A match worn shirt from Reading FC icon Robin Friday is just one of the 'unique' items on show at the new 150th anniversary exhibition at Reading Museum.

Dubbed the 'greatest footballer you never saw', Mr Friday played more than 130 matches for the Biscuitmen between 1973-1977, winning back to back Player of the Year awards and promotion from Division Four in 1976.

He was voted the club's Player of Millennium in 1999, but was not around to see his legacy after his untimely death in 1990.

With expert interpretation provided by the Club’s community of historians, the exhibition is designed to appeal to fans both old and new, as Reading marks the 150th anniversary of its football club, making it one of the oldest surviving clubs in the Football League.

Reading Chronicle:

Objects from STAR (Supporters Trust at Reading) bring this history to life, including never-before-seen photographs from the Club’s history, loans from iconic players and a range of items from the personal collection of legendary former Reading FC chairman Sir John Madejski.

Former Reading FC chairman Sir John Madejski, said: “I am very proud of the part that I've played in Reading Football Club's long and illustrious history.

"I recognise that the Club's identity and character have been shaped by all the fans and all of those who have been involved throughout its history, from players to backroom and technical staff, and it is excellent to see these shared memories brought together in Reading Museum’s latest exhibition.

“I’m delighted to be associated with Reading Football Club’s 150th anniversary, and I feel very honoured to have been able to make a contribution to the club from 1990 to 2016.

"I am enormously proud of being instrumental in providing the Madejski Stadium, and I will always cherish the wonderful moments on the field of play that we have witnessed there. Most especially perhaps, I treasure my memories of being part of the Club when we first reached the Premier League, the top echelon.

“I look forward to many happy seasons ahead, roaring for the Royals to score at least one more goal than the opposition on the park, contributing to the cultural life of Reading off the pitch, and once again being back in the Premier League where we always belong.”

Reading Chronicle:

Above: Fans celebrating in 2003 (credit: Stuart Roy Clarke)

 

STAR Heritage Officer, Roger Titford, added: “It’s been enormous fun putting the exhibition together and finding material even I haven’t ever seen.

"We hope visitors get a full picture of the Club’s history – we’ve had many grand days even before we joined the Football League in 1920. Material from fans forms the bedrock of the exhibition and the contribution of fans to the life of the club is acknowledged.” 

 

‘COLLECTED: 150 Years of Reading FC’ is free to view and runs from Saturday, February 19 to August 6 2022 in the Sir John Madejski Gallery, Reading Museum.