Very few photographs survive of the last time the Biscuitmen – as they were then known – reached the FA cup semi-final.

In March 1927, thousands of Reading fans travelled on GWR trains to Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Molineux ground for the game against Cardiff City.

But unfortunately the Welsh side came out on top 3-0, before going on to lift the famous trophy by beating Arsenal 1-0 in the Wembley final.

Royals fans will be travelling to Saturday’s match against Arsenal at Wembley, hoping their team can go one better this time and rewrite the club’s history books by making the final.

Reading have played the Gunners a few times in the FA Cup, as shown by these photos of their 1935 quarter -final game at Reading’s old ground Elm Park, where Arsenal won 1-0.

Speaking in his very best ‘Churchillian’ style, Downs, who has been the club historian for 40-odd years, told the Chronicle: “This game could prove to be the greatest day in the history of Reading Football Club.

“My most lasting memory is watching the club win the Simod Cup (4-1 against Luton Town at Wembley) in 1988.

“But this is a bigger competition,” he adds. “It’s not going to be easy, but the lads will play as if their lives depend on it.

“It makes me so proud to be associated with such a marvellous club.”

David is the proud owner of his own winners’ medal from the Simod Cup final and a figurine depicting the club’s remarkable success.

But pride of place has to be his bottle of ‘players’ shirtwash’ from the day.

This might not be to everyone’s taste as a piece of football memorabilia, but it has been pointed out to him that he potentially has the DNA of a superteam.

However, it may be some time before the technology is available to recreate these Royal heroes!

As David points out: “I have the magic mixture which exemplifies the blood, sweat and tears of a great football team.”

Every loyal Royal supporter will be watching and hoping at the weekend for some kind of revival of that unforgettable spirit of 1988.