SIR John Madejski has led tributes to a lifelong Reading FC supporter who died following a brave battle with liver cancer.

Archie Hind, 86, was about to enter his 75th season as a loyal Royal but his son Phil now has the ‘heartbreak’ of having to hand back his season ticket to the club.

The veteran fan enjoyed watching his beloved team play Premier League football towards the end of his life, but was denied a fairytale ending when Reading were beaten by Huddersfield at Wembley last season.

Phil said: “I am so glad he was rewarded for his dedication by having the chance to see us play in the top flight for a few seasons.

Reading Chronicle:

“Towards the end of the season I knew he was on his way out. His cancer had become aggressive and although his first treatment was successful, his liver was failing.

“He was determined to get through to the end of the season and he would have had a transplant if it meant he could see Reading play again, but it just wasn’t a possibility.”

The lifelong fan depended on the help of a wheelchair to get him to the ground.

His son made a special banner to celebrate his longstanding support for the Play-Off semi-final match against Fulham, which proved to be his final home match.

Phil added: “Wembley was his last game and we left the banner at the ground after the game finished. He was about to enter his 75th season and now I have the heartbreak of giving his season ticket back.

Reading Chronicle:

“I was quite shocked to see Sir John at the funeral. We had a really good turnout and there were lots of old school friends.”

Madejski, the man who made Reading such a success towards the end of Mr Hind’s life, added: “Archie, until his death, was one of the longest serving supporters at the club, who had just renewed for his 75th season.

“We at Reading Football Club would like to offer the Hind family and Archie’s friends our deepest sympathy.”

A service was held to remember Mr Hind at Earley St Peter’s Church on Friday, August 11.