As we all prepare to go to the next level with the Royals it’s got me thinking about the origins of the club. Especially the way that the media portray us at what’s becoming a very exciting time. Although the odd pundit raises his head to discuss the positives around the Madejski, on the whole the main coverage we get is transfer rumours and mere hearsay. Now I’m not ranting but it wasn’t until I was sent a copy of the newspaper coverage of the first recorded Royals match that I felt lucky to have access to hearsay and rumour.
The first recorded match was on Wednesday 21st February, 1872 and kicked off at 2.30pm. Our opponents were Reading Grammar School Football Club and the match was held on their recreation ground.
From the Reading Mercury, dated the 24th of February 1872.
"Foot-Ball Match - A foot-ball match was played on the Reading Recreation Ground on Wednesday between the Reading Foot-ball Club and the Reading Grammar School Foot-ball Club. The ground was in good order, and the weather exceedingly favourable and a large concourse of persons were present. Play commenced at half-past two and the game closed at four, and resulted in a "draw" neither party gaining a goal. The school were rather superior to their opponents in skill, but were inferior in weight and strength."
From the Berkshire Chronicle, also dated the 24th of February 1872.
"Football Match - A football match was played between the Reading Football Club and the Reading Grammar School Football Club on Wednesday on the Recreation Ground. The game was drawn, the Reading Club having a little the best of it."
After looking at the reports two things spring to mind, most importantly how far sports reporting has progressed but also the time frame that people read about matches. It took three days for a 40-word excerpt to make the local newspaper, now I’m not happy if I haven’t got a full match report an hour after the final whistle. I raise a glass to technology and reporting.
The first recorded match was on Wednesday 21st February, 1872 and kicked off at 2.30pm. Our opponents were Reading Grammar School Football Club and the match was held on their recreation ground.
From the Reading Mercury, dated the 24th of February 1872.
"Foot-Ball Match - A foot-ball match was played on the Reading Recreation Ground on Wednesday between the Reading Foot-ball Club and the Reading Grammar School Foot-ball Club. The ground was in good order, and the weather exceedingly favourable and a large concourse of persons were present. Play commenced at half-past two and the game closed at four, and resulted in a "draw" neither party gaining a goal. The school were rather superior to their opponents in skill, but were inferior in weight and strength."
From the Berkshire Chronicle, also dated the 24th of February 1872.
"Football Match - A football match was played between the Reading Football Club and the Reading Grammar School Football Club on Wednesday on the Recreation Ground. The game was drawn, the Reading Club having a little the best of it."
After looking at the reports two things spring to mind, most importantly how far sports reporting has progressed but also the time frame that people read about matches. It took three days for a 40-word excerpt to make the local newspaper, now I’m not happy if I haven’t got a full match report an hour after the final whistle. I raise a glass to technology and reporting.