Reading legend Jerry Williams returned to the town he called home for 12 years to be reunited with the Simod Cup trophy.
A former Player of the Season with over 300 appearances to his name, Williams played on the hallowed turf of Wembley in 1988 as Berkshire descended on the national stadium.
Beating top-flight Luton Town 4-1, it remains the only domestic trophy won by the Royals in their 152-year history.
Usually at home in the National Football Museum in Manchester, Reading Borough Council have brought the trophy to Reading Museum in a temporary exhibit until December 23.
It is now on its plinth! Here until December #readingfc pic.twitter.com/JHP3TeI4vZ
— James Earnshaw (@james_e1871) October 26, 2023
Royals heroes, including iconic kit man Ron Grant and historian David Downes, heard stories of the cup run and tributes to former teammates as Williams lifted the trophy- 35 years on from that sunny day at Wembley.
"It is every player's dream to appear at Wembley in a cup final so it was a very special day," Williams said. "At the time you get enveloped in the situation and you don't appreciate what you achieved until afterwards and reflect in years to come.
"With Reading, and the fact that it is the only trophy we've won in our history at Wembley, that makes it extra special without a doubt."
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