the Premier League and the first division). Reading were champions of the [[Football League Second Division|second division]] in 1994, and were promoted to the first division. Reading became subject to the Taylor requirements, though converting Elm Park to an all-seater stadium would have been impractical.<ref name="1871 2003" /> Instead, a ___location in Smallmead (to the south of the town) was identified as the site for a new stadium.<ref name="1871 2003" /> The former council landfill site was bought for £1, with further conditions that the development of the stadium would include part-funding of the [[A33 road|A33 relief road]].<ref name="Digby 2001 46">{{harvtxt|Digby|2001|p=46}}</ref> Expansion of the club's home would also allow alternative commercial ventures (particularly leisure facilities) and shared use with other teams (such as [[rugby union]] clubs [[Richmond F.C.|Richmond]] and [[London Irish]]).<ref name="Digby 2001 46" /> The last competitive match at Elm Park took place on 3 May 1998 against [[Norwich City F.C.|Norwich City]], with Reading losing 1–0.<ref name="Loader 1998 (2)">{{cite web|last=Loader|first=Graham|title=Reading 0 Norwich City 1|year=1998|publisher=[[Hob Nob Anyone?]]|url=http://www.royals.org/matdoc/030598.html|access-date=2 June 2011|archive-date=8 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108130950/http://www.royals.org/matdoc/030598.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Reading began the [[1998–99 Reading F.C. season|1998–99 season]] at the [[Madejski Stadium]].<ref name="1871 2003" /> It was opened on 22 August 1998 when [[Luton Town F.C.|Luton Town]] were beaten 3–0.<ref name="Loader 1998">{{cite web|last=Loader|first=Graham|title=Reading 3 Luton Town 0 (22 August 1998, Madejski Stadium)|year=1998|publisher=[[Hob Nob Anyone?]]|url=http://www.royals.org/matdoc/220898.html|access-date=13 August 2015|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924092258/http://www.royals.org/matdoc/220898.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The stadium cost more than £50 million to build.<ref name="pitch resurfacing">{{cite news | date=2 July 2007 | url=http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1065220,00.html | title=Stadium pitch has been lengthened | publisher=Reading F.C. | access-date=2 July 2007 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070822134240/http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10306~1065220%2C00.html | archive-date=22 August 2007 | df=dmy-all }}</ref> For the first time in its history, Reading Football Club participated in the Premier League in the [[2006–07 in English football|2006–07]] season. As a result of the sell-out crowds for their first few fixtures of the season, the club announced their intention, in October 2006,<ref>{{cite news | date=21 September 2006 | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/reading/5366880.stm | title=Royals ready to extend Madejski | work=BBC Sport | access-date=28 January 2007 | archive-date=12 January 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112225906/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/reading/5366880.stm | url-status=live }}</ref> to make a planning application to extend the ground to between 37,000 and 38,000 seats. The application was made on 24 January 2007, proposing initially the extension of the East Stand with a further 6,000 seats (raising capacity to around 30,000) and subsequently extension of the North and South Stands to reach the full proposed capacity.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Plans for stadium expansion will be submitted to the Council later this week |publisher=Reading F.C. |date=22 January 2007 |url=http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~968826,00.html |access-date=28 January 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609120447/http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10306~968826%2C00.html |archive-date=9 June 2012 }}</ref> On 24 May 2007, it was announced that planning permission had been granted to extend the stadium to a capacity of 36,900.<ref>{{cite news | date=23 May 2007 | url=http://www.reading.gov.uk/Documents/Committee_Services/Planning_Applications_Committee/-2007-2008/070523/item23-madejskistadium.pdf | title=Committee Report by the Director of Environment Culture & Sport | publisher=[[Reading Borough Council]] Planning Applications Committee | access-date=31 May 2007 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080406152702/http://www.reading.gov.uk/Documents/Committee_Services/Planning_Applications_Committee/-2007-2008/070523/item23-madejskistadium.pdf | archive-date=6 April 2008 | df=dmy-all }}</ref>
On 5 July 2016, at the end of [[Eamonn Dolan]]'s funeral, Reading announced that the North Stand would be renamed the Eamonn Dolan Stand.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Eamonn Dolan Stand|url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/eamonn-dolan-stand-madejski-stadium-3168672.aspx|publisher=Reading F.C.|access-date=5 July 2016|date=5 July 2016|archive-date=8 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708000604/http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/eamonn-dolan-stand-madejski-stadium-3168672.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref>
During the 2019–20 season Reading moved to a new training ground at Bearwood Golf Club to replace Hogwood Park, their previous training facility.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bearwood Park |url=https://www.readingfc.co.uk/club/bearwood-park/ |website=Reading FC |access-date=12 February 2024}}</ref> In March 2024, owner Dai Yongge agreed to sell the Bearwood Park training ground to Wycombe Wanderers, claiming it was necessary to fund the club's short-term future while trying to sell the club.<ref>{{cite news |title=Wycombe to purchase Reading's training ground Bearwood Park |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5339939/2024/03/13/wycombe-reading-training-ground-bearwood-park/ |website=The Athletic |access-date=14 March 2024 |last1=Slater |first1=Matt |date=14 March 2024 }}</ref>
In July 2021, at the beginning of the club's 150th anniversary season, it was announced that the Madejski Stadium had been rebranded as the Select Car Leasing Stadium for the next ten years. In honour of Sir John Madejski, the East Stand was renamed the Sir John Madejski Stand.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2021/july/Welcome-to-the-Select-Car-Leasing-Stadium-/|title = Welcome to the Select Car Leasing Stadium!| date=16 July 2021 }}</ref>
==Support==
{{See also|Supporters' Trust at Reading}}
[[File:Elm Park 1913.jpg|thumb|right|Supporters at a Reading match at [[Elm Park (stadium)|Elm Park]] in 1913]]
In 1930, the Reading Football Supporters’ Club (RFSC) was formed to represent the interests of supporters of the club and to assist in raising funds for the football club. On 18 March 2002, the Supporters' Trust at Reading become the official successor to the RFSC.
