‘An Evening With Brian McDermott’ will take place on Thursday, October 16 at Tilehurst Royal British Legion Club.

The event has been organised by the Reading FC Former Players’ Association and will raise money for Reading-based homeless charity, Launchpad.

Tickets cost £20 and are available from www.readingfcformerplayers.co.uk/events. The price includes a fish & chip supper and free entry into a prize draw.

McDermott, who led Reading into the Premier League in 2012 only to be sacked nine months later, is believed to be on the verge of signing a three-year deal with Arsenal.

The 53-year-old former Gunners player, who was also axed by Leeds in May, is to join the Emirates recruitment department.

Meanwhile, Reading FC Women are hosting an open day for their game against Millwall at the Rushmoor Community Stadium, Farnborough, this Saturday (6pm).

With the men’s side not in action due to internationals, Reading fans can support the women’s team for £4, with Under 16s free.

There will be a wide range of activities on offer on the day, ranging from face painting to football tennis.