More than 90 minutes

Published 18 Aug 2012 08:00 1 Comment

A DIE-HARD supporter observing a pre-match ritual on the way to the ground, a wide-eyed youngster passing through the turnstiles for the first time or generations of one family celebrating a winning goal long after the final whistle.

These are just some of the magic moments that prove football is much more than just 90 minutes.

The Royals are kicking off their return to the Premier League today by teaming up with The Chronicle to give fans the chance to win a trip to the club's Hogwood Park training ground by capturing those timeless moments on camera.

Fans simply have to upload their match day photographs - featuring anything except the action on the pitch - to The Chronicle's Facebook page, with one winner being selected after every home game this season.

Club captain Jobi McAnuff said: "There have been some great moments for our fans to enjoy over the last year or so, and hopefully there will be plenty more to come this season.

"You see some brilliant photos from supporters at times, and the boys always keep an eye out on Facebook and Twitter - so we'll look forward to seeing their entries."

The competition begins today when Reading will rejoin English football's elite with a match against Stoke City - four years after the Royals were relegated from the top flight after two seasons.

New owner Anton Zingarevich said: "I will be proud, because the Premier League is where I have always wanted to be.

"We now have to prove to everyone that we're the club that will stay in the Premier League.

"I was edgy for some of the games last season but I'm sure I'll get used to it. Hopefully we'll get off to a good start to calm the nerves.

"I have to look at it a little bit differently now - if I watch it as if I'm a fan then I'd have a heart attack."

The Royals - who finished an impressive eighth during their first Premier League campaign - will travel to London to face European champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, followed by a long trip to the north east to take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

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This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 17 Aug 12

Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

• 

  Bushes Bernal
  Unregistered User
  Aug 18, 10:55
  Report comment

  I'd like to go but at those prices and my fairweather fan status no can do.
  
  Recommend?   Yes 4     No 1

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