In 2001, Reading became the first football club to register their fans as an official member of their squad, giving the "player" registered with squad number 13 as 'Reading Fans'.<ref>{{cite news | title=Loyal Royals' number is up! | url=http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~80641,00.html | publisher=Reading F.C. | date=6 August 2001 | access-date=26 January 2007 }}{{dead link|date=February 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title=Fans given thumbs up for Number 13 | url=http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~81990,00.html | publisher=Reading F.C. | date=9 August 2001 | access-date=26 January 2007 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080427123759/http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~81990,00.html | archive-date=27 April 2008 | df=dmy-all }}</ref>
For the [[2015–16 Reading F.C. season|2015–16 season]], Reading had 12,983 season ticket holders – ranked 10th in the [[EFL Championship|Championship]] and almost identical to former [[List of English football champions|league champions]] [[Leeds United A.F.C.|Leeds United]]. The figure for that season was greater than the 12,552 recorded in the previous season, but down from the [[2013–14 Reading F.C. season|2013–14]] Championship peak of 14,547.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.efl.com/siteassets/efl-documents/attendance-reports/efl-attendance-report---season-ticket-holders-season-2015-16.pdf|title=EFL Attendance Report – Season 2015/16 – Season Ticket Holders|work=[[English Football League]]|access-date=5 March 2018|archive-date=6 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306083419/https://www.efl.com/siteassets/efl-documents/attendance-reports/efl-attendance-report---season-ticket-holders-season-2015-16.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The average attendance for the 2015–16 season was 17,570 – the 10th highest in the Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.efl.com/siteassets/efl-documents/attendance-reports/efl-attendance-report---average-attendance-season-2015-16.pdf|title=EFL Attendance Report – Season 2015/16 – Average Attendance|work=[[English Football League]]|access-date=5 March 2018|archive-date=6 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306083404/https://www.efl.com/siteassets/efl-documents/attendance-reports/efl-attendance-report---average-attendance-season-2015-16.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.efl.com/news/2017/january/efl-attendance-analysis--report--season-201516/|title=EFL Attendance Analysis & Report – Season 2015/16|work=[[English Football League]]|date=31 January 2017|access-date=5 March 2018|archive-date=6 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306083011/https://www.efl.com/news/2017/january/efl-attendance-analysis--report--season-201516/|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Rivalries===
Before going out of business in 1992, [[Aldershot F.C.|Aldershot]] were Reading's biggest rivals.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://football.guardian.co.uk/fanzines/story/0,,441097,00.html | work=The Guardian | ___location=London | title=No 6. Reading | date=21 February 2001 | access-date=22 May 2010 | archive-date=14 December 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071214100308/http://football.guardian.co.uk/fanzines/story/0,,441097,00.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>[http://www.royals.org/matdoc/140701.html Reading FC vs Aldershot 14/07/01] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071030194435/http://www.royals.org/matdoc/140701.html |date=30 October 2007 }}. Royals.org (14 July 2001). Retrieved 17 July 2013.</ref> Aldershot were, geographically, the closest [[English Football League|Football League]] club to Reading.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.footballgroundmap.com/team/reading/distances|title=Distances for Reading fans to travel to away game|work=footballgroundmap.com|access-date=5 March 2018|archive-date=6 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306142228/https://www.footballgroundmap.com/team/reading/distances|url-status=live}}</ref> There was a strong rift between the two sets of fans, with fighting between fans occurring on several occasions. Strong feelings remain between fans of Reading and fans of [[Aldershot Town F.C.|Aldershot Town]], the refounded club in [[Aldershot]]. Aldershot Town were promoted into the Football League in 2008, but the clubs haven't met in a competitive match since the demise of the original club. Aldershot were relegated out of the league in 2013, having entered administration, reducing the chances of a competitive meeting between the two sides in the near future.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/22383276|title=Aldershot Town: Relegated club goes into administration|date=2 May 2013|access-date=5 March 2018|work=BBC Sport|archive-date=4 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804203745/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/22383276|url-status=live}}</ref>
