Reading

The Early days (1871-1941)
Reading Football Club was formed in 1871, when the inaugural meeting of the club was held at the Bridge Street Rooms under the chairmanship of Mr JE Sydenham, who later became the first Honorary Secretary of the club.

The early matches were played at Reading Recreation Ground, and the club later fulfilled its fixtures at Reading Cricket Ground, Coley Park and Caversham Cricket Ground before moving to Elm Park on 5th September 1896 and then to the Madejski Stadium in 1998.

In those days the club played only friendly and cup matches. Reading were the first winners of the Berks and Bucks Senior Cup, defeating Marlow in the final of the 1877-78 competition.

They also appeared in the FA Cup competition, and the club's record defeat occurred as long ago as 1894, when they were beaten 18-0 by Preston North End in the first round.

That same year, 1894, Reading became founder members of the Southern League, formed to answer the demand for a regular fixture list, and in order to improve its playing standards, the club adopted professionalism in 1895.

Reading FC was registered as a limited liability company on August 11 that year, with Mr JB Messer as its Chairman. The club's stay in the Southern League was undistinguished, though it did win the Championship of the Second Division in 1911, and also had appearing in its colours Johnny Holt and Herbert Smith, both of whom won full England International caps whilst with Reading.