How will Reading fare this season now that Dai Yongge’s buggered off?

“Watch us get back to where we should be,” says Vicci Elliot

Jul 10, 2025

Thursday 10 July 2025

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THE SCARF MY FATHER WORE 2025-26 CALENDAR: Having been to all 56 County games this season, I’ve taken thousands of photos. I’ve put together calendars for next season, featuring some of my favourite photos from the last year, plus some other County bits and bobs. £10 each. Get in touch if you’d like one.

Dear County fans, Stopfordians, Reading supporters, and anyone else from The Football Family joining us today, a very warm welcome to your Thursday edition of The Scarf My Father Wore.

Vicci Elliot, Supporters’ Trust At Reading treasurer, joins us today full of optimism as the Royals head into a brand new campaign under new ownership.

Today’s edition is sponsored by Impact Gardens & Driveways. A big thank you to Carl, Fiona and Lee.

Thanks also to Mick from Gooding & Co Estate Agents for sponsoring our Reading content on the website.

Finally, I’m currently walking every street in Stockport to raise money for mental health charity Mentell. If you’d like to make a donation to help me reach my target, please click here.

Total distance so far: 253.75 miles

Total steps so far: 418,084

Total raised so far: £2,312

Total completed streets so far: 474 (Click here for the full list, which includes reports and photos from every day of the walk.)

Further information on the walk can be found by clicking here.

Des Junior

Last win at our place: Tuesday 29 October 2024, League One, 4-1

Last win at their place: Saturday 18 January 2025, League One, 3-1

Today’s Ladbrokes title/promotion odds: County: 12/1 7/2 Reading: 14/1 5/1

Top story in the local news today: ‘Debate over potential crackdown in e-bikes and anti-social riding in Reading’

Lincoln away on the opening day. Blackpool at home on the final day. Thoughts?

Lincoln have been a bit of a bogey team recently, and Blackpool is always a bit hit and miss at our place. Hoping it’s not a reverse of the final day of the season in 2023-24. Blackpool needed to win to make the play-offs and we beat them!

Which team do you most want to beat this season?

Stockport! Closely followed by Leyton Orient. Both teams did the double over us last season so it would be nice to get some positive results from these games.

We’re all from Stockport, who the fuck are you?

We are Reading! It’s been a rollercoaster for nearly a decade – losing at Wembley on penalties before years of financial mismanagement, points deductions, player sales to keep the lights on etc. However, after the summer takeover, watch us get back to where we should be.

There’s been a little bit of controversy at Glastonbury this summer. What’s the worst song/chant Reading fans have ever sung?

There have been some rather distasteful ones about Dai Yongge and boxes. I get the sentiment but it’s not really nice to sing about people's deaths.

In terms of your summer transfer business so far, where have Reading been shopping?

As it stands, all the players are either on loan or free so maybe it has to be Oxfam! Not that it’s a bad thing due to the financial problems being caused by throwing money at big name players and offering silly wages. Hopefully, though, we’re going to go to Harrods for one big signing.

Which Reading player is most likely to end up in League One’s team of the season?

It’s got to be Lewis Wing – yet again. Someone needs to tell him he can score from inside the box. Played every single minute last season.

Which former Reading player is most likely to come back and bite you on the arse this season?

Fortunately most of ours have gone to higher divisions, but Jayden Wareham at Exeter may get a goal or two against us.

I’m a member of the Stockport Sippers Society, who always enjoy a trip away every season. Last year we had a fantastic weekend in Exeter. Why should we choose Reading for a couple of nights this season?

You can visit The Purple Turtle, where you may rub shoulders with some players. There’s some other good bars and local breweries as well, plus plenty of shops so you can get your missus a thank you gift for allowing you some time away!

Spud Bros have been all over social media recently after sponsoring Preston’s shirts. If you could choose any food place in Reading to be on the front of your shirts, what would you go for?

Blue Collar Corner, 100%. They’ve turned a disused bit of land in the town centre into a fab street food arena. Lots of changing independent food merchants, local beer and events. They used to provide food at the ground. I know a lot of fans would like them back.

What’s your early predictions for promotion and relegation in League One?

Got to back us to be up there in the mix. A little bit more open now with Megabucks City and Hollywood FC gone. Think Bradford might be a surprise package in the league this year. Don’t think Burton will be able to survive another season and AFC Wimbledon may find it difficult.

“Reading Football Club is a historic English team known as The Royals, with a loyal fanbase and a rollercoaster history across the Football League tiers, including a memorable Premier League stint.” That’s what artificial intelligence said about you. Decent summary?

Think that’s spot on to be honest, although our Championship record points total needs adding (106 in 2005-06).

The world’s absolutely fucked at the moment. If you could choose one person at your club to sort everything out, who would you go for?

Get Noel Hunt on the case. After getting the squad he was left with following Selles leaving, and then losing our main striker in January, to still be in with a chance of the play-offs on the final day means establishing world peace would be no challenge to him!

And finally, if World War 3 breaks out in January while County fans are in Reading, where’s the best place for us to hide?

Blue Collar or Purple Turtle. Not particularly safe to avoid the bombs but at least you’d have a damn good time whilst waiting for the end.

➡️ Click on the links below for the other season previews we’ve published so far.

AFC Wimbledon / Bolton / Huddersfield / Lincoln

A few words from Impact Gardens & Driveways

Fed up of your current space? Struggling to get on top of weeds and dead lawn? Not got the time or skillset to build a lovely outdoor space?

Imagine stepping into a picturesque garden made up of all the natural elements you love. Picture yourself reclining on a c deck chair, admiring the luscious new lawn, freshly laid paving, and impressive edging that enhances every corner.

You can experience all this and more when you work with Impact Gardens.

Whether you’ve got a Pinterest board of ideas or have no idea what you’re looking for, our qualified designers and landscapers are here to help with your garden renovation.

We blend your personal flair, budget and a touch of luxury with our expertise to achieve jaw-dropping results.

➡️ For further details visit impactgardens.co.uk.

Photo of the day

Select Car Leasing Stadium, Reading

County fans salute Dave Challinor’s men after a fine 3-1 win at Reading back in January.

5 questions with Mick from Gooding & Co Estate Agents

What’s been the best moment with your business so far?

Exchanging on the first property we sold, soon after setting up the business.

What’s your plans for the business in the future?

Probably going into lettings at some point.

What would you like to promote to The Scarf My Father Wore readers?

We’re proud to have been voted best agent in RG2 for the last two years by allAgents, which is the largest review site in the UK for estate agents. We pride ourselves on hard work, honesty and delivering excellent customer service, to make every client’s experience as stress free as possible.

If you could choose your dream house to live in, anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Paros. A beautiful Greek island.

What’s the best thing about working in Reading?

Reading is steeped in history, it’s very easily accessible from most places in the UK and it has a nice vibe in the town.

➡️ For further details visit goodingandco.uk.

Today in SK

🃏 Dominoes, crib and cards night

The Steelworks (SK6). Snacks provided, as well as all equipment. 8pm. Free entry.

🍺 Food and drink

The Nelson Tavern (SK1) have a great range of offers throughout the week, including £5.50 for drinks off the Doubles Bar, a comprehensive range of shots for £1.50, and 3 for £7 on Jägerbombs. Also, double up for £2 on premium spirits.

Bitter £2.30 a pint all day at The Cross Keys (SK8).

If you’re starting your weekend early with a few pints tonight, pop into one of featured venues such as The Crown (SK2), The Dog & Partridge (SK2), The Crown Inn (SK6), The Queens (SK6) or The Three Tunnes (SK7).