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The club had decided not to house any Reading fans behind the goal in order to save on costs. They were anticipating a small crowd for what is expected to be a low interest game so by keeping the North Stand closed the club would have saved themselves a few coppers, at the expense of atmosphere.
However, following complaints from STAR, the official supporters club, coupled with A View From The North Stand's grumblings, the editor today received an e-mail from Stadium Manager Boyd Butler who confirmed that the club have bowed to our pressure and reversed their controversial decision!
In an initial e-mail justifying the decision not to open the North Stand Mr Butler explained: "You are right that the costs v atmosphere argument is a real one. Noise is made by large numbers of people saying the same thing at the same time. This is why concentrating fans together is better."
However in a second e-mail, relenting from the high-ground stance, the club reversed the decision to close the North Stand, bowing to supporter pressure.
"Reading Football Club have decided to open up the North Stand for the Carling Cup clash with Huddersfield," the second mail confirmed.
"We now have 1495 season ticket holders in this stand and we hope that the vast majority will come to the game. With kid for a quid and reduced prices for adult tickets, including a special promotion for season ticket holders, we hope that this stand will be at least two thirds full."
So Reading MAD are advising fans to show their support and turn out in force for this Carling Cup Third Round game as a gesture of thanks to Reading Football Club. Indeed, why not sit in the North Stand, the end you wouldn't have been able to sit in if it wasn't for Reading MAD, forever supporting Reading FC.
To book tickets, use the club's online ticketing system at readingfc.co.uk, call in at the Madejski Stadium or dial 0118 968 1000.
>Full Ticket Info For This Game
>A View From The North Stand's Original Article