Since Aldershot's exile, Reading's main local rivalries have been with [[Oxford United F.C.|Oxford United]] and [[Swindon Town F.C.|Swindon Town]]. When the three teams had shared a division, their rivalry was referred to as the "Didcot Triangle".<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/23851038.reading-v-swindon-town-derby-match-marred-fan-violence/ | title=Ugly scenes as fan violence mars Swindon Town's clash with old rivals | date=12 October 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/news/24579152.reading-fc-vs-oxford-13-men-charged-violent-disorder/ | title=Reading FC vs Oxford: Police release names of 13 men charged over 'violent' disorder | date=12 September 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/24089975.oxford-united-vs-reading-police-operation-kassam-game/ | title=Police to use drones and dogs to stop violence at Oxford United game | date=February 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://rdg.today/ahead-of-reading-v-oxford-heavy-police-presence-in-town-centre/ | title=Ahead of Reading v Oxford, heavy police presence in town centre | work=Reading Today Online | date=12 December 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gazetteandherald.co.uk/news/7399424.12-arrests-as-town-lose-to-reading/ | title=12 arrests as Town lose to Reading | date=21 August 2000 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.btinternet.com/~rfc1871/players/triangle200001.htm | title=Didcot Triangle/Wallingford Quadrangle | access-date=22 February 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024165323/http://www.btinternet.com/~rfc1871/players/triangle200001.htm|archive-date=24 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.royalsrecord.co.uk/cups/didcot.html | title=Didcot Triangle | access-date=19 June 2011 | archive-date=15 January 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120115150935/http://www.royalsrecord.co.uk/cups/didcot.html | url-status=live }}</ref>
However, the rivalry between Oxford and Swindon is stronger than between either of the two and Reading, largely due to them both spending their recent history in lower divisions than Reading, and spending their previous history in higher divisions than Reading.<ref name="Rivalries">{{Cite news| url = http://www.footballfanscensus.com/issueresults/Club_Rivalries_Uncovered_Results.pdf| title = Rivalry Uncovered| access-date = 11 April 2007| publisher = The [[Football Fans Census]]| page = 6| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090304004344/http://www.footballfanscensus.com/issueresults/Club_Rivalries_Uncovered_Results.pdf| archive-date = 4 March 2009| df = dmy-all}}</ref> In 2012, a small survey showed that Reading's main rivals were Aldershot Town, followed by Swindon Town and Oxford United.<ref name="Rivals2013">{{cite web|url=https://thechriswhitingshow.wordpress.com/2012/08/28/2012-football-rivalry-census-results/|title=2012–13 Football Rivalry Survey Results|date=28 August 2012|access-date=6 March 2018|archive-date=12 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112031524/https://thechriswhitingshow.wordpress.com/2012/08/28/2012-football-rivalry-census-results/|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Sponsorship==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
|-
! style="color:white; background:#2B55DB;"|Period
! style="color:white; background:#2B55DB;"|Kit manufacturer
! style="color:white; background:#2B55DB;"|Shirt sponsor
|-
|1976–77
||[[Umbro]]
|rowspan=3|—
|-
|1977–81
||[[Bukta]]
|-
|1981–82
|rowspan=2|—
|-
|1982–83
||[[Reading Chronicle]]
|-
|1983–84
||[[Umbro]]
||[[Heart Berkshire|Radio 210]]
|-
|1984–89
||[[Patrick (shoe company)|Patrick]]
|rowspan=2|[[Courage Brewery|Courage]]
|-
|1989–90
|rowspan=2|Matchwinner
|-
|1990–92
|HAT Painting
|-
|1992–93
||[[Brooks Sports|Brooks]]
|rowspan=3|[[Auto Trader Group|Auto Trader]]
|-
|1993–96
|Pelada
|-
|1996–99
|rowspan=2|[[Mizuno Corp.|Mizuno]]
|-
|1999–2001
|rowspan=3|Westcoast
|-
|2001–04
||Kit@
|-
|2004–05
|rowspan=5|[[Puma AG|Puma]]
|-
|2005–08
|[[Kyocera]]
|-
|2008–15
|[[Waitrose]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Waitrose announces two-year extension of Reading FC sponsorship|url=https://www.waitrose.presscentre.com/Press-Releases/Waitrose-announces-two-year-extension-of-Reading-FC-sponsorship-69c.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006140832/https://www.waitrose.presscentre.com/Press-Releases/Waitrose-announces-two-year-extension-of-Reading-FC-sponsorship-69c.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 October 2011|publisher=waitrose.presscentre.com|access-date=18 April 2011}}</ref>
|-
|2015–16
|[[Carabao Daeng]] (home)<ref>{{cite web|title="เรดดิง" เซ็น "คาราบาวแดง" สปอนเซอร์คาดอกเสื้อ|url=http://www.manager.co.th/sport/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9580000070652|publisher=manager.co.th|access-date=23 June 2015|archive-date=23 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623010414/http://www.manager.co.th/sport/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9580000070652|url-status=live}} {{langx|th|ภาษาไทย}}</ref> <br /> [[Thai Airways]] (away)<ref>{{cite web|title=Royals welcome Thai Airways on board|url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/reading-football-club-thai-airways-2511172.aspx|website=readingfc.co.uk/|publisher=Reading FC|access-date=29 June 2015|date=29 June 2015|archive-date=29 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150629185130/http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/reading-football-club-thai-airways-2511172.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|2016–19
|[[Carabao Daeng]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Reading FC sign Carabao as Principal Partner until 2019|url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/reading-sign-carabao-as-principal-partner-until-2019-3144792.aspx#KlHt4oosT6z4LzK5.99|publisher=Reading F.C.|access-date=17 June 2016|date=17 June 2016|archive-date=8 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808013613/http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/reading-sign-carabao-as-principal-partner-until-2019-3144792.aspx#KlHt4oosT6z4LzK5.99|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|2019–21
