Reading manager Paul Ince insisted that the club will do more work in the community after the successful signing session in the Oracle.

Royals fans young and old came out in their thousands to meet and greet first team stars over half-term, and Ince believes this is just the start.

Speaking to the media ahead of a run of five matches in two weeks, he said: "Last season the disparity between the players and the fans was massive, and the most important thing this year was to bridge that gap and have a connection. We don’t do enough of these things. I looked last season and thought why are we not doing this, why are we not going to hospitals?

Reading Chronicle:

"It’s something I’ve always done when I played for my clubs, hospitals, and cancer units- that sort of stuff- so it’s important we do a lot more because look at the queues that were there, I couldn’t believe it. I was expecting 300/400 people but there were loads. It’s great that they came out, they’re the next generation. We want to try and get our stadium full at some time, they’re the next generation. The lads were brilliant, with a smile on their face for two and a half hours. It’s not easy to constantly be smiling but the lads were great, and it was a great day for everyone."

This was echoed by vice-captain Tom Holmes, who added: "It’s been a really good day with lots of kids here with it being half-term. It’s nice that we can see some happy faces and that we’ve started well so it’s a good day. It’s really important to get the next generation of Reading fans to reach out, connect with them and get them through the gates, into the stadium. It’s good for the whole community."