FORMER 1871 podcast host Mark Roach has launched Broadcast Reach - a specialist broadcast PR, podcast production and media business.

Mark is the former host of the hugely popular 1871 podcast, which ran for several months earlier this year to coincide with Reading FC’s 150th anniversary, with former Royals left back Dylan Kerr and Royals fan Johnny Hunt as co hosts.

Mark has set up the business with his late father, former Reading FC director Brian Roach, in mind. 

Brian, who helped to prevent the proposed merger between Reading and Oxford United in the 1980s, passed away in February after a two year battle with Alzheimer’s - and Broadcast Reach will be donating some of its profits to Alzheimer’s Research UK.

Broadcast Reach - which bears the same initials as Brian Roach - has sponsored Woodley Saints Under 15s Kestrels.

Reading Chronicle:

The team wore their new Broadcast Reach kit on Saturday for their game against Wargrave Wolves Under 15s Reds at Berkshire County Sports in Sonning.

Kestrels took the lead in the second half thanks to a Jamie Carr penalty, but Wolves equalised late on - having earlier seen shots hit the crossbar and post.

The Broadcast Reach sponsors’ man of the match went to Kestrels left back James Evans.

Berkshire County Sports was a fitting venue for the match. 

Mark studied at Reading College in the mid 1980s with Eunan Carr - Jamie’s father. Mark managed the Reading College football team and Eunan played for the side as they won the Berkshire Schools FA Under 19s Trophy for the first time in the college’s history - beating Upton Grammar School 3-1 in the final, at Berkshire County Sports.

“I have kept in touch with Eunan since our days at Reading College and saw that the team was looking for help to buy a new kit,” said Broadcast Reach founder Mark. 

“I remember when I was manager of the Reading College team that it was always appreciated when someone was kind enough to sponsor our kit - and one of the Reading College kits was sponsored by Thames Valley Cleaning Contractors, who were owned by former Reading FC director Roy Tranter.

“So I thought it would be good to help them and for Broadcast Reach to sponsor them.

Reading Chronicle:

“Another nice coincidence is that my great grandfather Charles Roach played for Southall FC - and still holds the Southall FC record for scoring 57 goals in one season, the most goals scored by a player in a season for the club - and Woodley Saints Under 15s Kestrels play in the same colours as Southall FC.”

Former Reading FC players, managers and coaches who appeared as special guests on the 1871 podcast included Steve Coppell, Brian McDermott, Martin Allen, Dave Beasant, Wally Downes, Nigel Gibbs, Graeme Murty, Kevin Doyle, John Mackie, Trevor Senior, Kevin Bremner, Martin Hicks, Lawrie Sanchez and Mike Kearney

Mark was the public announcer on match days at Elm Park in the 1980s, at the same time that Brian Roach was a Reading FC director.