THE ROYALS 1913

Reading FC was formed on 25 December 1871, following a public meeting at the local, Bridge Street Rooms, organised by Joseph Edward Sydenham, who would go on to be club secretary. 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.  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 on 5 September 1896. 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".  

In the Summer of May, 1913, Reading FC was invited to tour Italy. WHY? During the 1905-6 season, the Reading coach, William Garbutt , had worked in Genoa, regarded as the first proper coach in Italian football. It took two days to get there from Reading!, via Paris where the tour party stopped for a meal with wine! The squad arrived in Genoa on the 10th and in the next afternoon, the team took on a "local side", winning 4-2. Garbutt, reffed the game....it was a friendly! There was another banquet provided and a train journey to Milan, where the tour party achieved what appears to be a remarkable result. Milan was not the force we know today but neverthless, their striker Louis Van Hege had won Gold with Belgium in the 1920 Olympic Games. The game was played at Milan's Civico Arena and Reading scored 4 in the first half, easing off and adding one more before the final whistle.

Two days later, Reading lost 1-2 to Casale but bounced back the next day beating the Italian Champions, Pro Vercelli 6-0. The tour ended with a 2-0 victory over Italy, followed by another banquet! On the Sunday, Reading beat Italy 2-0, celebrated with another banquet. I don't think Reading would enjoy so much success now! Milan of course have won a number of European Cups, Italy a number of World Cups and Reading, the Simod Cup!

Reading FC was elected to the Football League Division Three South of the Football League in 1920.

Reading are nicknamed The Royals, due to Reading's location in the Royal County of Berkshire, though they were previously known as The Biscuitmen, due to the town's association with biscuit makers, Huntley and Palmers!