|rowspan=2|[[Macron (sportswear)|Macron]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Royals announce new partnership with Macron |url=https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2019/april/royals-announce-new-partnership-with-macron/ |website=readingfc.co.uk/ |publisher=Reading F.C. |access-date=17 April 2019 |date=17 April 2019 |archive-date=17 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417101950/https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2019/april/royals-announce-new-partnership-with-macron/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|[[Casumo]]<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2019/june/casumo-signs-two-year-partnership-deal-with-reading-football-club/ | title=Casumo signs two-year partnership deal with Reading Football Club | access-date=28 June 2019 | archive-date=28 June 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190628224040/https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2019/june/casumo-signs-two-year-partnership-deal-with-reading-football-club/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|2021–
|rowspan=2|Select Car Leasing<ref>{{cite web |title=Select Car Leasing become new Principal Partner of Reading Football Club |url=https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2021/june/-select-car-leasing-become-new-principal-partner-of-reading-football-club/ |website=readingfc.co.uk |publisher=Reading F.C. |access-date=11 June 2021 |date=11 June 2021 |archive-date=11 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611121237/https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2021/june/-select-car-leasing-become-new-principal-partner-of-reading-football-club/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2023/october/13/reading-fc-extend-partnership-with-macron/ | title=Home of the Royals! }}</ref>
|}
==Ownership and finances==
As of May 2025, The Reading Football Club Limited, incorporated on 11 August 1897, was:<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2025/may/14/club-takeover-complete/ | date = May 2025 | website = [[Reading FC Official Website]] | access-date = 2025-05-14 | title = Redwood Holdings complete takeover }}</ref>
* 100% owned by Redwood Holdings 1 Ltd
==Players==
{{updated|26 August 2025}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.readingfc.co.uk/teams/first-team/ |title=Reading FC {{!}} First Team |publisher=Reading FC |access-date=25 July 2018 |archive-date=25 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425064452/http://www.readingfc.co.uk/team/player-profile/hal-robson-kanu/9 |url-status=live }}</ref>
===First-team squad===
{{fs start|nonumber=|bg=2B55DB|color=FFFFFF|border=FFFFFF}}
{{fs player|no=1|nat=POR|pos=GK|name=[[Joel Castro Pereira|Joel Pereira]]|other=[[Captain (association football)|vice-captain]]}}
{{fs player|no=2|nat=GHA|pos=DF|name=[[Kelvin Abrefa]]}}
{{fs player|no=3|nat=MSR|pos=DF|name=[[Jeriel Dorsett]]}}
{{fs player|no=4|nat=CMR|pos=MF|name=[[Ben Elliott (footballer)|Ben Elliott]]}}
{{fs player|no=5|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=[[Matty Jacob]]|other=on loan from [[Hull City A.F.C.|Hull City]]}}
{{fs player|no=6|nat=CAN|pos=MF|name=[[Liam Fraser]]}}
{{fs player|no=7|nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=[[Jack Marriott (footballer)|Jack Marriott]]}}
{{fs player|no=8|nat=WAL|pos=MF|name=[[Charlie Savage (footballer)|Charlie Savage]]}}
{{fs player|no=9|nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=[[Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan]]}}
{{fs player|no=10|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=[[Lewis Wing]]|other=[[Captain (association football)|captain]]}}
{{fs player|no=11|nat=GER|pos=MF|name=[[Daniel Kyerewaa]]}}
{{fs player|no=12|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=[[Finley Burns]]|other=on loan from [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]]}}
{{fs player|no=14|nat=ZIM|pos=MF|name=[[Tivonge Rushesha]]}}
{{fs player|no=15|nat=IRL|pos=DF|name=[[Paudie O'Connor]]}}
{{fs player|no=17|nat=GHA|pos=DF|name=[[Andy Yiadom]]}}
{{fs player|no=19|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=[[Andre Garcia (footballer)|Andre Garcia]]}}
{{fs mid|nonumber=|bg=2B55DB|color=FFFFFF|border=FFFFFF}}
{{fs player|no=20|nat=IRL|pos=FW|name=[[Mark O'Mahony]]|other=on loan from [[Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.|Brighton & Hove Albion]]}}
{{fs player|no=22|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=[[Michael Stickland]]}}
{{fs player|no=25|nat=ENG|pos=GK|name=[[Jack Stevens (footballer, born 1997)|Jack Stevens]]}}
{{fs player|no=26|nat=MLT|pos=FW|name=[[Basil Tuma]]}}
{{fs player|no=28|nat=GNB|pos=MF|name=[[Mamadi Camará (footballer, born 2003)|Mamadi Camará]]}}
{{fs player|no=29|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=[[Kamari Doyle]]|other=on loan from [[Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.|Brighton & Hove Albion]]}}
{{fs player|no=32|nat=NIR|pos=MF|name=[[Paddy Lane (footballer)|Paddy Lane]]}}
{{fs player|no=33|nat=IRL|pos=DF|name=[[Derrick Williams (footballer)|Derrick Williams]]}}
{{fs player|no=36|nat=IRL|pos=DF|name=[[John Ryan (footballer, born 2004)|John Ryan]]}}
{{fs player|no=39|nat=ENG|pos=DF|name=Ashqar Ahmed}}
{{fs player|no=43|nat=ENG|pos=FW|name=Jeremiah Okine-Peters}}
{{fs player|no=44|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Tyler Sackey}}
{{fs player|no=47|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=[[Shay Spencer]]}}
{{fs player|no=48|nat=ENG|pos=GK|name=Matthew Rowley}}
{{fs player|no=49|nat=ENG|pos=MF|name=Emmanuel Osho}}
{{fs end}}
===Out on loan===
{{fs start|nonumber=|bg=2B55DB|color=FFFFFF|border=FFFFFF}}
{{fs player|
{{fs player|
{{fs end}}
===Under 21s and academy===
{{Main|Reading F.C. Under-23s and Academy}}
The Reading Academy refers to the [[youth system|development teams]] of Reading Football Club. The club takes part in the [[Professional Development League]] system, with the Under-21s competing in the [[Professional Development League#Under-21 level|Premier League 2 – Division 2]], and the Under-18s competing in the [[Professional Development League#Under-18 level|U18 Premier League – South Division]].
