Wednesday, July 13, 2022. An afternoon that will live long (excuse the pun) in the memory of Reading fans of all ages. After 11 years of rumours and disappointment, the prodigal son returned. Someone that arrived in Berkshire 17 years ago as a boy, now returns as an accomplished and successful star.

READ MORE: Shane Long returns to Reading FC after decade in Premier League

To many, the hype around 35-year-old Shane Long's return, who has scored seven times in the last three years may be slightly excessive, but not to Reading supporters. For Royals fans, this is so much more than a forward joining the club, or even an ex-fan favourite returning.

It is a signal that things are on the way up. It’s a sign that the fans are being listened to.

 

Reading Chronicle:

 

Just seven months ago, supporters were in unrest in the away end at Kidderminster Harriers after a shock exit in the FA Cup. Weeks later, Reading were pummelled 7-0 at the SCL Stadium. Five months ago, the Club’s hierarchy was the subject of protests and pitch invasions in what was supposed to be a celebration of 150 years of Reading FC.

READ MORE: Reading FC News: Royals fans release list of aims for supporter protest ahead of Coventry City clash

Arranged predominantly among the three main supporter social media groups: Elm Park Royals, Club 1871 and the Tilehurst End. 

Fans demanded change, and change is what they got.

 

Reading Chronicle:

 

Within a month of the ugly scenes against Coventry City, manager Veljko Paunovic was replaced with former England captain Paul Ince.

Since confirming Championship survival for another season, despite points deductions and transfer embargoes, a whole new backroom hierarchy has been appointed.

READ MORE: Reading FC appoint Mark Bowen as Head of Football Operations

Mark Bowen, Brian Carey and Ince, among other key members of staff, have managed to attract experienced second-tier operators to help push on from last year’s struggles, all while seemingly moving away from a predominant figure - super agent Kia Joorabchian - who had reportedly previously ‘advised’ on transfers. 

A phrase used a lot in RG2 over the last few years, the club put ‘football people’ in charge of the football operations.

 

 

The final point of the three-step plan is still a work in progress, with owner Mr Dai yet to speak personally after owning the club for six years. However, as the famous Meatloaf song goes, “Two Outta Three Ain’t Bad.”

Speaking to the press only a matter of weeks ago, former manager and now Director of Football Operations, Bowen, agreed that this engagement and “transparency” is something which he will now take the lead in as part of his remit - music to the fans’ ears.

His exact words were: “I see a major part of my job is making sure the fans are engaged to the best degree I can. At times you can’t give them every detail - there have to be things that remain private within a football club - but it is important to build bridges with fans again. If they feel disengaged, that is why I’m here. My job is to make sure there is much for clarity for the fans, and they are getting as much information when they can.” 

 

Reading Chronicle:

 

That’s surely a win in the eyes of the supporters?

But this is far from job done. As Ince keeps reiterating, this is going to be another tough season coming up with the club still under financial restrictions and looking thin in areas across the pitch after losing a big chunk of last season’s squad - but fans understand that. 

For the first time in a long while, it feels like Reading Football Club is moving in the right direction, with supporters on-side and hopefully making their way back into what has been a sparse SCL Stadium in recent times.

They won’t win every week. Supporters don’t expect them to. But in a few short months, people are beginning to drink out of half full glasses again, and not worrying that they’re half empty.

With just a fortnight until the Royals kick-off their Championship campaign at Blackpool, supporters are again looking forward to getting in their seats and backing the boys- something not everyone has been too thrilled about over recent seasons.