==Club officials and management==
{{refimprove|section|date=May 2025}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:left;"
|-
!colspan=2 style="color:white; background:#2B55DB;"| Board of Directors & Senior Club Staff
|-
! style="width:290px;"|Role !! style="width:200px;"|Person
|-
| Chairman ||{{flagicon|USA}} [[Rob Couhig]]
|-
| Director ||{{flagicon|USA}} Todd Trosclair
|-
| Director ||{{flagicon|USA}} Alec Lundberg
|-
| Director ||{{flagicon|Israel}} Ross Kestin
|-
| Property Projects Manager ||{{flagicon|England}} Nigel Howe
|-
| Club Secretary ||{{flagicon|England}} Sue Hewett
|-
| Chief Executive Officer ||{{flagicon|Wales}} [[Joe Jacobson]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Earnshaw |first1=James |title=Reading FC CEO talks of 'broad spec' after role confirmation |url=https://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/news/25173185.reading-fc-ceo-talks-broad-spec-role-confirmation/ |publisher=[[Reading Chronicle]] |access-date=19 May 2025 |date=19 May 2025}}</ref>
|-
| Financial Controller ||{{flagicon|USA}} Crispin Boyce
|-
| Director of Recruitment ||{{flagicon|Republic of Ireland}} [[Brian Carey]]
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:left;"
|-
!colspan=2 style="color:white; background:#2B55DB;"|Coaching Staff
|-
! style="width:290px;"|Role !! style="width:200px;"|Person
|-
| Manager ||{{flagicon|Republic of Ireland}} [[Noel Hunt]]
|-
| Assistant Manager ||{{flagicon|Scotland}} [[Scott Marshall (footballer)|Scott Marshall]]
|-
| First Team Coach ||{{flagicon|Antigua & Barbuda}} [[Mikele Leigertwood]]
|-
| Goalkeeping Coach ||{{flagicon|England}} Robert Shay
|-
| Head Physiotherapist ||{{flagicon|England}} Matt Hirons
|-
| Head of Sports Science||{{flagicon|Wales}} Josh Bowen
|-
| First Team Sport Scientist||{{flagicon|England}} Oliver Harrington
|-
| First Team Analyst||{{flagicon|England}} Alex Forsey
|-
| Kit Manager ||{{flagicon|England}} Roberto Fung
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:left;"
|-
!colspan=2 style="color:white; background:#2B55DB;"|Academy Management
|-
! style="width:290px;"|Role !! style="width:200px;"|Person
|-
| Academy Manager ||{{flagicon|Barbados}} [[Michael Gilkes (footballer)|Michael Gilkes]]
|-
| Head of Academy Operations || {{flagicon|England}} Celeste Stevens
|-
| Head of Academy Sports Science & Medicine ||{{flagicon|England}} Steve Cottrell
|}
==Managers==
{{Main|List of Reading F.C. managers}}
==Records and statistics==
{{Main|List of Reading F.C. records and statistics}}
===Records===
* Highest league finish: 8th in [[Premier League]], [[2006–07 Premier League|2006–07]]
* Best [[FA Cup]] performance: Semi-finals, [[1926–27 FA Cup|1926–27]], [[2014–15 FA Cup|2014–15]]
* Best [[EFL Cup|League Cup]] performance: Quarter-finals, [[1995–96 Football League Cup|1995–96]], [[1997–98 Football League Cup|1997–98]]
* Biggest win: 9–0 v. [[Exeter City]] (19 September 2023, [[2023–24 EFL Trophy#Group G 2|EFL Trophy 1st round]]).<ref name="SS 495050">{{cite web |title=Live Commentary - Exeter vs Reading {{!}} 19.09.2023 |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/exeter-city-vs-reading/495050 |publisher=Sky Sports |access-date=19 September 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
* Heaviest defeat: 18–0 v. [[Preston North End]] (27 January 1894, [[FA Cup]] 1st round)<ref name=club />
* Longest winning sequence at the start of a season: 13 victories in [[1985–86 in English football|1985–86]].
<!-- Please only add the Fulham result as "worst home defeat" with a more reliable source than local news; the accuracy of this has been disputed. -->
* Longest winless sequence at the start of a season (club record): 6 (2 draws and 4 defeats), ([[2018–19 in English football|2018–19]])
*Fastest goal in a competitive game (club record), 55th fastest in association football: 9.55 seconds ([[Yakou Méïté]]; 2020–21)<ref>{{Cite news|title=Reading win to go seven points clear|language=en-GB|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54610089|access-date=2021-02-03|archive-date=12 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212051714/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54610089|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Fastest goal in FA Cup history: 9 seconds ([[Jimmy Kébé]]; 2009–10)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/fastest-goal-fa-cup-final-record-gundogan-man-city-man-united/xjsx1edj1odlswycas5ohmbp#:~:text=The%20fastest%20goal%20in%20FA%20Cup%20history%20was,is%20the%20official%20fastest%20of%20the%20tournament%20proper. | title=Fastest goal in FA Cup final: Man City's Ilkay Gundogan sets record vs Manchester United in 2023 | Sporting News | date=3 June 2023 }}</ref>
===Notable players===
In 1999, Reading commissioned a poll of the supporters' 'Player of the Millennium' to determine the club's best ever player.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/History/0,,10306~70546,00.html|title=Player of the Millennium vote|publisher=Reading F.C.|date=5 September 2008|access-date=18 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090918141915/http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/History/0,,10306~70546,00.html |archive-date=18 September 2009}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" |align=right
|-
|-
! style="color:white; background:#2B55DB;"|Dates
! style="color:white; background:#2B55DB;"|Name
|-
! Pos.
! Player
|-
|1
|{{flagicon|England}} [[Robin Friday]]
|-
|2
|{{flagicon|England}} [[Trevor Senior]]
|-
|rowspan = 2 | 3
|{{flagicon|England}} [[Steve Death]]
|-
|{{flagicon|Trinidad}} [[Shaka Hislop]]
|-
|5
|{{flagicon|England}} [[Phil Parkinson]]
|-
|6
|{{flagicon|England}} [[Alf Messer]]
|-
|7
|{{flagicon|Northern Ireland}} [[Jimmy Quinn (Northern Ireland footballer)|Jimmy Quinn]]
|-
|8
|{{flagicon|England}} [[Michael Gilkes (footballer)|Michael Gilkes]]
|-
|9
|{{flagicon|England}} [[Ronnie Blackman]]
|-
|10
|{{flagicon|England}} [[Martin Hicks]]
|}
===Appearances===
*'''Most appearances:''' [[Martin Hicks]] (603; 1978–1991)<ref name=Appearances>{{cite web|url=http://www.royalsrecord.co.uk/players/appear.html|title=Most Appearances|work=royalsrecord.co.uk|access-date=19 July 2018|archive-date=19 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719083924/http://www.royalsrecord.co.uk/players/appear.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
*'''Most league appearances:''' [[Martin Hicks]] (500; 1978–1991)<ref
name=Appearances/><ref name=club />
The following players have played more than 398 times for Reading, in all competitions.<ref name=Appearances/>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! style="color:white; background:#2B55DB;"|Pos.
! style="color:white; background:#2B55DB;"|Player
! style="color:white; background:#2B55DB;"|App.
|-
|1
|{{flagicon|England}} [[Martin Hicks]]
|603
|-
|2
|{{flagicon|England}} [[Steve Death]]
|537
|-
|3
|{{flagicon|England}} [[Dick Spiers]]
|505
|-
|4
|{{flagicon|England}} [[Michael Gilkes (footballer)|Michael Gilkes]]
|487
|-
|5
|{{flagicon|England}} [[Stuart Beavon (footballer born 1958)|Stuart Beavon]]
|481
|-
|6
|{{flagicon|England}} [[Maurice Evans (footballer, born 1936)|Maurice Evans]]
|459
|-
|7
|{{flagicon|England}} [[Steve Richardson (footballer)|Steve Richardson]]
|457
|-
|8
|{{flagicon|England}} [[Jimmy Wheeler (footballer)|Jimmy Wheeler]]
|453
|-
|9
|{{flagicon|England}} [[Phil Parkinson]]
|426
|-
|10
|{{flagicon|Wales}} [[Ady Williams]]
|398
|}
===Goalscorers===
*'''Most goals:''' [[Trevor Senior]] (191; 1983–1987, 1988–1992)<ref name=Scorers>{{cite web|url=http://www.royalsrecord.co.uk/players/scorers.html|title=Top Scorers|work=royalsrecord.co.uk|access-date=19 July 2018|archive-date=8 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708053021/http://www.royalsrecord.co.uk/players/scorers.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
*'''Most goals in a season:''' [[Trevor Senior]] (41; [[1983–84 in English football|1983–84]])<ref name=Scorers/>
*'''Most league goals:''' [[Ronnie Blackman]] (158; 1947–1954)<ref name=club /><ref name=Scorers/>
*'''Most league goals in a season:''' [[Ronnie Blackman]] (39; [[1951–52 in English football|1951–52]])<ref name=club /><ref name=Scorers/>
*'''Most league goals in a game:''' [[Arthur Bacon]] (6 vs. [[Stoke City F.C.|Stoke City]]; [[1930–31 in English football|1930–31]])<ref name=Scorers/>
*'''Most penalties:''' [[Ray Reeves]] (21)<ref name=Scorers/><ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/local-news/farewell-to-an-old-legend-4256142|title = Farewell to an old legend|date = 14 December 2007|access-date = 31 July 2019|archive-date = 31 July 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190731011907/https://www.getreading.co.uk/news/local-news/farewell-to-an-old-legend-4256142|url-status = live}}</ref>
The following players have scored more than 85 times for Reading, in all competitions.<ref name=Scorers/>
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! style="color:white; background:#2B55DB;"|Pos.
! style="color:white; background:#2B55DB;"|Player
! style="color:white; background:#2B55DB;"|Goals
|-
|1
|{{flagicon|England}} [[Trevor Senior]]
|191
|-
|2
|{{flagicon|England}} [[Jimmy Wheeler (footballer)|Jimmy Wheeler]]
|168
|-
|3
|{{flagicon|England}} [[Ronnie Blackman]]
|167
|-
|4
|{{flagicon|England}} [[Tony McPhee (footballer)|Tony MacPhee]]
|104
|-
|5
|{{flagicon|England}} [[Tommy Tait (footballer born 1908)|Tommy Tait]]
|103
|-
|6
|{{flagicon|England}} [[Dennis Allen (footballer)|Denis Allen]]
|95
|-
|7
|{{flagicon|Northern Ireland}} [[Jimmy Quinn (Northern Irish footballer)|Jimmy Quinn]]
|94
|-
|8
|{{flagicon|England}} Douggie Webb
|93
|-
|9
|{{flagicon|England}} [[Les Chappell]]
|90
|-
|10
|{{flagicon|England}} [[Pat Earles]]
|85
|}
==
*'''Longest time without conceding a goal:''' [[Steve Death]] (1,103 minutes; 1978–79; former English league record)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.readingfc.co.uk/club/history/1103-minutes-without-conceding/|title=Record – 1,103 minutes without conceding|publisher=Reading F.C.|access-date=19 July 2018|archive-date=19 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719083928/https://www.readingfc.co.uk/club/history/1103-minutes-without-conceding/|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Other records===
{{football squad on pitch|align=right
| GK_nat = USA| GK = '''[[Marcus Hahnemann|Hahnemann]]'''
| RB_nat = Scotland| RB = '''[[Graeme Murty|Murty]]'''
| RCB_nat = Iceland| RCB = '''[[Ívar Ingimarsson|Ingimarsson]]'''
| LCB_nat = Senegal| LCB = '''[[Ibrahima Sonko|Sonko]]'''
| LB_nat = England| LB = '''[[Nicky Shorey|Shorey]]'''
| RM_nat = England| RM = '''[[Glen Little|Little]]'''
| RCM_nat = England| RCM = '''[[Steve Sidwell|Sidwell]]'''
| LCM_nat = England| LCM = '''[[James Harper (footballer)|Harper]]'''
| RCF_nat = England| RCF = '''[[Dave Kitson|Kitson]]'''
| LM_nat = USA| LM = '''[[Bobby Convey|Convey]]'''
| LCF_nat = Ireland| LCF = '''[[Kevin Doyle (footballer)|Doyle]]'''
| caption = The regular starting line-up of the 2005/06 Coca-Cola Championship winning team, who finished the season with a record 106 points.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.readingfc.com |title=Reading stats |access-date=12 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080723134721/http://www.readingfc.com/ |archive-date=23 July 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref>}}
Reading hold the record for the number of successive league wins at the start of a season, with a total of 13 wins at the start of the [[1985–86 in English football|1985–86]] Third Division campaign<ref name=club>{{cite web|title=Club Honours and Records|url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/records-232960.aspx|publisher=Reading F.C.|access-date=15 September 2012|date=11 July 2012 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130214194722/http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/records-232960.aspx |archive-date=14 February 2013}}</ref> and also the record for the number of points gained in a professional league season with 106 points in the [[2005–06 Football League Championship]] campaign.<ref>{{cite web|title=Points record|url=http://www.football-league.co.uk/page/Points/0,,10794~634798,00.html|publisher=The Football League|access-date=7 May 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210133233/http://www.football-league.co.uk/page/Points/0%2C%2C10794~634798%2C00.html|archive-date=10 February 2012}}</ref> Reading finished champions of their division on both of these occasions.<ref name=club/><ref>{{cite news | title=Reading 2–1 QPR | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/4933632.stm | work=[[BBC Sport]] | date=30 April 2006 | access-date=4 May 2006 | archive-date=15 September 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915122359/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_1/4933632.stm | url-status=live }}</ref>
The club's largest win was a 10–2 victory over [[Crystal Palace F.C.|Crystal Palace]] on 4 September 1946 in the Football League Third Division South.<ref name=club/> Reading's heaviest loss was an 18–0 defeat against [[Preston North End F.C.|Preston North End]] in the FA Cup 1st round on 27 January 1894.<ref name=club/> Reading have lost the two highest-scoring matches in the history of the Premier League; [[Portsmouth F.C.|Portsmouth]] 7–4 Reading on 29 September 2007, and [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]] 6–4 Reading on 29 December 2007, as well as losing the highest-scoring League Cup game, Reading 5–7 Arsenal on 30 October 2012.
The player with the most league appearances is [[Martin Hicks]], with 500 from 1978 to 1991.<ref name=club/> The most capped player to play for Reading is Chris Gunter, who has currently won 62 caps for Wales since being a Reading player since July 2012. The most league goals in total and in a season are held by [[Ronnie Blackman]] with 158 from 1947 to 1954 and 39 in [[1951–52 in English football|1951–52]] respectively.<ref name=club/> The player with the most league goals in a game is [[Arthur Bacon]] with six against [[Stoke City F.C.|Stoke City]] in [[1930–31 in English football|1930–31]].<ref name=club/> The first Reading-based player to play in the [[FIFA World Cup]] was [[Bobby Convey]] in 2006 with the [[United States men's national soccer team|United States]].<ref name=club/> The record time for a goalkeeper not conceding a goal is held by [[Steve Death]] at 1,103 minutes in [[1978–79 in English football|1978–79]], which is a former English league record in itself.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/01/31/united.saar/index.html|title=United stretch lead after Van der Sar record|date=31 January 2009|work=CNN world sport|publisher=Cable News Network|access-date=19 April 2012|archive-date=28 April 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090428065138/http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/football/01/31/united.saar/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
Reading's highest attendance at Elm Park was in 1927, when 33,042 spectators watched Reading defeat [[Brentford F.C.|Brentford]] 1–0.<ref name="van Eijden 2011">{{cite web|last=van Eijden|first=Han|title=Elm Park Reading|year=2011|publisher=Old Football Grounds|url=http://www.oldgrounds.co.uk/elm_park_reading.htm|access-date=1 June 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090630021437/http://www.oldgrounds.co.uk/elm_park_reading.htm|archive-date=30 June 2009}}</ref> The highest attendance at the Madejski Stadium is 24,184 for the Premier League game with Everton on 17 November 2012.
The highest transfer fee received for a Reading player is the £6.6 million [[TSG 1899 Hoffenheim|1899 Hoffenheim]] paid for [[Gylfi Sigurðsson]] on 31 August 2010.<ref name=club/><ref>{{cite web|title=Sigurdsson leaving in Club record deal|url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~2140068,00.html|publisher=Reading Football Club|access-date=6 May 2012|date=31 August 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101005064628/http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~2140068,00.html|archive-date=5 October 2010}}</ref>
Gylfi Sigurðsson and [[Samúel Friðjónsson]] became the first players from the [[Reading F.C. Under-23s and Academy|Reading academy]] to feature in a World Cup squad by being named by [[Iceland national football team|Iceland]] for the [[2018 FIFA World Cup]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2018/may/jon-dadi-is-off-to-the-world-cup/|title=Jón Daði is off to the World Cup!|publisher=Reading F.C.|date=11 May 2018|access-date=19 July 2018|archive-date=19 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719084045/https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2018/may/jon-dadi-is-off-to-the-world-cup/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ksi.is/um-ksi/frettir/frettasafn/frett/2018/05/11/A-karla-Hopurinn-sem-fer-a-HM-i-Russlandi/|title=A karla – Hópurinn sem fer á HM í Rússlandi|website=ksi.is|publisher=[[Football Association of Iceland]]|language=is|date=11 May 2018|access-date=11 May 2018|archive-date=1 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701175402/https://www.ksi.is/um-ksi/frettir/frettasafn/frett/2018/05/11/A-karla-Hopurinn-sem-fer-a-HM-i-Russlandi/|url-status=live}}</ref> Gylfi Sigurðsson went on to become the first academy graduate to score at the World Cup in Iceland's 2–1 defeat to [[Croatia national football team|Croatia]] on 26 June 2018, after becoming the first academy graduate to play in the World Cup with his appearance against [[Argentina national football team|Argentina]] on 16 June 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/players/player/300377/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623113413/https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/players/player/300377/|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 June 2018|title=Gylfi Sigurdsson|work=2018 FIFA World Cup Russia|publisher=[[FIFA]]|access-date=19 July 2018}}</ref>
===Captains (21st century)===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! style="color:white; background:#2B55DB;"|Dates
! style="color:white; background:#2B55DB;"|Name
|-
| 2000–2003
| {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Phil Parkinson]]
|-
| 2003–2009
| {{flagicon|SCO}} [[Graeme Murty]]
|-
| 2009–2011
| {{flagicon|ISL}} [[Ívar Ingimarsson]]
|-
| 2011–2014
| {{flagicon|JAM}} [[Jobi McAnuff]]
|-
| 2014–2015
| {{flagicon|TUR}} [[Jem Karacan]]
|-
| 2015–2019
| {{flagicon|IRE}} [[Paul McShane (footballer)|Paul McShane]]
|-
| 2019–2022
| {{flagicon|JAM}} [[Liam Moore]]
|-
| 2022–2025
| {{flagicon|GHA}} [[Andy Yiadom]]
|-
| 2025–
| {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Lewis Wing]]
|}
===Player of the season===
{{Main|Reading F.C. Player of the Season}}
===International players===
{{Main|List of Reading F.C. internationals}}
===Former players===
{{Main|List of Reading F.C. players}}
==Honours==
{{Further|List of Reading F.C. records and statistics#Honours}}
'''League'''
*[[Football League Second Division|Second Division]] / [[EFL Championship|Championship]] (level 2)
**Champions: [[2005–06 Football League Championship|2005–06]], [[2011–12 Football League Championship|2011–12]]
*[[Football League Third Division South|Third Division South]] / [[Football League Third Division|Third Division]] / Second Division (level 3)
**Champions: [[1925–26 Football League|1925–26]], [[1985–86 Football League|1985–86]], [[1993–94 Football League|1993–94]]
**Runners-up: [[2001–02 Football League|2001–02]]
*[[Football League Fourth Division|Fourth Division]] (level 4)
**Champions: [[1978–79 Football League|1978–79]]
**Promoted: [[1975–76 Football League|1975–76]], [[1983–84 Football League|1983–84]]
'''Cup'''
*[[Full Members' Cup]]
**Winners: [[1987–88 Full Members Cup|1987–88]]
*[[London War Cup]]
**Winners: 1941
*[[Football League Third Division South Cup|Third Division South Cup]]
**Winners: 1938
==Women's team==
{{Main|Reading F.C. Women}}
In May 2006, Reading launched the [[Reading F.C. Women|Reading FC Women's team]]. They used to play in the FA Premier League Southern Division. From 2014, Reading FC Women played in the [[FA WSL 2|FA Women's Super League 2]] until they won promotion to the [[FA WSL 1|FA Women's Super League 1]] in 2015 after winning the league. In the [[2017–18 FA WSL|2017–18 season]], they finished fourth in the Women's Super League – their highest league position to date.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://reading.fawsl.com/clubHistory.html|title=Reading FC Women Club History|work=[[Reading F.C. Women]]|access-date=19 July 2018|archive-date=19 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719084254/http://reading.fawsl.com/clubHistory.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The team currently plays at the [[Select Car Leasing Stadium]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-15 |title=Reading FC Women to remain at Select Car Leasing Stadium |url=https://footballinberkshire.co.uk/news/club-news/74237/reading-fc-women-to-remain-at-select-car-leasing-stadium/ |access-date=2023-06-30 |language=en-GB}}</ref> It was announced Reading FC Women would switch to operating on a part-time basis ahead of the 2023–24 season.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-06 |title=Reading FC Women to operate on part-time model in second tier |url=https://readingfc.co.uk//news/2023/june/06/reading-fc-women-to-operate-on-part-time-model/ |access-date=2023-06-30 |website=Reading FC}}</ref> On 30 June 2024, Reading FC Women withdrew from the Women's Championship due to financial difficulties, dropping to Tier 5 of the women's football pyramid.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Club Statement {{!}} Reading FC Women |url=https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2024/june/30/RFCW-Statement/ |access-date=30 June 2024 |website=[[Reading FC]]|date=30 June 2024 }}</ref>
==References==
{{Reflist}}
==Bibliography==
{{Refbegin}}
*{{cite book|last=Digby|first=Bob|title=It's a World Thing|year=2001|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|___location=Oxford, Oxfordshire|isbn=978-0-19-913428-1|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KiY5mSUAFO0C|access-date=2 June 2011|archive-date=25 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425102109/https://books.google.com/books?id=KiY5mSUAFO0C|url-status=live}}
*{{cite book|last=Yeo|first=Stephen|title=Religion and Voluntary Organisations in Crisis|year=1976|publisher=Taylor & Francis|___location=Abingdon, Oxfordshire|isbn=978-0-85664-017-9|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=f34OAAAAQAAJ|access-date=1 June 2011|archive-date=23 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210923031001/https://books.google.com/books?id=f34OAAAAQAAJ|url-status=live}}
{{Refend}}
==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website|http://www.readingfc.co.uk/}}
* [http://star-reading.org/ Supporters' Trust At Reading]
* {{BBC football info|reading}}
{{Reading F.C.}}
{{Premier League}}
{{Football League Championship}}
{{EFL League One}}
{{Authority control}}
[[Category:Reading F.C.| ]]
[[Category:
[[Category:Sport in Reading, Berkshire|Football]]
[[Category:Premier League clubs]]
[[Category:English Football League clubs]]
[[Category:Southern Football League clubs]]
[[Category:1871 establishments in England]]
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[[
[[Category:United League (football)]]
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